Summary of the first leg

Hello Everyone,

I'll be spending a few days with family in Vancouver before setting off again for Vancouver Island and some more adventure. Here's a quick run down on the first part of my trip.

Stats

Distance travelled: 19,300.9 km

Fuel burned: 3,854.7 L

Avg. fuel economy: 20.0 L/100 km

Cheapest gas: $2.09/Gal. (about $0.68/L) in Texas

Most expensive gas: Mojave, who take advantage of the fact that they are the last gas station before you enter the national preserve, and charge $4.50/Gal.

But that will all change as soon as I fill up in BC, as it's $1.60/L here. (about $6/Gal.)

Longest stretch I drove: 484 miles (10 hours), from Austin to Palo Duro, Texas.

Longest trail I rode: 20 miles, McKenzie River Trail

Best and Worst

Most beautiful stretch of road: 1st place - from Flagstaff to Sedona 2nd - Pacific Coast Highway, any section 3rd - from Hood River to Portland

Best trail: Highline, in Sedona. An equal mixture of beautiful and terrifying.

Worst moment: Finishing a trail in Santa Cruz and having to ride back along a twisty mountain road, amidst traffic. Would not recommend.

Overrated/Underrated

Overrated - Indoor showers on a camper. Haven't used mine, people don't avoid me.

Underrated - Lightly seasoned peanuts. Cheap, nutritious, can be kept in the truck indefinitely. Has served as lunch on several occasions.

Overrated - Full service gas stations. It's the law in Oregon, but it's awkward to have someone fiddle with your vehicle. I'd rather just do it myself.

Underrated - Libraries, with their helpful staff and free wifi.

Overrated - The Hollywood sign. It's literally just a big sign. Not worth driving to see.

Underrated - The National Forest System. Veautiful places to see, can camp for free.

Underrated trail system: Coldwater Mountain, Alabama. Well maintained, super fun to ride, doesn't show up on any Top 10 lists.

Overrated trail system: Galbraith Mountain, Washington. It's a nice set of trails, but it's very highly ranked, and is a pretty generic. No epic rides.

Highly rated but still underrated: Sedona. Beautiful, fun, epic. Does not disappoint.

Underrated, but still awful: Ticks. They are everywhere and they are disgusting.

wes