Saddle Sore?

On Saturday, Jim and I rode our bikes 30 miles in and 1000 feet up the coast range, and 30 miles back down into Hillsboro. We're planning and "epic" adventure for Memorial Day weekend (depending on the weather - we're wimps), and we needed to get a taste of what it's going to be like. The trip should be around 170 miles total. 80 miles from Hillsboro to Hug Point (no jokes please) via Hwy 26 and Canon Beach. Then 60 miles on day two from Hug Point through Tillamook and up to the summit of the coast range. On day three, just a measley 30 miles back home. The best part is we'll be carrying all of our gear with us. It's like backpacking...but we'll call it bikepacking (aka Bike Touring).

I have to say, I'm quite impressed with our efforts. 60 miles in one day is farther than I ever considered riding. And fortunately, not a whole lot of "sore buttness" resulted.

Our scouting trip was wonderful. It was a beautiful day. Some blue sky poked through, but mostly it was overcast and cool - which was just perfect for riding. We met some other friendly cyclists and saw lots of beautiful trees, fields and valleys. We felt really good most of the way. Near the end, the pedaling got a bit laborious, but with better calorie planning, I think we'll be just fine.

Riding your bike makes you appreciate a lot of things. The scenery goes by so much more slowly that when you're driving that you really have a chance to drink it in. And there's nothing better than riding past a gas station when it's $3.59 a gallon.

Thanks Jim for a great ride...can't wait for the big one.