Hot, hot, hot!

I arrived safely in Portland with my Mom on Wednesday. The heat hit us as we existed the airport for my sister's car. By late afternoon it was 106 degrees! It was more humid then I expected. I enjoyed two days of visiting with my sister and her family including most of Thursday at the ocean.

My sister dropped me at my hotel in downtown Portland. I met all the ladies at an informational meeting this afternoon and have a room on the 10th floor tonight. My roommate is Carolyn from California tonight. We have a banquet this evening and a late start (8:30 AM) tomorrow. The ride will be about 22 miles tomorrow.

(The view from my hotel)

packed and ready!

Well, after clearing all the cats from my suitcase, I was able to get most of my things in the suitcase. The bike bag has taken up a large space in the top of the suitcase, but it is filled with my bike computer, and other required gadgets that I will put back on my bike when I get to Portland. So my bags are packed I'm ready to go... I think I will break out in a song!

My Mom and I will be leaving at 6:40 AM. Mom will spend a week visiting my sister in Salem, Oregon. I will be with them until Friday when I meet up with the tour.

The Last Ride

Today started out cool and windy but ended warm and humid. My friend Dawn and I left my house around 9 AM and rode our bikes down Countyline to Lake Road where we met Patty. We took Lake Road to Irondequoit Bay and enjoyed the scenery. Heading back on Bay Road we climbed a nice hill to a trail that parallels Rt.104. In Webster, we stopped for refreshments at Starbucks. The route back was Salt Road and onto Ridge Road. We ended our loop on Countyline and back home, 42 miles. If I am not ready it is too late!

Packing

This is the "stuff" that has to fit into my suitcase which can't weigh over 35 pounds. (Womantours requirements). I think if I leave Elvis, the cat home, I may be able to meet the weight requirements! I can take a second bag but it has to stay under 20 pounds.

Welcome family and friends

One week from today I will be in Portland, Oregon joining 29 fellow women bicycle riders as we embark on a 30 day ride across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. I will be travelling with Womantours and will cover 1450 miles, returning on August 29th to Portland. l toured Death Valley with Womantours in February 2008 on a week long ride.

My bike left on July 20 for River City Bicycles where it will be reassembled. The guides will have it at the hotel for me (I hope) when I arrive. I am excited and nervous, but looking forward to the challenge.

Thank you, Patty, Sue, Lizzy, Dawn, Doug, Mike, Ray, Remo, George, Christine, Lillian and my husband Ken for sharing in my training rides in preparation for this event.

I ask you all to keep me in your prayers for a safe tour and for whatever the Lord has in store for me!

God Bless, Kathie