81 miles. A new record for us.

We decided to try to beat our longest ride record. The farthest we’d ridden previously was 70 very flat miles on the Coeur d’Alene trail in Idaho. This time we’d be riding a bit more hilly route from Banks to Birkenfeld and back. We’ve ridden from Banks to Vernonia and back on multiple occasions so we knew we could handle that 40 miles. It was the other 40, beyond Vernonia that we weren’t sure about.

It was a cool overcast morning with a little low fog here and there when we rode out from Banks. There weren’t many riders out. We saw a some other riders in the parking lot but quickly found ourselves alone on the trail. We took it a little slower than usual. We got to Vernonia about lunch time so we stopped at the Subway. We each got a foot long sandwich and when the clerk asked if “this was for here or to go” we said “half and half”. It took a few seconds but she figured out what we meant and wrapped half of each sandwich. Once we were adequately refueled we headed for the lake via the trail. But then we found that the trail was closed just east of Anderson Park. Now what? Now we use the GPS to pick a different route. Soon we find ourselves on a rough gravel trail that looks like it should reach the lake. Then we find the Authorized Vehicles Only sign. Looking at the GPS, and how far it would be to pick another route, we decided to authorize ourselves. After reaching the lake we turned out of the parking lot and headed north on highway 47. New territory. We made a brief restroom stop at Big Eddy Park. It was a typical Labor Day in Oregon. A full campground with overcast sky and rain on the way. When we came to the hilly portions I was reminded of the blog entry that suggested this route. It might be relatively flat but our legs could definitely detect the hills. We enjoyed the ride but by the time we got to the bridge a couple miles east of Birkenfeld we were definitely tired. It was also starting to rain. After resting for a while and taking a few pictures I checked the GPS. Yup, we’d crossed the 40 mile point. We could turn around here and still make our 80 mile goal. So we got our raincoats on and headed back towards Vernonia.

On the way back we became aware of the lack of available restrooms on this stretch of the road. We finally was a sign for a county park 1/4 mile ahead. We made the indicated turn and after another 1/2 mile the road turned uphill and there was still no sign of a park. We gave up and headed back to 47. Another mile or so brought us back to Big Eddy Park again. We hit the restrooms and then ate some of the candy and nuts we always carry. The rain had let up so we sat at a table and rested until we started getting too cool. Fay’s knee had started complaining a few miles earlier but we were close enough to Vernonia that we were confidant that we could make it the rest of the way. One advantage of our recumbent tandem is that when her knee give trouble Fay is able to prop her foot up on the top tube and peddle one legged. I suppose she could prop up both feet if she wanted but then the people who insist on calling out “she’s not peddling” would be right and that just wouldn’t do. We eventually made it back to Vernonia and stopped to eat the sandwiches we’d been carrying. We ate under the gazebo at Hawkins Park. A couple blocks from the Subway. After another restroom stop we headed for the trail. We appreciated the the downhill run from Stub Stewart more than we ever have in the past. We finally arrived back at our truck in Banks a little more than 10 hours after we’d started. Not exactly recording breaking speed but still a new distance record for us."