The End of the Ride

Back in January, I sought a challenge. I sought a challenge that was unique in nature. I wanted to do something in my life that people would admire and aspire to. I think ExplOregon was the perfect answer to that call. Seeing the state on a bike and conquering the difficulties strengthened me and fills me with pride. It was an awesome adventure that I will never forget.

It is difficult to gauge which bike ride was the best. I think all of them had their own respective advantages and disadvantages. You have to look at all the rides collectively. ExplOregon started out on Easter Sunday with the wet and windy ride up the Row River Trail. A few other warm-up rides around Spencer's Butte and the Coburg Hills led me to the first big ride. I got that taste of bike touring and I knew that I was set up for the adventure of a lifetime.

My first century ride on the Willamette Valley Bike Route tested me. It was a frustrating marathon, but the relief I had at the end was worth it. I had just rode 100 miles on a bike. It tested my stamina and will. My limits were approached and there were times on that ride when I asked myself, "Why am I doing this? This is crazy!" But then I appreciated the sheer magnitude of the task in front of me. Criss-Crossing the back roads of an area of Oregon that I thought I knew like the back-of-my-hand on a primitive form of transportation gave me the appreciation I needed. I also learned the thrill of completing the task by seeing the welcoming sights of Eugene and the end of the ride.

When I got to the train station in Portland, the attendants there seemed aghast that I would ride my bike all the way to Multnomah Falls. I was surprised at this. I mean, haven't a lot of people done that? Apparently not. But this trail-blazing attitude took me to the Columbia River Gorge and to Multnomah Falls. I had never been to the Columbia River Gorge before this, but the first experience on a bike made it that much better.

Then the break. Life kind of got in the way. I didn't ride my bike for weeks and lost sight of the objectives. My bike stood in my apartment begging me to ride it. It was begging me to get on the computer and plan some sort of exotic trip to the far corners of the state. I neglected it and pushed forward with all of the stuff that was going on. Once I got that out of the way, I tackled probably the most grandiose ride of them all.

Making the climb up McKenzie Pass reminded me of the struggle and how greatness took effort. After climbing to over a mile high in the sky, I marveled at the accomplishment. When I got to the top of the mountain, I had a fist pump and a huge smile. I had conquered the Cascade Range. I went up and over the same mountain range that challenged the pioneers and settlers. It showed me that I can confront nature and, on my bike, beat back the obstacles.

I was on a roll. My next challenge was the Oregon Coast. I thought this ride would be super hard, but with the great tailwind behind me, I climbed the headlands with no problem. I was very familiar with this stretch of Highway 101, but being on a bike made things so much more personal. I have a lot more respect for the road itself and the beauty that is the Oregon Coast. I was inspired by that ride to push the limits of my physical abilities and, in the future, stretch that ride into a multi-day affair.

But I was set up for disappointment. The Springwater Corridor was a nice ride, sure, but the sense of accomplishment just wasn't there. Maybe it was intermingling with all of the spandex bandidos, but I just left that ride longing for more. On paper it seemed like a fun ride. Weaving through Southwest Portland on an old railroad grade. But when I was riding, I noticed so many other people doing that ride, so the allure of the "trailblazing ride" wasn't there.

I needed to get back to the ExplOregon roots. Finding what made the state so ideal. The Badlands ride sure did it. The isolation and desolation I experience reaffirmed the pledge I made to do something great. I sought the far corner and rode my bike to it. The desert scenery was incredible and the views were extraordinary.

And then what a way to end it. The hardest bike ride in America around Crater Lake. It took all the lessons I had learned from the previous ten rides to succeed. Crater Lake is Oregon's jewel, and I experienced in a way that was more personal than a car. I had read in numerous bike touring books that the ride on the Rim Drive around Crater Lake was the hardest in America. I can say that I agree with that. Despite that, it was totally worth it.

The final stats are incredible. I rode almost 500 total miles. I was in the saddle for over 40 hours. I experienced weather conditions ranging from brutally hot to shivering cold. Rain, snow, and sun tested me. I enjoyed brisk tailwinds and fought brutal headwinds.

Sure, the physical aspects of all of this are apparent, but did I learn anything? Of course I did. I learned how to be a bike tourist carrying all your necessary provisions on a two-wheeled transport. I learned a lot on how to fix my bike on the fly and in the workshop. With all the riding, I can now gauge ow the bike is riding. Is there something wrong? Or is it smooth sailing? I also learned a lot about what makes a good bike route and analyzing maps critically.

So, what's next? That's a good question. I have thought a lot how to take this hobby to the next level. Multi-day trips would be fun, but do I have the time to do them? Logistically they can present a challenge, so I don't know what to do.

It has been a lot of fun writing about everything I have done on this blog. I thank all of you for reading it and offering your support!