There is no way this post will do this wonderful city justice, but here goes.
Last Thursday I arrived in Portland - in the rural suburb of Hillsboro to be exact. I was staying at a friend's long-lost relative's farm; camping out in his front yard. He was so generous as to provide me with all the farm-fresh fruits and vegetables I could eat, though he warned me not to approach the barn. He did not need a stampede, he told me. Also he had me on the lookout for an arsonist going around setting fires to bales of hay. From my rural outpost, I rode the commuter train (the "MAX") into the city for a few days.
On Saturday I took a day-trip out West -- after a month in the saddle, I needed to touch and see the Pacific.
And so I did!
One thing that stood out about Western Oregon: there were blackberry bushes everywhere! Every time I pulled over I was able to pluck a handful of fresh berries.
Anyways, enough stalling -- Portland! My observations:
* Portland is all about bicycling, craft beers, coffee shops and food trucks, as well as any combination thereof. Bike stores have craft beer on tap. Craft breweries offer bike tune-ups. Food trucks on bar patios. I heard all sorts of stats, but I understand there are around 60 licensed breweries within city limits and it shows. It seems like there's one on almost every block (and that's ignoring beer bars, pubs and saloons).
* Cycling in Portland is amazing. I was lucky enough to have access to a bicycle and I put in around 25km during my stay. Cycling infrastructure is amazing. Downtown and the inner suburbs are covered by an extensive and comprehensive net of bike lanes and tracks. The Willamette river bridges offer segregated cycling right of ways. Drivers, too, seem more patient and less likely to blow past within inches, only to race to the next red light. It was sometimes eerie experiencing cars staying back and keeping their distance.
* Food trucks - craft breweries are one per block, but food trucks are 2-3 per parking lot or alleyway. A great way to grab a bite from every possible cuisine for $4 to $8 a pop.
* People do seem more laid-back and open, even by American standards.
* Portland loves Square! I honestly can't recall a single business that didn't use either Square on a smartphone (mostly food trucks) or the white terminals (small businesses).
* People ride interesting motorcycles! First American city on my trip where Harleys were the minority. I saw Royal Enfields, Triumphs, Ducatis and home-made contraptions instead.
I stayed at a beautiful house in NE Portland the last few days with a very generous hostess, through AirBnB. My hostess made and marketed 'healing wall' videos which allow you to discover which one of your 'Shakras' are off. She also had a very, very affectionate cat.
Finally - I'd like to share a few stats about the first leg of my trip - Toronto to Portland:
* Time: 27 days (including stays in cities, back-tracking and non-riding days).
* Distance: ca. 7,700 km (4,800 miles) (lots of detours and back roads).
* Fuel burned: ca. 362 liter (96 gallons) (4.7l/100km or 50mpg).
* Expenses: somewhat under budget. Variance analysis: saved on lodging (camped out every night except for current AirBnB stay). Overspent on food (despite preparing most meals, stays in cities always end up expensive). Deteriorating USDCAD rate an ongoing risk. No major motorcycle maintenance expenses yet, but are accounted for.
* Trip highlights: Bear Tooth Pass. Wyoming cowboy culture. Portland. Stay in Harley fanatic's front yard. Badlands, Black Hills and Crazy Horse memorial.
* Disappointments: Wisconsin Dells (major tourist trap). Yellowstone park (not properly prepared, way too busy). Portland industry and science museum (too many kids).
Next stop - Crater Lake and Pacific Highway 1!
i want to go to there.
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