Days Z - Portland and Beyond

Thank you to Mandy and Steve for including me on the first 1000 miles of their journey.  As with all my longer journeys reaching the end was bitter sweet. It feels great to meet your goal, but it is also weird not to be spending my days on the bike.

From Missoula I took the adventure from Bicycle to Bus.  I have always wondered what going cross country on the Greyhound would be like.  Now I can say I know.  I would say I still prefer train or plane.

Now for some reflection on my experience cycle touring, the dos and don't, and would never do again, or always do from now ons...

What I liked:

• How many miles you can cover in one day.
• The many changes of landscapes you see throughout one day.
• The roadside views you may not catch when you are whizzing by in a car.
• Having a lonely road all to yourself (when you can get it.)

What I didn't like:
Being on the road with cars. As much fun as this has been, I think the only bike touring I will do after this will be on a mountain bike through forest roads and trails. I learned to get used to it, but still don't like cars buzzing by over my left shoulder.

What I would do different:

• I would probably not wear a cycling jersey.  Despite the wonderful bronze color of my arms, I don't like lathering my body with loads of sunscreen every day. I would probably wear my extra large and air light cotton long sleeve I use for hiking.  This would keep me cool and  limit the sunscreen to my face and legs.
• I would consider using straight handlebars on the roadbike with mountain bike shifters.
• I would load more weight onto the front of the bike for an even distribution. I could do this more easily with the straight handlebars.
• I would consider making my own UL paniers. If there is one thing that bike touring could use, it would be an overhaul on the super heavy gear. Learning the ways of the lightweight backpacker pains me to see the loads that people carry on their touring bikes.
• Try to stay in more public or as the Aussies call it "rough" campgrounds.  I got tired of the RV parks.

What I would keep the same:

• I would still use my road bike and keep the 700x28 tire on the rear and the 700x25 tire on the front. 
• Use the anti puncture tape.  I was very happy to only get 4 flats in 1000 miles riding on relatively cheap, mid grade road tires.  Especially considering how much crap we rode through on the shoulders.
• Leave my stove at home. There is plenty of opportunity to get a hot meal when you are craving one.  Unless I was planning to do the more remote touring in a colder climate, there was no need for my stove and I was happy not to have the extra weight.

All in all a successful journey and a great way to round out my time away from work. Now, I believe finding a job is next on the agenda!
 

From the End of the Open Road,
Midnight Chocolate