Travels With Rick...: Day One...Portland to Government Camp

Today I began my "freshman year" of my Reunion Ride. It was harder than I thought it would be. Bags on the bike made a huge difference when I got the climb up to Govt.Camp. However, the first 30 miles, Portland to Sandy, I did non-stop.
The ride started mostly sunny, but quickly turned cloudy and the sun did not break until about 2:00, just in time for great views of Mt. Hood. Also a slight tail wind was welcome. Climbing the last couple of thousand feet to G.Camp was difficult for me. I left the house this morning at 8:00 AM, but did not arrive at the hotel until 5:30...1 1/2 hours later than I had hoped. I needed to stop about every 2 miles for the last 10 miles and let legs recover. The good news is my toes did not bother me as they have in the past.
Upon check in I was given a complimentary upgrade to the king jacuzzi room as a best western preferred customer...boy was that soak a welcome and unexpected plus! After cleaning up I walked over to the local brewery and ate at the Ice Axe. Had a beer with my veggie burger and sweet potato fries. The "Buehler" burger was horrible. It tasted like a mouthful of sand with each bite and absolutely no taste...do not order it.
Tomorrow: Government Camp to Madras, Oregon (65 miles)
Distance: 56
Time in Saddle: 6 hours, 36 minutes
Total Elevation Climbed: 4530
Avg. Speed: 8.5
Maximum Speed: 37.7
Calories Burned: 3980
Ready to leave..