Day 3 - 247 km

This leg tested us with its distance, temperatures high up in the 30ies and a total climbing of about 1500 metres. The good thing were some hilarious high-speed downhill rides and a good deal of self-confidence after completing.


The plan was to leave early, so we got up at five and started at six; but my personal plan was wrecked when a scheduled 20 minutes coffee break extended to a two-hour conversation with the friendly folks of Walla Walla. Add another two-hour break and you see why I had to set up my tent in the dark.

The landscape has become somewhat definitively "american", and my Quest made some friends, too.





A B I G thanks is due to the wonderful people from the Oregon HPVA. They supported us in so many ways, from planning and organizing to lead us all the way and be all around to supply us with water, spare parts and motivation, and searching the country for people who lost their way.

Day 2 - 252 km

Total km: 345

The first full riding day took us quite a bit into the country, mostly alongside the - still beautiful - Columbia River.












The distance, total elevation of approx. 1000m and temperatures well beyond 35 degrees were quite a challenge to most rider. unfortunately, one accident occured, but in the end everybody made it to the campground.

Day 1 - send-off ceremony - 93km

Portland is truly the Bicycle capital of the US. We started the tour by lining up our velomobiles at a central place and enjoyd the enthousiastic feedback from the Portland people. A representative read a message from the mayor, who declared this day to be Velomobile Day in Portland.











We had some coverage in local TV and newspapers - check for www.rolloveramerica.com

And off we went in the afternoon for a smooth ride to our first campground. Nice ride on the "historic Oregon trail", passing falls and cliffs and enjoying great views on Columbia river.

excitement is growing

most of the riders have arrived in portland. the conference room of our hotel looks kind of, well, unique.


unfortunately, two of the bikes have been damaged during transportation. one rider will use his old velomobile, the other bike will (hopefully) be fixed tomorrow. it's a shame, though.

Departure

Leaving for America tomorrow: Vancouver - Seattle - Portland and then off we fly! Getting really excited now. Check the website www.rolloveramerica.eu for our plan. Links to more blogs can be found there, too.