Frequently Asked Questions

Aug 22, 2010 · Comments (0)

I’ve gone from Portland to Port Townsend and am half way through the complete protest ride. So far, people are asking these questions in person and so I am writing them up here in case you have the same questions.

How long did it take?

It took five days to get from Portland to Port Townsend.

How much stuff did you bring?

I didn’t bring much and even that was too much. You can see my backpack in this post.

Was the ride fun?

It was an adventure but I wouldn’t say it was fun. Parts of it could be seen as fun but it’s a lot of hard work and at times it’s outright grueling.

What kind of bike did you ride?

A Gary Fisher Cronus.

Did you buy special bike gear?

I got a few things but not too much.

How do you know where you’re going? Did you use a map?

Every night I study a google map to see where I’ll be riding the next day. While on the road I use a Garmin Nuvi 225 GPS. It has really helped.

How far do you go each day?

I rode about 50 miles per day. Some days I rode less, some days more.

How many hours is that?

5-8 hours per day.

Did you ride alone or is someone following you in a car?

I rode alone but stay in touch with a support system.

Have you ridden on trips like this before?

No. I have ridden a bicycle all my life, but not long distances.

Did you wear special clothes?

No, but I did wear a bicycle raincoat.

Where did you sleep? Did you camp?

To camp I’d have needed to buy camping gear. By the time I arrive at a hotel/motel I’m usually drenched in sweat, tired and sometimes hungry.

Why did you do this?

I’m bicycling instead of riding in a car to protest the BP Oil Disaster.