That being said, we took a local's advice, and took a long way around, leaving the back door of Clatskinie, then winding around a gorgeous few miles of Oregon forest, past Beaver Falls Trail -- where Ryan and Jonathan did the half-mile hike to the falls -- then found our way to Highway 30, and a steep and fast hill into Ranier. Thanks to that hill, we averaged 15 miles per hour for the day's ride, in spite of over 1100 feet of climbing.
We had three firsts today. For about 15 minutes, we had our first (and hopefully last?) ride in the rain. Needed to wipe the bikes down after we reached St. Helens as a result, but other than that, no problems riding. Walking, though ... next time I go on a long ride, remind me before hand what poison oak looks like. 'Nuff said. It was either that, or a bee sting on my leg. A bit of anti-itch cream, and soon, I'll be fine. We had our first campground showers, as well. Wonderful! And a fourth first, if you will. Camping. We'll be camping across the country, so we've got to get used to it. I have a nice little REI one-man tent, which is too small to get both me and my gear inside at the same time, but it will have to do. It makes a great drying rack, and hopefully will get me well rested for tomorrow's 80+ miles to Carson, Washington. There, we will again be hosted by the American Legion.
A short ride, so a short post today. You can also pick up some of the flavor of our ride by following Bryce's video journal on Bike Trip America.
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