Vancouver BC to Champoeg State Park, Oregon

And so it begins....

May 2, 2014 - 39 miles

Vancouver BC to Portland, Oregon via Amtrak Cascades

Portland to Champoeg State Park

Neither of us could sleep last night - fearful that we would sleep through the alarm, but also full of anticipation thinking about the trek before us.  Our goal is to pedal across the Golden Gate Bridge and celebrate in San Francisco......only a few miles and a few hills are between us and our goal.

Once again we thoroughly enjoyed the train ride to Portland on Amtrak Cascades.  Special shout out to our chaffeur Emma, who graciously drove us to the train station at 5am.  Above and beyond the call of duty!

The views from the train are spectacular as you travel along the coast. This year we were thrilled to learn that Amtrak has added several bike racks to the baggage car.  No more need to box up  your bikes....simply roll them on and off the train!

New bike racks on Amtrak Cascades

As usual the train ride is a study in human nature...and today our car was the party car.  Both a Stag and Stagette were on the train on their way to party in Portland.  Who knew that you could buy alcohol on a train at 8am?  Needless to say both our bike chains and fellow passengers were well lubricated.

Experiential travel ...www.tourismcafe.org

The train was a bit late arriving in Portland, and by the time we claimed our bikes and baggage we were a little concerned that we would not make the campsite in daylight.  (foreshadowing :))  We got to work...loaded up and hit the streets of downtown Portland.  We can not say enough about the bike paths and bike culture in Portland.  They are doing a fantastic job!

The ride out of the City was beautiful as we travelled the designated bike path along the river, taking in the sites and sounds of downtown Portland.  We were leaving the City at rush hour and were pleasantly surprised at the number of folk commuting by bike.  Several people rode with us and asked about our trip.  What a great way to start!

Leaving downtown Portland

For the remainder of the route we travelled back roads past Christmas tree farms, nurseries, horse farms and through small towns.  It was a beautiful route with quite light traffic.  There were a beginner hills ....as our legs screamed we came to terms that these were actually little bumps compared to what lies ahead of us.  A sobering thought!

Despite our best efforts, it was dark by the time we arrived in Champoeg State Park.  Being a Friday night the campsite was chock a block full...but, once again we were touched by the kindness of strangers.  A girl guide leader saw us pedal in to the campsite and approached us.  She offered up her campsite...and so, as we go to sleep tonight, we are surrounded by the sounds of giggling Girl Guides....I can't think of a better way to start a tour!

Sharing a campsite with Girl Guides in Champoeg State Park, Oregon

Giggle of the day:

We chatted with the boys from the bachelor party.   Turns out they were heading to Portland to take in the Trail Blazers basketball game.  On Saturday, they were planning a bike tour.  Naturally, this peeked our interest!  Upon further discussion, we learned they were doing a brewery tour on a 10 Man bike.....of course, we asked if there were extra seats!

Upon arriving in Oregon City, we decided it was timely to double check our directions.  Rob popped into the local bike shop (because you just can not beat local knowledge)  We struck GOLD!  The friendly staff directed us to the Oregon City lift.....and elevator that takes both you and your bike up to High Street.  We excitedly made our way to the elevator and gloated about how smart we were to dodge a hill......long story short...we quickly discovered that we still had a few hundred feet to climb....and that my friends is called Karma!

The easy way up a hill - Oregon City Municipal Elevator

Cycling Route: