This year's bridge pedal was the toughest one so far (IMHO). The new route this year took us across the two highest bridges TWICE. The two trips across the Freemont bridge were not so bad but the second ride up the Marquam bridge from east bank to west bank was a very difficult pull for many of us. From there it was the long ride up to Saint John's bridge and that was another hard climb.
There were a few accidents along the way, sometimes an individual spill and sometime a crash of two or more bikes got tangled up. I was taken down by some railroad tracks on Water Street near OMSI. I wasn't the only one to fall victim to that location and fortunately just two blocks away was a first aid truck that was patching up the fallen.
After the ride I put away my bike and made my way over to the Bite of Portland. It is always a busy event and it was nice to put my feet up and enjoy a glass of wine after the 36 mile bicycle ride. I had hoped to meet some friends there but after 4 hours I decided it was time to go.
My wounds will heal and I may have a small scar on my right knee and right shoulder as a reminder of what can happen if you are not careful.
I feel very alone once again and it is my own fault. I will shake this off and try not to let it get to me. Now I am preparing for my next road trip which I hope will bring me closer to where the Walls family entered the United States and where they came from. So I am heading back to Carlisle, KY and then on to the Richmond, VA area. And from there .... who knows where ....
