What can one say about an 800 mile ride across a border and two states? It was long.
I woke up with the thought “If I can just get to Portland”. I geared up and on the road by 6:20 am. It was chilly but I was smart this morning and actually put my electric jacket on. I headed south at a good clip and eventually ran into some beautiful views, following a gorge and going through tunnels for a few hours. I eventually got south enough that it was highway time.
I had checked the wait times online for the border crossings and headed to the Lynden crossing as they had a Nexus lane. it was the closest with a Nexus lane. Nexus is a preapproved program for land border crossings with Canada. I have access coming into the US with my Global Entry card so I figured why not.
As I rode down the highway the signs for the crossings were jaw dropping. Up to 2 hours wait times. As I approached. I saw a huge line of cars and a sign that said Nexus Lane with no one. So I jumped in that. About a mile later I got to an empty Nexus Lane. Tried to wave my card and proceeded to the border guard. He asked where I was, where was I going and had I bought anything. I told him everything I bought, but it was in Alaska. With Global Entry you can’t play with customs or you will lose your status. He said have a nice day. Total of 1 minute.
Cool, I might be making good time. I then got on I5 and let me tell you the Washington State drivers make others look like experts. I fought down through Seattle and wanted to stop to bio break and buy more Ibuprofen as I was out. I saw a sign for Safeway , gassed up and parked. It was immediately obvious I should not have chose this. From the 12 year old that tried to sell me something to the amount of shady looking people. I locked everything up and headed in. However, being where it was. It didn’t have a bathroom.
Back on the bike heading south for a bit. I saw a sign for Starbucks so the GS naturally said yes. Stopped for a sandwich and bathroom and jumped back on.
After a bit I got the sleepies and called home. Anne handed the phone to Annabel who was more than willing to chat indefinitely. After about 30 minutes I thanked her and kept riding.
Eventually to Roseburg OR which is exactly 500 miles from home. The goal is to get out super early to beat the heat as we are in a heat wave.
Day 17 will hopefully be less interesting. But tomorrow is the end.
Phat Barstewards 