Day 2 -- June 22nd -- St. Helens, OR to Welches, OR

Miles 74.8
Avg. Speed 15.7 MPH
Feet Climbed 2680

The day started cloudy, cold and drizzly. We rode to Portland and avoided most of the traffic by using bike paths and riding along the Columbia River. Just as we climbed out of Portland the sun came out and shortly after we got our first view of Mount Hood.

Four guys I have been riding with. My room mate Mark is on the left.

First view of Mount Hood

Riding to Mount Hood. It would take two days to get out of it's shadow.

One more

Cyclist humor...Oregon is the only place I have seen drive-up cigarette windows so we couldn't resist.

At Welches we stayed in a very nice ski resort which serves Mount Hood. Since there is snowing on it all year there were a few skiers around. The weather cleared up east of Portland and our trip guides said it would likely be the last clouds we would see for a while. Tomorrow's ride goes over the Cascades to the high desert of Oregon.