Today’s “shakedown” ride was intended to be sure our tandem was in good working order. For us, it was also an attempt to figure out Garmin tracking (moderate success).

Prior to the ride, Tour leader Bill McCready gave a briefing in the park across from our hotel – notice the waving hands.  Then we set off across the Columbia River on a pedestrian/bike bridge beside I-5 – must say I hung on tight along the narrow passage.  When the Garmin track wasn’t working, we followed other tandem bikes.

We negotiated into Portland, frequently following signed bike routes and green highlighted bike paths. We stopped at West End Bikes for a few items and enjoyed the salad/hot food bar at Whole Foods for lunch.  We crossed the Willamette River on the Tilikum Crossing bridge dedicated to bikes, pedestrians, buses, and trolleys, then followed the east side of the river back north to Vancouver, again surviving the narrow walkway/bike path.