Simply Satellite
Planning the route doesn’t mean simply looking at a map and choosing the roads. I have referred to online journals frequently and emailed locals for their recommendations for routes. In addition to that, I have relied heavily on the satellite features of some mapping programs, mostly Google and MapQuest, although I do prefer MapQuest images because they are clearer and look more realistic. Many of the Google shots that I get are in funny colors. This might be do to the funny user, but I am not so sure and don’t know which other map programs would give a good satellite image.
I think that I mentioned earlier that I had great difficulties crossing a bridge across the St. Lawrence. I seemed too exposed and ripe for falling over what seemed a too-low guardrail. At least there was a separate bike-ped lane for getting across this anxiety provoking bridge.
Our route after The Dalles originally took us across the bridge into Washington right at The Dalles, but that changed long ago. A newer version of the route, one that was practical yesterday, kept us on the Oregon side of the bridge until Biggs where we would cross over on Route 97 into Oregon. I had read several comments about how narrow and scary the bridge was. I read more comments that said that there was neither a bike lane nor a shoulder. In our direction, we would be climbing into Washington, which would mean that we couldn’t quickly pedal over the bridge especially since it isn’t a short bridge. Getting up early to beat traffic seemed like a possible option for dealing with the poor conditions. Looking at the satellite map totally squelched that idea. Seeing that long bridge and imagining no shoulders, lots of traffic and a low guardrail incited a personal panic attack. No way could I ride over that bridge without being on the center line the entire way. And even that would be a difficult feat. I suspect that my legs would turn to jelly and that I wouldn’t be able to pedal in the first place.
It would be really nice to see the Stonehenge replica at Maryhill State Park, but since I have seen the real thing anyway, it won’t be too disappointing. Robert hasn’t see the real Stonehenge, but it would be much simpler to fly to England that to pedal across that horrid bridge. And hey, it looks like there is something better than McDonald’s if we continue a bit west to beautiful Rufus, just a few miles east of the bridge on the Oregon side. It appears that there are also more options for lodging in Rufus. Have to rationalize somehow, right?
This new plan means some significant riding on the Interstate. That in itself will be an interesting experience, but it won’t be the first time on the trip that we ride the highway.
If the Kulkulcan is on our side, we will have a strong tailwind the gets us off the expressway quickly. Does Oregon have a wind god?