Biking to hwy 14 across the wind was also difficult. It was so windy and the sidewalk so narrow we had to walk. The crossing over to Washington on the bridge in the Dalles was difficult. No need to get on I-84 at all all the way to the Dalles.

Note about I-84, it's not the most pleasant experience, but it's not bad, In order to bike to Hood River, you will need to get on I-84 at several points - The shoulder is pretty wide at most places, and it's a good idea to wear some bright orange! Day 2: Hood River to Maryhill, WA (52.5 miles) Highlights: The old historic highway section is really neat: it goes through the Mosier Tunnels (now just for ped/bike), The section through Mosier town, and to Rowena's Crest was on low traffic streets. Also on this route, between Cascade Locks and Wyeth, do not take the Wyeth Bench Rd (aka Herman Creek Rd), it is a horrible grade hill, and you are better off taking the I-84. Hood River is a super nice town - though sad the Carousel Art Museum is closed and moving elsewhere. We decided to treat ourselves and stayed at the Hood River downtown hotel. The campground listed on the bike map for Hood River was not there. Ride to Council Crest, Ride by Falls, bike-ped paths on the old historic highway. Day 1:Troutdale to Hood River (55.6 miles) Highlights: Gorgeous Columbia River (Get the bike map from ODOT). From The State Border near Coere D'Alene to just before Bonner's Ferry, there were many bike paths, nice scenery, and most flat routes. Idaho is a cyclist paradise (what a secret). Also a family of earwigs hitched a ride in C & M's camping gear, and it took about a week to finally see the last one.

The fourth day brought bad luck - 4 flats (at once!) caused by Goathead thorns, and wind in the face most the day. Everyday of the ride had awesome weather (not too hot, not rainy), and Carye and Matt met many friendly people, ate as much pizza and icecream as desired, and enjoyed some beautiful scenery (though Washington wheat fields get dull to the eyes after 20 miles). However the bikes arrived two days before leaving, so getting used to new bikes while on the road, was literally a pain in the butt! By the end of the trip, gears, seat and handle bar placement, and proper riding shoes were figured out. Neither Carye or Matt own cars, so investing in a reliable, flexible bike for travel was important. For the tour Matt and Carye bought new custom built Bike Friday (folding bikes that are made in Eugene, Oregon. The return was made on the Empire Builder Amtrak train at Sandpoint, ID. Eleven days of riding 530 miles (plus 40 miles of hitching). Photo: Idaho Quarter A Bike tour From Portland (Troutdale) to Bonner's Ferry, Idaho.

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