Journey with Jeff

Day 0 – Wheel dip in the Pacific Ocean

June 17, 2018 – Astoria, OR

After all the planning, all the waiting, all the packing and all the worrying, we start today with a short but very important bike ride. It’s our ceremonial wheel dip in the Pacific Ocean, to be followed (with some good fortune) by a wheel dip in the Atlantic Ocean 50 days and 3700 miles from now.

So, after a relaxing morning, Jon and I headed out for our 26-mile round trip ride to the beach. The weather could not have been better and when we got to Fort Stevens State Park and got on the bike path to the beach, it all finally became real. We carried our bikes on the long walk to the water – no sense getting our gears full of sand – and did our thing. Pulse rates were elevated, and not just because the water was cold.

Turns out, there is also a skeletal remnant of a shipwreck that was featured in the Goonies movie. So, of course, Jon had to memorialize that as well.

Check out the pictures of the day, along with some descriptions. Much more to come, so check back here, y’all. I will try to post every day. You can also sign up to get an email report (on the off chance you don’t get enough junk mail already.)

…Jeff

20180617_190528376_iOS — Looking at the Pacific Ocean – bike ride of a lifetime. (And … check out the socks.)

20180617_191423394_iOS — Dipping the rear wheel in the chilly Pacific … Just a little bit – don’t want to corrode those new wheels.

20180617_191252283_iOS — Jon dips his, too

20180617_191625609_iOS — Ok, ok, we both dipped our wheels.

20180617_191630108_iOS — That’s enough, were done, let’s get out of here.

20180617_192145988_iOS — The Goonies are here. Oh, yes, and there was a movie by that name too.

20180617_185041601_iOS — Mark the spot on the coast where we did it.

Day -1 – Bike reassembly day

Today is bike reassembly day in Astoria, Oregon. We checked in and registered today and met our wonderful support team from America by Bicycle: Mechanics: Rob and Robin, and Support Team: Pam, Karen, Judy and Deanna. They are extremely professional and very well organized. Clearly this is not their first rodeo.

It was a bit of controlled chaos when opening up my bike case and seeing how the gorilla TSA agent moved everything around. Nevertheless, the bike survived – as did all of its parts – and my heart rate slowly returned to normal. About an hour later, the bike was reassembled and ready for the mechanics check. Went for a very short ride (6 miles) just to spin out the legs and get the last tweaks and adjustments done before tomorrow. Flew down route 30 going west and then battled the headwind coming back. Man, oh man, am I glad we’re riding west to east!

We’re chilling out in a beautiful city here on the Columbia River at the mouth of the Pacific. On Sunday, we start – Day 0 – with a short ride to the Pacific Coast and our ceremonial wheel dip in the Pacific Ocean.

Stay tuned for more info about the bike ride of a lifetime.

Crisp and clear evening along the Columbia River

Controlled chaos in the bike reassembly room. Now where did I put that clamp??

Life is good when the floor pump matches your bike!!

Sunset over the Washington State side of the Astoria Bridge over the Columbia River.

Bike ride of a lifetime

Dear Friends,

Thanks for joining me on my ride across America. From June 17 to August 6, 2018, I will embark on a 3,700 mile journey across the United States. To be clear – that’s bicycle, not Harley.

It starts with a wheel dip in the Pacific Ocean near Astoria, Oregon and ends with a wheel dip in the Atlantic Ocean near Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

Follow along with me as I journal the experience. Much more to come. As always, I am grateful for your friendship and company.

Jeff Blye
June 14, 2018
Portland, Oregon

*With my good buddy, Jon Dobbs – yes, that’s what we’re doing!*

*All packed and ready to fly – – JFK to PDX !!*