Day 87 - The art of coasting - Rollin' ocean to ocean - CycleBlaze

July 27, 2024

Day 87 - The art of coasting

My bike has 3 chain rings and 9 different sprockets on the rear cassette for a total of 27 gears

  • On the biggest change ring and smallest sprocket on the cassette the bike is in its highest gear and can tear down hills
  • On the smallest chain ring and biggest sprocket on the cassette the bike is in its lowest gear and can climb steep hills. This is often referred to as the “granny gear”

On my entire trip I have never once used the largest chain ring, why is that? After climbing hills all day and pedaling 50+ miles I have no need to tear downhill. I coast all big downhills to give my legs a rest. Back home if I am out on a 20-30 mile ride (of course with no heavy panniers) I do shift up and tear down hills

On the way out of Corvallis this was painted on the shoulder
Heart 5 Comment 0
Bought coffee in Monmouth and they said I had to purchase coffee cake. Go figure
Heart 2 Comment 0

I think there was some type of farmer protest as I rode the bike path out of Monmouth. Two tractors were on the road (only caught one for photo) going about 15 mph. Behind them were at least 30 cars. Ten minutes later 2 more tractors holding up at least 60 cars behind them 

Heart 1 Comment 0
Unusual name for a wildlife refuge
Heart 1 Comment 0
Saw several Christmas tree farms
Heart 1 Comment 0
Tonight could be my last night of camping on this trip
Heart 3 Comment 0

As you can see, I am getting close to the coast

Heart 1 Comment 1
Steve ClarkHot damn, bro. You’re almost there!! That coastal range is some kinda beautiful forest, huh.

The Pacific is calling.
Can you smell it?
Reply to this comment
2 months ago

Today's ride: 51 miles (82 km)
Total: 3,983 miles (6,410 km)

Rate this entry's writing Heart 7
Comment on this entry Comment 3
Kelly IniguezAs my Grandpa would say - you can smell the oats!
Reply to this comment
2 months ago
Gordon BrownDave, greetings from Salt Lake City. Your photos are fantastic. And, yes, you got this. Looking forward to drinking and reminiscing.
Reply to this comment
2 months ago
David HendersonTo Gordon BrownGordon, great to hear from you. You have made it a long way, you got this
Reply to this comment
2 months ago