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Saturday, August 2, 2014

NW Loop Day one - Along the Gorge

After the hot sunny days in Portland we woke to early morning thunderstorms and grey skies, not much cooler though. Headed out of town watching the rain move away from us.
The system of booked paths here is wonderful taking us out of town along the Columbia River to Troutdale. Headed away from the highway and up up up to some spectacular views at a spot commemorating The Portland Women's Forum, a group of women who raised funds to buy Chanticleer Point and gift it to the State to prevent development and keep the view for everyone. Very worthwhile.

Off to the shortly named Vista Point for another fabulous view from the purpose built observatory

Of course the descent was good after all that climbing.
Briefly then ... as you don't need a blow by blow account of each pedal stroke ... we rode past some wonderfully high waterfalls, through some Tolkein like first with tall tall trees covered in miss and providing much needed shade and really from the now hit sunny day.
As we rode through some pretty congested traffic the drivers were surprisingly tolerant of cyclist, only one pickup revved it up to pass as soon as he could. The road in places was pretty narrow with no shoulder so it was appreciated.
A stairwell with a groove for bikes instead of a ride down was a first for some, but familiar to riders from Melbourne along the Years.
On to The Bridge of the Gods and across to come luxurious accommodation for a week deserved rest. We have been earned that this standard may not be available other nights so made best use of the pool and spa while we could.


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