Umatilla to The Dalles, Oregon

Its been a long long day today. We slept in late at the motel in Umatilla and made it onto the road about mid-day. The weather is still failing to live up to the warnings of hellish headwinds we've been given (touch wood!) - today was another warm sunny day with little or no wind, perfect to crunch out some big miles. I felt totally unmotivated this morning, legs were ok but just had no va va voom. A coffee after 20 miles and some tunes on the ipod seemed to do the trick though.

Since leaving Missoula last Thursday we've ridden just under 500 miles and for the first time since leaving Boulder they have all been directly West. All the way we've seen the mile markers get lower and lower, counting down our advance to the Pacific. Its shocked us both to realise there are now only 2 days of riding left - tomorrow to Portland, and in a couple of days the final leg to Seaside. Can it be over?! I feel like I've only just started!

The closer we get to the Pacific, the further back in time the immense scenery seems to go. The dominating cliffs of the Columbia River valley are lava flows dating from up to 17 million years ago, exposed by erosion caused by the Missoula Floods 15,000 years ago. We have been in awe again of our surroundings following route 14 through Washington along the Columbia river.


We were presented with an unexpected 500m climb with 30 miles to go, but at the summit were treated to the jaw dropping view of Mt Hood in the distance. It looks like a comic book mountain, an 11,000 foot block of toblerone dropped onto the horizon. Great scenery helps the miles tick by and we clocked up 105 by the time we reached The Dalles in Oregon this evening.

A long day in the saddle is rewarded with a good motel, essentials being wifi, a pool, room service and a hot tub. Screw camping. Though I did feel pretty bad when the 2 guys we saw riding east mentioned they'd had their first night in a bed for 2 weeks. We decided though that their bizarre plastic barrel panniers actually contained lobsters on ice in one and bottles of champange in the other.

With the miles counting down our thoughts have been turning to what next, bouncing between fanciful plans for our next epics, or more sobering thoughts about work. In doing this trip I've slashed my holiday quota, leaving 2 weeks until April next year so my epic plans are of the mini variety. On the cards at the moment are the 100 mile Devil Ride in Mid Wales in August, a trip to the Tour De France in July and a couple of long distance weekenders down Brighton way. I'd like to attempt the 120 mile South Downs way in one day on my Tricross, but I think its going to be a bit too much.

Portland awaits tomorrow, 100 miles away along highway 30. Lets hope that wind gives us another days grace...