Day 5: South Bend, WA to Astoria, OR

Most of today's ride is along Willapa Bay before briefly turning inland through Naselle. I'll finish the day riding along the Columbia river & then bike over the cycling-treacherous, Astoria-Megler Bridge to Astoria, the kick-off location for the People's Coast Classic. It's 53 relatively flat miles – barely a tune-up (under normal circumstances) for the tough 72 and 83-mile days to follow.

A cup of Joe before I go

Having been left for "done" just a couple of weeks ago, my nerves and my knee are on edge right now, and likely will be for the next few days, for sure.  I so much want to be able to do this ride and I know my fitness level is sufficient.  But it's uncertain how my knee will react.

No panniers so I improvised by tying my flip flops to the front bag with my charger cord, & directions duct taped to my flip flops

Regardless, I'm returning with a great attitude, and if you'd like to share that "Back in the Saddle Again" attitude with me, just click on the link immediately below, crank up the volume, and listen to what I am listening to right now as I ride away from South Bend and venture, once again, Into the Wild!

C'monnn....DO IT!  Crank it!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uIPS4LyveJs

Great scenery along a smooth, flat, & quiet US-101

First shot of Columbia River with Astoria-Megler Bridge in the background

I have a few brokers with a Dismal Niche too

Astoria-Megler Bridge: Known for chewing up cyclists and spitting them out

A couple big rigs blew past me but for the most part the bridge was a breeze

Even had time for a couple photos

Well, I made it.  Ride went very well.  I never pushed it, the roads were great, biggest hill was the Astoria-Megler Bridge, and I only stood and pedaled once.  I'll have opportunities later to test it standing.  Weather was perfect and now I'm having lunch and icing my knee at the Wet Dog Cafe & Brewery in Astoria.

One State down, two to go

Wetting my whistle at the Wet Dog Cafe at the mouth of the Columbia

Astoria has a rich fishing history and is making its comeback as a great town to visit

Back at my Astoria Hideout