Day 1, 4 August: Astoria, OR to Kelso, WA
We are underway for the R-2-R and Day 1 is in the books!
Doug, Tes and Ron launched at 0545. Dave and I stayed for breakfast and left at 0630. A good first day. Weather was cool to start. We basically followed US 30 the whole way, busy with lots of traffic but mostly a good shoulder. Some good climbs but nothing I was uncomfortable with. Dave screamed by me on the downhills, but I climbed faster than him. The last and longest climb was a bit hairy with no shoulder in places and lots of logging trucks crowding us. Dave had a couple of close calls.
Our support team followed the two groups, Sally with the lead trio and Mark following Dave and me. Our original plan for regularly schedule rest stops sort of dissolved and we took our breaks wherever we needed them. We rendezvoused before the descent to the river to stay together for the final stage.
We arrived at the crossing for the escort across the Lewis & Clark Bridge at 1100, an hour earlier than expected. Sgt. Manning of the Rainier, OR police met us and trailed us across. Ron rode in the cruiser for the climb and the rest of us descended in diamond formation to the Washington side. Ron then made the descent with police lights right behind him.
Doug rode today for Joe Anderton, our first classmate loss who died of heat-related illness following football practice about a week after plebe summer. Doug carried his tag and it will be added to the anchor chain for the ride. We honored his memory with a moment of silence and playing of “Eternal Father” at our daily debrief, which will be a regular observance.
Another early start tomorrow and an extra 10 miles over today. I have the tag for Tom Sokol, another who did not graduate. Remember why we ride…
Bill Montgomery
USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember 
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