That's not so long Keith. We have enjoyed visiting this area ever since our son went to SIU here.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Rohloff.
You have ticked all the benefits and mentioned the only real downside, the limited gear range compared to a 3 x deraileur system. You can of course try different sized chainwheels and sprockets to adjust your low and high gears but more difficult with a belt than with a chain where you can easily add or remove a few links.

Well! You never know how things will turn out. Jacinto has three belt drive bikes. He is quite smug about not having to clean a chain. You will never have derailleur problems again with this bike!

The surprising thing that Jacinto has mentioned several times (and he's not a guy to say much about such matters), is that the bike is really, really quiet with a belt drive. Jacinto says not just, my chain is perfectly adjusted and lubed quiet - but silent in the middle of night quiet. I'd be interested in your take on that one.

How long have you had your other P-38, the poor, dead horse?

My old stomping grounds! I went to grad school in Carbondale 40 (eek!) years ago.

We've actually scotched the ride to Astoria to make more time for the rest of the tour. We expect to get to Portland July 4 and stay with friends until we fly home July 7. Would be great to see you two.

Me too Rachel. It's actually good luck, I think.

What luck that it broke here and not on tour, and that you’ve got a replacement available.

Looking at your route and schedule again, it’s likely we’ll still be in Portland when you pass through the first time, if not when you double back from Astoria to fly home. We’re planning to leave for a road trip to Canada on July 11th. We’ll be watching your progress when you get closer.

I can’t wait to hear how the new bike works out!

Looks like it’s time to shoot this horse!

Sorry that happened but it’s good you found out now!

I look forward to following your trip!

I did wonder about the traffic there. At least Adventure Cycling has changed the route so it no longer goes on I-84, thank goodness. Appreciate any ideas for a more comfortable route.

An epic adventure! I really like your itinerary through the Palouse. Before we sold our home and went vagabond I was planning a solo ride from Portland to Spokane. The route north of Clarkston that looked best to me almost exactly match yours.

I might think again about how much time you’re planning to spend on Highway 14 in the gorge though. It can get uncomfortable in spots, especially with the amount of traffic you’d expect in the summer. I’ll email you another idea you might consider.