Back in the Saddle: Going to California: 2011

[Kingfish]

Made it to Florence about 2:15 PM, and now I'm in my room at the Lighthouse Inn, room 26: If yer nearby bring chips and salsa, it's Friday night, let's par-tee

Stats:
Start V = 63.4, End V = 55.1 (I was quite miserly with the power)
Distance = 129.1, Total Odometer is now 2165 miles.
Regen was 0.4% if you can believe that!
Vmin = 53.5, MaxS = 40.7, AveS = 26.5
Time = 4:51:51

In all, it was a stressful ride due to wind and weekend traffic. No particular aholes today, but just a lot of fast-moving peoples trying to get to their weekend spot.

Lots of jaw-dropping scenery; it was real nice to see this part of the coast under sunny skies instead of overcast. Wish I had more time for exploring

So that's it for now; going to get cleaned up and find a nice place to eat.

Chow'der, KF

[chroot]

Hi Kingfish,

When you visited at SF, I saw you setting up the charger hook up with the batteries. I do not see any sparks. It made me wonder do you have pre-charge built-in? How do you balance your LiPo battery in series (63.5v)? I can't find your thread relate the LiPo set-up, the charger and balancer.

I talked with epbuddy hobby, The owner said not good idea charging the LiPo in series instead recommend charging in completely parallel set-up.

Let me know thanks, I glad you made getting to oregon and I bet it is so beautiful scenic route.

[Hillhater]

for KF's charger set up,..look at the links in his signature.

Im guessing that "epbuddy hobby" .. owner is an RC model guy, ??
He has probably never seen a 20+ Ahr 60v pack...or he would not make such a impractical comment.

[Kingfish]

for KF's charger set up,..look at the links in his signature.

Im guessing that "epbuddy hobby" .. owner is an RC model guy, ??
He has probably never seen a 20+ Ahr 60v pack...or he would not make such a impractical comment.

Yes, that is a good point. I charge in bulk. The trick is to plug in the PSU first to precharge the pcb caps and the plug into the battery mains; no spark that way, else there is a spark cos the batt pack will try to charge those caps...

So again, plug in your charger first then connent to the pack

Balancing: I do not balance regularly. Last time I balanced was 3 weeks ago in Centraliaand I did the poor-man's balancing method which is to use balancing cables instead of a formal BMS. I think this begs a discussion, though let's let this lay til I get back to a real computer

Having a pleasant evening in Florence; the natives are friendly and the food is superb; check out the Old Town district when passing rhrough - no, scratch that... Florence is a destination; one for the Bucket List. Lucky me I stumbled here

Life is short, and then you die. Make the most of every moment! KF

[chroot]

Alrighty, Lets get you home soon!

I am more interested in the pre-charge between controller and battery. By using Kilovac EV200 Series Contactor switch off/on since I see Doctorbass is using them lot. I better save this discuss till you get home.

although, lets blast enjoy view the scenic route. ENJOY!!

[Kingfish]

Greetings wandering electric spirits of the material world!

I am taking my lunch break at Papas Pizza Parlor in Corvallis, Oregon after a mostly uneventful though quite pleasant 90 miles. I left Florence about 7:35 AM heading east on Hwy 126 following an inland river-estuary; that part was mosty damp, overcast, and neary foggy, though completely windless. Eventually I rode out from under this to beautiful blue sky.

The second part of the journey had me following Rassy's good direction by taking Hwy 36 east; very sparse on traffic and enjoyably tranqual ride. The low mountain pass was only 1022 feet high.

Eventually this plays out to the Willamette Valley. I found an unmanned weigh station and on a lark weighed bike-trailer-KF; the resolution was 50 lb.s, so it is not very accurate, but the weight came to 450 lb.s

After that, I headed north on Territorial Rd, through Monroe, and onto Hwy 99W. This is when I hit the headwind. Will poor 'ol KF ever get a break? It's blowin' pretty good, though not as bad as the coast. The heat is picking up from pleasant and now becoming warm.

Not sure how far to McMinnville, but there'a plenty on the pack to carry me 60 more miles. Ahhh - my pizza pie is here; time to scarf!

Cheers, KF

[Kingfish]

I made it to McMinnville. It is OMG-hot! 96°F

Ever since I left Corvallis, the temps just kept climbing, and by the time I got to Monmouth, finding shade for rest stops became a priority. I ended up stopping every 15 miles must to get a break, then it was every 10 miles, and then down to 7 miles. I felt like a melted ice cream sandwich on that hot black asphalt griddle * POP * SIZZLE * FRY !

For whatever reason, the motels (and not inns) are located 2 miles from anything fun.

But I am making use of this heat and I've washed the last round of laundry in the sink and rinsed out my riding gear, then hung them on the fence to dry. It looks pretty hillbilly, but those clothes will be dry in an hour - if I don't get caught It's so hot out there that they arn't dripping

Stats:
Started with 63.4V & ended with 55.8V. I had a headwind tne whole time going north.
Distance = 140.5; Total Odometer = 2305 miles.
MaxS = 40.7, AveS = 25.8 - another pokey day
Time = 5:26:45

Two different people within a couple of blocks of each other in Monmouth stopped me and wanted to know where to buy the ebike

Other than that, most of Hwy 99W had good wide margins north of Corvallis, and traffic was moderate with only 2 dickweeds.

Cooling off and prepping for the shower. I'm at the Motel 6 and they have a pool, so I may go that route. The only place close to eat is Carl's Jr. - doesn't that sound inviting?

[Rassy]

Wow! Only a little over 200 miles to go, for a grand trip total over 2500 miles. That's a lot of miles on a bike saddle.

Sounds like your ride through Oregon went pretty good.

We are completely fogged in here. Went for a trike ride earlier with just a shirt on and was a little on the cool side. We usually have heavy fog when the valley approaches 100F.

[dnmun]

the girls are moving in here tomorrow, but i can find space for you again. stop again if you can, i am in major remodel mode still, but you can chill while we have some warm weather finally.

[deVries]

Hey KF,

I hope you've got some more interesting stories to post for back-fill. I think your expanded posts beyond the daily stats, food, shower, sleep have been excellent. Keep-em coming... the road stories too...

Why did you cut over on 36 instead of continuing north on the coast? Head winds? Or

[Kingfish]

Greetings this fabulous AM!

This post may be fast and cryptic cos my phone had to reboot in the middle of an attempted post - grrr

Dnmun, many thanks, you are a great and kknd host!
DeVries - I shall backfill asap

I left McMinnville at 6:10 AM heading north on Hwy 47 up to Forest Grove, then east on Hwy 8 to Hillsborough, aeriving at 7:30 AM and had a porky breakfast at IHop. From here I'll take Cornelious Pass Road which cuts over to US30 and bypasses most of the PDX metro. The next stop is Longview, and I'll try to check in then. So far there is no wind to speak of, though I expect that will change when I reach the Columbia

On the road again in a moment, KF

[Kingfish]

Washingtonians, I have returned! Lock your doors, pack your bags, hide yer women... Kingfish is on his way home

I took a brief rest at the Pacific Pride depot just next to the Longview Bridge about 10:30 AM for 15 minutes vefore crossing the Columbia; I stopped there before when heading south.

This morning I went 36 miles to Hillsboro, then 48 miles to the foot of the bridge. It's about 11:30 AM and at the 100 mile mark in Castle Rock, WA. I figure there's another 40 miles to bo. Wind is light from the west and it is beginning to heat up.

Watered up and ready to get back at it, KF

[Kingfish]

Punched on through to Centralia, arriving at 1:40 PM after 143 miles.

EndV =55.4
Regen = 2.0%
Vmin = 53.7
MaxS = 42.1
AveS = 27.3
Time = 5:05:44
Total Odometer = 2448

Hmmm, I'll have to make sure to pump out 152+ miles tomorrow

From Castle Rock, the winds and heat and humidity picked up, increasing with each passing moment. I stopped a couple of times to water-up. Rather than take the exact same route back I switched it up and tried the only other rural route north (not I-5) and that was quite pleasant and not too busy; mainly the Jackson Hwy (informal).

The weather in Centralia is winding, with partial high clouds and elevated humidity. I am going to pray to the Unmalted Barleycorn & the Unfiltered Wheatbier for good weather

The pool here looks inviting! I'm also starving; my stomach thinks my thoat has been slit! So much to do, so little time...

Onward, to the shower - KF

[Kingfish]

Come on! Git otta bed and git going; Daylights' burning!

This is the last day. Got up and prepped rhe bike, and am now sittin' down to my breakfast at the Country Cousin.

Last night I put myself to sleep listening to "The Dub Side of the Moon" by the All Stars; a Rastafarian version of the Pink Floyd epic ~ a must-have album for those on the road...

So git up ya lazy bonz! It's still dark, but that's just clouds hiding the morning sun Feels cool, and yet humid like it's going to be another scorcher.

Food is here: Pork chop n eggs. KF

ADDENDUM: 6:30 AM. Fueled-up and fed. Both gerbels look fat dumb and happy; I guess it's time to git movin'

[Kingfish]

Some ideas go well, and some don't work at all.

Left Centralia heading north on Hwy 99SW, then Seargent Rd, and tnen Littleton (?) to Delphi Rd. In this section (Delphi Rd.) the roads are poorly marked; justs names and no destinations with poor cell reception. So threading through these backroads was tedious when not scenic. Wind was light though, and the sky was spitting down a light mist.

Eventually I found Mud Bay Road and I headed west, parallel to US101, & finally jumped onto it good and proper. Made good time, pack was looking good. Just past Shelton though the sky changed to dark, the wind picked up, and then the road became wet, and then there was the midgey-rain. I began to develop alternate plans. The short story is I made a bead across over to Hwy 3 and up the Kitsap Pinninsula to Bremerton, and I am now on the Bremerton-Seattle ferry. I've traveled about 99 miles to get here; ferry miles don't count

Oh gosh, I might as well stop for a bite in town. The shortest path back is over I-90, or I could go over the top of Lake-WA; weather will decide. Got a nice view of Mt. Rainier over the Sound. Seattle is now in view. Ferrys are cool! My bike was free in this direction; can't beat that deal

Lurking for tailwind, KF

[deVries]

Who needs a tailwind with dinner on the plate & a view of home sweet home... though it may be a bit damp. Ok, one day or two of rest if needed, then it's time for back-fill & pics.

Your trip is more like a slow speed motorcycle adventure considering the daily mileage you achieved.

You posted few complaints with the trailer once you left the home area... did it exceed your expectations? What improvements or changes would you make for a trailer trip next time Wider & shorter? Two wheels? Or ?

[edcastrovalley]

I left McMinnville at 6:10 AM heading north on Hwy 47 up to Forest Grove, then...
On the road again in a moment, KF

I knew McMinnville sounded familiar but, I couldn't remember... It's the home of the Spruce Goose! I'm not sure how it ended up there, I mean it's sooo far inland and this is a gigantic seaplane. Nice town though. We had breakfast there and the people were nice.

[Kingfish]

I'm Home!

Got off tne ferry and decided to blast on over I-90 cos the sky was spitting down big drop rain. By the time I got to Bellevue it was blustery and dark. Then in Redmond it began to cut loose. I managed to unload bike and trailer in record-time and under cover.

And now, the bad news:
When I left I unplugged all that could be. But my router went TU and I cannot get access. Fontier is sending me a replacement; should have it by Thursday with luck.

Also, I have to move this week. Imagine back in June when I first thouth I could leave (in fact it was the day I reported that the aliens above me had sprung a leak) I received a 20-day notice to vacate from the aliens that own the hill. It took some mojo though I was able to put them off until I got back. So - starting tomorrow I'll need to move. It's not far though; 40 feet. Won't need to rent a truck

This means I cannot post pics or backfill as quickly as I'd like. Just be patient and gimme some time. This hunting and pecking on the dumbphone though is for da birds.

[Kingfish]

Dumbphone doesn't have arrow keys and I think it dislikes the ES editor something fierce

STATS:
Arrived about 2:30 PM
StartV = 63.4, End = 56.3
Distance = 118.1; Total Odometer = 2566 miles
Regen = 3.3%
Vmin = 54.5
MaxS = 39.6
AveS = 27.1
Time = 4:21:22

I'm in dire need of a shower and food, so I'll check in a bit later.

ALL THE PICTURES HAVE BEEN DOWNLOADED FROM THE PHONE

More as I can, and Thank You for your kind support on this long endevor!
Cheers to you, KF

[DAND214]

Kingfish,
I like the novel. I haven't read a GOOD book in a long time
Looking forward to the backfill. Do we need to read it again?
Really, it was a great story.

I was afraid to ask. Did you get any hassle from the law? You did mention you past one at 32mph without a look. Anything else?

Great stuff.
Dan

[ohzee]

I am so very impressed with your dedication to this dream and making it happen.

most dream few make it happen I would be very proud. Id like to see a pic of the bike at the end.

GJGJGJ

[grindz145]

The first true ameriican sport-touring ebike holiday. And what a fantastic journey it was. I enjoyed reading it, kind of disapointed it's over now... Very inspiring though. Lots and lots of persistence

[Kingfish]

Who needs a tailwind with dinner on the plate & a view of home sweet home... though it may be a bit damp. Ok, one day or two of rest if needed, then it's time for back-fill & pics.

Your trip is more like a slow speed motorcycle adventure considering the daily mileage you achieved.

You posted few complaints with the trailer once you left the home area... did it exceed your expectations? What improvements or changes would you make for a trailer trip next time Wider & shorter? Two wheels? Or ?

Since I am denied a pc for a while, I shall try to do my very best to respond by hunt & peck

Trailer: Once the re-balance of the load was accomplished, and the on-the-road adjustments were sorted, I was pretty happy about how it trailed bebhind. Of course there isn't much in the way of suspension ~ and I am here to tell you that it sure took a shed-load of pounding!! But overall, the biggest aspect that required attention was tensioning of the cover, and packing of the gear

[Kingfish]

Did I say I hate this @#&$ dumbphone?

As I was saying, packing of the trailer continued to evolve all the way to the end of the trip as I figured out ways to quickly get to tools, clothes, charger, or work in reverse: Quickly stow my fleece and Seattle Jacket without major repack. The best advice I can offer is to use those 10 liter sacks to store gear, parts, food. Grab and go! Being unitized like that makes the job of packing/unpacking/redistribution much faster

At times I wished I had more room; can never have enough of that

Two wheels would have been more stable, though I think that for my particular mission it worked about as well as planned. Next year I would like to do a purpose-built trailer; from scratch.

The length was fine, as was the width; I was happy that the width was lesa than the handlebars and rhat the road to base clearance was greater than the curb.

My only regret was that I wasn't able to mount the trailer Blinkies and Indicators; that would have been delux!

Best, KF

[Kingfish]

I left McMinnville at 6:10 AM heading north on Hwy 47 up to Forest Grove, then...
On the road again in a moment, KF

I knew McMinnville sounded familiar but, I couldn't remember... It's the home of the Spruce Goose! I'm not sure how it ended up there, I mean it's sooo far inland and this is a gigantic seaplane. Nice town though. We had breakfast there and the people were nice.

I sure wanted to stay much closer to the center of activity, but it was like a 2 mile hike

A neat town to be sure. I did not have time to see the SG though.
Best, KF