Portland - Safe and Sound



My bike, all boxed up and ready to go.



Last night I tossed and turned all night.  This week I was very tense because of my bike.  What I did not share earlier in the week was that I went to ship my bike out on Monday and there were issues.  Fed Ex would not guarantee that my bike would be in Astoria by Friday - if it did not make it by Friday, I would not be able to start the trip with everyone else.  It was going to cost over $800 to get a guaranteed delivery date this week.  So as you can all imagine - I was quite stressed and tense (The word "unacceptable" came out numerous times!)  After speaking to the company that makes the bike packaging box - I was desperate and was looking to anyone for advice - they said - just bring the bike with you on the plane.  Well, that made a lot of sense but all week

long I built it up in my head that there would be a zillion issues with Delta.

It was the exact opposite - my bike was checked in and I was through security in about 6 minutes after getting out of the car.  As soon as we pulled the box from the car, a skycap came over and picked it up, brought me to the front of the check in line and it was done.  In Portland, I asked about a skycap and 5 minutes later one arrived and took me, my bike and luggage to a van.  It was so smooth, that I am still in total shock.

So here I am - I did a lot of exploring this afternoon in Portland and I am looking forward to another day of relaxation tomorrow.

Last night I received my first trip e-mail from the tour leader, Mike Munch.  He said because he knows so many people are coming in to Astoria on Saturday, they would have an early bird registration and bike assembly on Saturday afternoon for any interested.  I immediately let him know I would be there - hoping to meet everyone even earlier.

Taking the day off tomorrow from blogging (I know - my life is so busy) but I should have some great info and pics to share on Saturday.