4CT Tour - Day Eight - Friday, June 13th. 08

Tour Day: Eight
Day/Date: Friday, June 13th, 2008
Time Started: 5:00 AM PDST
Time Ended: 3:00 PM PCDST
Starting Location: Ashland, Oregon
Ending Location: Lacey, WA
Total Miles Today: 561 (20% Two Lane)
Cumulative Miles: 5941
Low Temp: 42F - Grant's Pass, OR
High Temp: 73F - Lacey, WA
Highest Gas Price: $4.39 Ashland, OR
Lowest Gas Price: $4.29 Hood River, OR
States: WA (13)

I left Ashland, OR slightly before daylight, headed north on I-5 with Portland in my sights. I rode through the beautiful wooded mountains of southern and central Oregon. The air was filled with the smell of spruce and pine, while every other truck was forestry related. Oregon is truly a beautiful place to live!

After riding through Eugene and Salem I arrived in Portland. A sprawling metropolis with a scenic downtown. Just north of the downtown area, I turned east with the goal of riding The Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway.

It was not long before I found the highway and began a winding two lane ride along the southern cliffs of the Gorge.

Several times along the way I was treated to panoramic, scenic pull offs with breathtaking views.


Along the way, waterfalls cascade from the cliffs on their way to the Columbia River.

I rode east along the Oregon side of the river to The Hood River Bridge, where I crossed over north to the Washington side.

Once on the Washington side of the river I could look back south, at the majestic MT Hood.

Jaw dropping views were everywhere!


Near Wind River, WA I was lucky enough to sit on a cliff and watch several para-boarders (is that what they are called?) doing their thing. I was amazed at their nerve in such high winds and rough water.

I rode 60 miles on each side of the river, ending the ride back on I-5, where I continued on my way to the third corner of the Tour. Tonight I am in Lacey, WA about 40 or so miles from Tacoma. Tomorrow I will collect the third corner and begin my return trip eastward.

All is going well and the bike continues to perform flawlessly. (Knock on wood!)

Once again, I would like to thank the many people who have e-mailed support and posted comments here on my blog. I really do appreciate all them!

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To view the 24 hour SPOT map "Click Here"

Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal: my strength lies solely in my tenacity. ~Louis Pasteur ~