Well, we did it, after all of those posts with numbers, miles, average speed, and so forth, I am happy to report that we finally did the Seattle To Portland 2007 (and Monya is happy to have that over). This ride was 204 miles from the lower parking lot of UW campus all the way to downtown Portland by an estimated 2,230 one-day riders and 6,770 two-day riders.
We were four of the one day riders.
The day was hot, cresting at about 86°F in southern Washington, and there were more than a few dropouts due to the heat. We had planned to leave between 04:00 & 04:30, ride a good 15-17 mph avg and try to complete the 204 mile course in 12-14 hours.
My final readings were:
* 04:30 departure
* 203.9 miles
* 15.9 mph avg
* 12 hours 47 min riding time
* 34.1 maximum speed
* approx arrival time of 20:00.
* 15 hours and 30 min end-to-end.
Dad and I rode as a team the whole way, with one really good successful slingshot that drug him down the hill in my draft, then at the trough of the hill he overtook me with his momentum and I was able to draft him most of the way up the other side. Both of us were able to do the stretch faster together than either of us could have done it alone.
We trailed Andy and Frank by approximately an hour all day as they started a little bit closer (in Renton) but 1/2 hour later (05:00) than Dad and I.
The real trick was staying hydrated and “fueled” with hammer gel, gatorade and other electrolyte drinks, and the PB&J sandwiches available at the major foodstops. I believe I drank about 3 gallons of fluids over the course of the ride, and probably about another 1/2 gallon before and after the ride.
The only problem I still have (one week later) is some kind of tendinitis behind my right knee for which I am seeing a physical therapist on Tuesday. I think it may have simply exacerbated an old injury (from soccer or some other endeavor) that I have been able to successfully ignore for lo these many years.
The years have caught up with me now. 🙂
Dad, Frank, Lief, Andy
blief 
Congratulations Lief. That is an incredible accomplishment and what a fantastic experience to have done it with your Dad. That is one for the books and a memory to treasure.
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Wow, look at those studly men! Good work!!!!
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“We were four of the one day riders.” How many riders in total were there who made it in one day? Just curious.
Bravo to all four of you. I’m one proud Dad/Grandpa to have you two accomplish this feat. If only it could have been a Grandson/Dad/Grandpa trio!! (Heh! heh! Then you wouldn’t have been among the one day riders, I’ll bet!!)
Besides, I would have probably had to listen to the “Philosopher” for twelve hours.
And I probably would have forgotten my gloves or boots or something at “the last stop”.
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