Day 30 - August 29: St. Helens OR - Portland OR

38 miles.  2895 feet up, 2916 feet down. 

Last day......  a bit melancholy.  A short day for the riders and a busy day for the guides.  We were away from the hotel about 8-ish.  Thankfully we weren't on the busy US 30 very long.  We were through residential areas and rural properties pretty much right from the start.  Saw this empty logging truck parked at one of the houses.  Just FYI - this is what they look like when they're not hauling logs.

Once again I found the light challenging - both to see the holes in the road and to be sure that drivers could see us.  Maybe I'm just being paranoid.  Kudos to all the women riding this tour.  There were a couple of minor spills (riders tipped over at low or no speed), but no injuries or accidents.  

Another mile or so on US 30 and then into the town of Scappoose at mile 10.

Another 1.7 miles on US 30.  While the traffic noise was unpleasant, there were some nice flowers to be found in the ditch.

At mile 13.7 (about 22 km) we turned off US 30 again to commence what might have been the most challenging climb of the entire trip.  Three and half miles (5.6 km) and about 1500 feet of climbing.  On an old (paved) logging road apparently.  I did walk one short section, but grunted through the rest of it.  Thank goodness for that new climbing gear!  Partway up there appeared to be quite a few mountain bike trails built into the forest and logged sections.  

Just before the top of the climb we turned onto NW Skyline Blvd and stayed on it for about 17 miles.  I don't think I stopped for any pictures through that stretch.  Forest, rural properties, and finally wealthy-looking suburbs up high above the metropolis of Portland.  

One more chance at a "forest" picture before emerging at the bottom of  the hill into the city.  Once again, potholes, no shoulder, and patchy lighting were an issue for us on the descent.

For the first time in the trip I saw election signs supporting Harris & Walz.  I'm guessing this guy probably supports them too.

A couple of tunnels to easily negotiate, and then just a mile or so to our hotel.

Everyone was in to the hotel by noon-ish, so most of us walked a few blocks to have lunch.  A bit of a treat for me; first time this trip that I went "out" for lunch.  We lingered quite a while, but my room still wasn't ready when I went back to the hotel.  I think I was the last room ready.  But - no roommate tonight as my assigned roomie lives in Portland.  The last night together is always a restaurant meal and some sharing of poems, thoughts, experiences, etc.  Surf & turf for me; yum.....  We had the traditional "trade table", and I came home with a pair of sunglasses with three separate shades of lenses.  Can't wait to try them!  

It's hard to say "good-bye" at the end of these trips.  Such an amazing group of women, and one of the best groups I've had the pleasure of riding with.  I wonder if and when I'll see any/many of these women again.  Sure hope so!  And - the guides were fabulous; couldn't ask for a better trio of "highly trained professionals" and just genuine lovely spirits.  

Some quick summary notes.........

Depending on whether I believe Garmin or RWGPS, here are some approximate total stats:

Garmin:  2235 km.  72,083 feet up, 73,327 feet down.

RWGPS:  2255 km.  25,191 m up, 24,899 feet down.  82,648 feet up, 81,690 feet down.

We endured temperatures that ranged from 9C to 44C.

I only had my rain jacket on once, and that was for a relatively short downpour from which I was able to shelter on a patio in a small town.

Ruby held up really well.  Well..... except for that awful creak coming from the seat or seat post that varied from quiet to really annoying depending on I don't know what - temperature, effort (climbing vs cruising), time of day, day of the week??  Just two flat tires; both on the same day; one front; one rear.

My body held up really quite well.  Nothing sore, not even the usual spots of numb hands or a crick in my neck.  Legs were never sore.  Hips were fine.  My knee has just started to be a bit sore in the last 2 days.   

Now that the tour is over I think my body can finally accept that it is tired and in need of a bit of a rest.  But not right away.  A longish drive to Chilliwack tomorrow, then another week or so on the road before I'll finally be home.  

The Ride:

Garmin:  60.2 km.  3152 feet up, 3173 feet down.

RWGPS:  60.9 km.  900 m up, 906 m down.

Temperature range:  13C - 24C.  Perfect!

The Route: