I woke this morning with a sense of excitement and fortuitousness that everyone experiences on the first hour of a Big Event. It was still dark, and I’d had three consecutive nights of less-than-8-hours, but I was already awake. Ola and I saw a gorgeously, deep red sunrise, and I knew today would be great.
Our last kiss (for 3 weeks) It's mushy, but whatever.
After a shower and a delicious breakfast of eggs, yogurt and granola, I threw on my gear and made ready. Ola and said our goodbyes, and off I went.
…all the way to REI, where I bought a few last minute things and spent some time adjusting the rear suspension. Fully loaded, the new rear shock was having a hard time until I increased the preload by 12 ‘clicks’. The bike is handling much nicer now, but I think it could still use some tweaking – I’ll play with it some more tomorrow.
After REI, I went to a gas station to check and fill the air in both tires. I also had my first accident:
First drop
The newly increased weight of the bike, combined with a poorly adjusted rear shock (too little preload = more compression = incorrect side stand geometry) got the best of me and I had to let the bike tip over. Luckily, a small cement wall broke the fall, but even then I had to remove the left pannier and the tires before I could lift the bike back up. At least now I know I can lift the bike! The only damage was to the metal struts that connect the front fairing/headlight assembly to the frame – they were bent out of place, but a little wrenching got them back into alignment. Nothing mechanical was affected, thankfully.
After all the excitement, I finally hit the road at 11:15. The going was pretty slow, as I was stopping often to add another layer or try to find a better way to pack all my gear. I also stopped for food and to play with the suspension a little bit. My route took me out through Ellensburg and then down I-82 through Yakima and out on I-84, where I crossed into Oregon. I’m now in a motel in Pendelton, OR after being forced off the road by 40 degree weather and an empty stomach.
Captured just as the sun had set over the plains of northern Oregon
Tomorrow: Boise, then on to Salt Lake City (if Boise is too boring)
Route data in Google Maps: part 1, part 2 (also viewable in Google Earth)
