July 3, 2013 Day 3 Vancouver WA. to Hood River OR. 60 miles, 3,100 feet of climbing

Today we will ride the historic Highway 30. Was started in 1913 it was built because of the new found interest in the automobile and a way to get the tourist to this area. By the 1920's the historic Columbia Highway was known as the "King of Highways".With more vehicles on the road and the need for more space on the highways. This road became a beautiful by way. With lots of history along the way and incredible water falls and hiking trails

Riding along the Columbia Highway

This is where Sam Hill an eccentric wealthy railroad commissioner. Brought the Multnomah commissioners here to propose the road. Looking out over this bluff they agreed to his idea enthusiastically.

This the Bridle Falls. It is a bit of a hike to see them. But well worth it. 

We were riding down Interstate 84 which was also highway 30 not the historic one. We found the bike path that paralled it. We got to an opening and got on it. After a while we came to construction on it.

A fellow on a little catapillar tractor showed us how to get to the other side of the road. It was a little precarious. 

Down that path we came to an abrupt end to this section. It was a steep stairway down. If you look close you can see a little trough you could put your bike wheels into to roll it down

We caught up with several of the others at lunch . We had 20 miles to go to get to Hood River City.

By the way 3 of our friends are on recumbents. Chris Kegel,Mary Handly and Pete Lewis. They are all from Milwaukee. It was getting hot and we were ready to be there. This time we got into town without a hitch. No wrong turns... The drop out for Jim's bike arrived and Keith got it put on for him. He adjusted it out and will be ready to ride it tomorrow. We cleaned up socialized a little bit. We went to dinner at The Shed. Good food and we were ready to go back for a good nights sleep