Arrivals

Made it here in one piece, as did my bike eventually. We parted art LA, I flew straight to Portland but the bike took an unexpected side trip via Vancouver, Victoria, and Seattle finally arriving 24 hours veering me. All is well, it is now all back together and riding well.
Riding in the wrong side of the road. is interesting to say the least. I haven't quite got the hang of left turns and have to remind myself not to turn into oncoming traffic.
It's true what some say about Portland - it is very like Melbourne, but they haven't torn down all the good looking old buildings. We don't have the floating house communities either.
Didn't go dragon boating the other night but took a river cruise instead.  hard to keep my eyes open, interesting as it was. The beer wasn't bad.

The sunset was beautiful.
Had a good day yesterday, sorted out the technology took to the road. I met up with Gina for a drink and something to eat followed by a stroll through downtown. Gina lifted, and I accepted, s drive Topp see a couple of local sights. Walking at dusk through the famed Rose Garden with it's mixed scents was wonderful and then we headed out of town a bit for an entirely unexpected treat. We went for a walk through the Nike headquarters which are amazing. The buildings are only a couple of storeys tall, but there are a lot of buildings. In the middle is a large man made lake replete with Canadian geese. Doing a circuit of the lake we saw the handful of sculptures set in the surrounds which I would have photographed if I hadn't left mng camera at the hotel and my phone battery wasn't flat. More technology to sort out.
Fell into bed with the bicyce safely ensconced leaning against the table and slept soundly.

july 30

Another hot day in Portland.. Took a while to get moving this morning, but I did get to The Mill to see Paul Sykes and order a set of mahogany fenders. Had a double bonus at lunch, food was delicious and beer was icy cold. I was just riding along when I became aware of an enticing aroma.
Stopping at group of shopftonts offering a variety of cuisines it was a short of grown up food truck park. I love food truck parks, they suit me down to the ground in the heat as I move around town.
Last night was a big might seeing Lucinda Williams at the Oregon Zoo. Met up with Lesley, a fellow rider, and went on to have a very good evening filled with pork sandwiches, wine and singing. Public transport back home was crowded but fun as everyone had been to the concert too. I am delighted to have discovered the bus which goes so close to the hotel.
Tomorrow will be a day off last minute stuff and nonsense, then meeting everyone and a celebratory dinner before an early night.

Almost time to go

Only a couple of days until I fly.  I think I'm ready, but I'll just check the packing one more time. Going to pack the bike today, that should be fun.
The bike had been serviced, parts various replaced, polished up and ready to go. So I took it for a spin,ended up walking to a train station and bringing it home.
Justin examined it, determined the chain was sucked in, thrown and jammed between the chain ring and the frame beside the ring was bent. Not any more. Couple more tweaks and I'm back on the road.
Trying to get enough sleep but that is difficult when one wakes up already thinking about what's left to do. Making notes in the middle of the night seems to help with returning to sleep.
Off to the granddaughter's second birthday party today, will be a lovely distraction.
I suppose everyone thinks they haven't trained enough, and that crosses my mind from time to time. I have determined that I can ride, I'm fit and  will still be training as I go so I stopped feeling panic about the hills a while ago. (for hills read two mountain ranges). It won't all be uphill, there will be river valleys too.

GETTING CLOSE

I am prompted to put something up today by being asked if I would like to connect my blog to the tour operator's website.  I agreed to, and so thought I had better do something.
I have been riding some hills, not quite the mountain ranges I see are in Oregon, but I feel better about it all than I did a couple of months ago.
I haven't limited myself to riding however - I am doing Pilates, and attending a class or two each week of water aerobics and walking when I don't ride.  I love the water aerobics, they are such good fun and I do come away feeling like I have had a workout.
Lately I have been watching the Tour riders closely as they go uphill, cheering them on and wondering how on earth some of them pull that last stretch out as they approach the final bit towards the crest. Impressive indeed.
Today is another cold dreary day, but my granddaughter is coming to see me so won't be all bad.  Think I will get the trainer out and just sit in the garage with my headphones on for a while.
My preferred bike is with the mechanic undergoing its own preparations - new chain, cassette, pedals, cables, tyres, etc etc so one of us will be in peak condition when unpacked.
And I will start packing soon  .... sure.