Pacific Northwest - Anchorage to Portland 2012

Hello Fellow Bikers!

I'm in the early stages of planning an unsupported ride from Alaska to Oregon starting in mid-September 2012. I'm originally from Hillsboro, OR, and I work on a commercial fishing boat in Valdez, AK for the summers. So I thought this next year, why not bike home to see my family??!!

While the idea of doing this ride alone sounds fantastic to me, to the people who love me it sounds insane :) So I promised that I would look for someone willing/able to make the trip (or part of it) with me. If you or someone you know might be interested on embarking on this adventure with me, let me know!!!!

Here's a rough map of the route I'm planning: http://g.co/maps/55efm. I plan on 30 days of riding, with the possibility of 2-night stays in a few of the prime spots. The last 34 mile leg, we'd be joined in Vernonia, OR by a group of my friends/family that also like to cycle.

I'm very easy going, and I would welcome any good company! But knowing that not every pairing is a good fit, here's a little about me to help you make a decision:

-24 year old female web designer/fisherman/nanny/caregiver/whatever sounds fun :)
-Travel is a lifestyle for me, and I thrive on new experiences
-I've lived overseas for most of my adult life
-I like to "stealth" camp with my Hennessy Hammock, but if you have a tent and want to stay in campgrounds, that's not a problem with me
-I also use CouchSurfing/Hospitality Club/Warm Showers wherever possible (fantastic ways to meet great new people!)
-I really like to cook good, healthy food so I don't plan to eat in restaurants often
-This will be my first-ever long ride! Though bicycle is my main mode of transport wherever I am, I've never done anything more intense than a single-day century ride... but that's all about to change :)

Well, I guess that's all for now. Suggestions, comments, and questions are heartily welcomed!! I hope to learn a lot from you all!


Cheers,

Laura

Maybe you should post this in the touring subforum, as there is a lot more traffic over there, and people who are specifically interested in touring. Also, you may consider posting on ACA companions wanted board http://www.adventurecycling.org/mag/companions.cfm

OT: What fishing boats do you work on and who do you hook jobs up working on them?

Zoltani: I know that locally, you either need to be family or know a family member, in order to get a job on a fishing boat most of the time.

Sounds like a great trip!

FWIW, here's a map of the 2009 RSVP (Ride from Seattle to Vancouver and Party) (http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/rsvp-2009-updated) ride. It was a great route, and tended to follow quiet roads and avoid heavily-trafficed areas. There's some overlap with your proposed route, but it might be worth looking at for some inspiration.

i would want to leave one month earlier? aug->sept? possible?

I'm planning on doing a bit of touring in Washington sometime this summer but I'm still in the still in the very early stage of gettin that ready; I'm planning on building a tourer up within the next few months. But it sounds like we have very similar styles and skill levels so it might be fun to meet up and do a bit of the ride together

This sounds like the trip of a life time. I have wanted to do the same type of trip but the other way around. If you start a blog or site with info about it make sure you post it. I would love to hear how it all comes together. Good luck out there!