Day 2 Hood River 583 kms

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The good news is Day 2 we travelled 530 kms. Bad news is, it was all due south.

We woke to drizzle and showers, which in itself isn't a bad thing except it translated to heavy snow on the passes we planned to traverse today. So we are now officially closer to Equador than we are St. John's.

It appears that motorcycle riding has more in common with boating than one would think. We assessed the conditions and changed our plans to keep safety our number one priority. Or so we thought. Our plans were to take scenic roadways south to find more favourable conditions through the Cascades. We set our GPSs for Hood River, avoiding freeways. However, our GPSs were determined to take us through any and all routes towards the snow in an attempt to reach Hood River not on a freeway. After 3 hours of being lost twice, sitting wet in a Burger King for an hour waiting out a squall, and 2 U-turns, we decided to take the first freeway we could find and get out of dodge!

Thus we ended up on the I-5 against all wishes to not ride on the I-5. I, in particular, ran the gamut of emotions as a result. What started out with exclamations of why are we here and laughing both nervously and in disbelief at the situation, wiggling along concrete grooved lanes that bikes don't get along with, being constantly reminded that you do still have a layer of belly fat that comes to life on such, led to a situation of fighting 5 lanes of traffic, fighting truck and road noise, fighting the rain, fighting inner thigh throb that hasn't been that intense since last...time Michele Shorter made us do 5 minute wall sits at bootcamp, fighting semi's that I had to speed up to 125 to pass at times while ignoring the warning label inside my top box that reads Do Not Exceed 120 km/h and recalling a conversation I had two days ago with one of my bff's Tiah about semi's and possible outcomes, fighting the ridiculous painful vibration on my throttle due to an imbalanced front tyre, fighting massive crosswinds and buffeting, fighting tears of frustration. At one point, I let out a long loud fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuk and no lie, the k hadn't quite made it out of my mouth when we passed a billboard sign that read "Jesus died for all sinners". Sorry, eh. That did at least bring a smile and ended the expletives. And yet, just when it felt like I was at my lowest point, the sun appeared out of nowhere as if to reawaken my senses and alert me to the fact that I was suddenly riding alongside the Columbia River, its calmness washing over me and lifting my spirits immensely, bringing tears of relief and a realization of why we are doing this trip, the river welcoming me "home" to a familiar comfort that holds so many incredible memories, one being Ian's proposal to me. Ian was the ultimate gentleman today. And every day that we ride. Always happy to let me ride out front, and sure as the freckles on my face, always in my mirror, staggered behind me, watching out for me, a true wingman. I so love this man.

But as I sit in bed now having eaten a healthy dinner at River 3 Restaurant in the Hood and had an invigorating walk back to the Comfort Suites, I can reflect on the day and realise that today wasn't actually hard. It was just different, and new, and out of my comfort zone at times. Hard would be Charlie Boorman and Ewen MacGregor in Long Way Round riding through Kazakhstan, pushing their 900lb BMW 1100s through thigh high freezing cold rivers and swamp bogs, covering only a few miles each hour. I am reminded that this is afterall a great adventure, and what makes it great are these times both good and bad. Hi/Lo (Lo:Hi) Having to change our plans of riding East: Having to change our plans and ending up in beautiful Hood River.

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Comments

[JOAN MUMBY]

You are right, this is an adventure, and you don\'t have to please anyone but yourselves. Your blogs are fantastic Helen - it is comforting to know that you are willing to change your plans and adapt to the problems of the weather and the terrain. When it gets too hot, head for the coast, the Redwoods, and the cool mountain passes There is so much to see in the Pacific North West. The time is yours, and every day can be a surprise. How appreciate being in touch! Mum

[John Hills]

Those Pesky Cascades
Coincidentally, just last year I was scoping out that very same trip from Victoria to Hood River for a possible bicycle ride. I too wanted to avoid freeways and hills and I learned that there is no such route, just one big Interstate and lots of ventures into the foothills. Yesterday's news headlines had cars piled up in snow on the Coquihalla so you were wise to seek out the valley route. Eventually though, all those valleys, including the big ones like the Columbia will yield to the Rockies. My fingers are crossed for you. Keep the updates coming. J

[Joe]

Following you from Aby, England.x
You'll be stronger from any challenges your adventure brings you but so glad you are enjoying your time biking too. Ride safe. Love you both always. xxx

[jim ross]

way to go
I am really interested in your trip I cant ride anymore and miss it very much once you have experienced the attraction of being out there in the wide open spaces it really is great so have a great trip be safe and I will pretend I am right beside you jim ross