Despite all the preparations, there is a lot to learn every day: what to expect from other road users, cycling on the hard shoulder of a busy, fast dual carriageway, how to cope with the heat, etc..
Anyway, on the first day I caught the bus. The driver to Astoria was very relaxed about my bike. I didn't even have to take the panniers off. Also, Tommy, he would have gotten top marks on Greenroad, not like some of the busses I have been on going up to Aberdeen.
I then made a start with the cycling in Astoria at the Marine Museum, the traditional starting point. I didn't dip my wheels in the Pacific: in Astoria it would have meant carrying the bike across rocks and later on, dragging it over a sandy beach.
The first two days (60 and 95 miles) were, according to the guide, a good introduction of what to expect for the rest of the trip. I also realised that despite all the preparations, it was not like cycling in Europe and I needed time to adjust. So, I decided to spend Day 3 in Independence, doing my shopping, writing the blog and relaxing.
Before setting out I read about being prepared to deal with wild dogs, only expecting to have to worrry about it when I got to Kentucky. However, on the second day cycling along on the hard shoulder of a busy road, with no house in sight anywhere, there was an Alsatian, blocking my way. I stopped and fortunately he back off. Having gotten used to Sorsha, I definitely feel more confident dealing with dogs.
Also when I shared my preparations with Angelo, he suggested to take a spare tyre due to the state of the American roads. Despite the fact that I never needed one in Europe, I packed one, never expecting to use it. Again on the second day I just managed to avoid some debris on the hard shoulder but it still clipped my back wheel. It is holding the pressure so far, but it was a close shave.
So far I haven't really gotten used to the size and sound of American vehicles: RVs for two people as big as Tommy's busses and pickup trucks that as wide and sounds like lorries. On the other hand, the houses look much more disposable, and often are. Difficult to get your head around it when you are used to Allan Cottage.
History here has also a very different feel to it. To date I don't think I saw hardly anything older than 50 years. Interesting, comparing this to cycling past the Roman fort in Braco and the straight road leading over to Muthill.
Anyway, enough for now and expect the next update in a week's time.
