June 2nd, 2017: This was the rest day, and the day to get in any last minute shopping done, before the race. It was also the day we picked up our caps, and those of us who’d rented Spot trackers got their trackers, from Nathan Jones. I was staying at the Rivershore Motel in Astoria, and David Barstow Robinson (DBR) and Harrison McClain were right next door. Harrison had already written to me, asking to share my motel room on the 2nd, and we both decided to let David bunk with us too. They arrived just before noon, and I decided to head out to the local bike store, which I was told was getting busier by the minute, thanks to all the TABR racers who were descending on it!
TABR 2017: Pre-race anxiety
August 25, 2017
TABR 2017: Ride to Astoria
August 25, 2017
June 1st, 2017: I’d slept fitfully the previous night, and rose by 0500 hrs. After some more tinkering with the saddlebag setup, a quick shower, and a banana and a smoothie for breakfast, I was ready. It was drizzling, so both Meaghan and I threw on our rain jackets and hit the road. She knew the way to the meeting point selected by TABR racers heading to Astoria, so that was one less thing for me to worry. After a few minutes of rolling, we made it to the meeting place, and saw many other racers had already made it there. Brad and Alexis Crossley were going to drive to Astoria, but were there anyway, to meet other riders. Ever the nicest of folks, they even offered to transport stuff to Astoria, if any of us didnt feel like lugging our gear all the way. I also met Jen Colestock, Eric Fishbein, Jack Peterson, Timothy Stephen, Andrew Suzuki, and other riders for the first time there.