Eugene, OR

Sitting just across from the train station having beers waiting for the train. The bikes are boxed up in baggage. Nothing to do but enjoy the sunshine and blog.

A seven course breakfast that lasted 1 1/2 hours. It was grand. Fresh fruit, egg dishes, smoked salmon, chocolate-hazelnut-butter and cheese blintzes were just some of the dishes we enjoyed at the lighthouse. Eleven of us shared the food and conversation. For once, our bike trip did not dominate the discussion and nobody said (out loud) that we were crazy. Before breakfast Ev and I walked down to the beach. It was low tide and we explored the tide pools.

Right after the lighthouse was a pretty good hill and tunnel. We are getting pretty good at the Oregon tunnel thing. Push the button warning cars that you are in there. Take one last look for oncoming RV's or logging trucks and then pedal like crazy. When cars are in the tunnel, the sound is deafing. When empty it's an eerie silence.

After a 13 mile ride we met up with Doug in Florence. He camped a Jessie Honeyman with another large group of bikers. We shopped for the night's dinner and Ev did laundry. We got back on the bikes for a 30 mile ride to a county campground. The plan was to get up early the next day and ride into Eugene. After less than 10 miles we were down to shorts and a jersey. It was hot. We took a break at the first small town for water and ice cream. 45 miles to Eugene. We considered the possibility. At our intended turn-off we decided to ride on. It was at least another 35 miles but we thought it was worth it. In the end it was, but it was tough. The heat never let up and there were two major climbs. We were 14 miles out of town and made reservations just two blocks from the train station. 70 miles of riding and we were spent. Quick showers at camp Hilton and we went out to dinner to celebrate our ride.

We rode over 900 miles. The GPS did not always work in the trees and a couple times I forgot to turn it on right away, so we probably rode 920-930 miles.

We climbed over 30,000 vertical feet, again probably more.

Our maximum speed was 33.3 mph.

We averaged a little over 51 miles per day for 18 riding days.

Pretty cool.

This morning we slept in a little and then went to the Saturday farmers market for breakfast. Oh the fruits and vegetables! We then went to REI for clothes to wear on the train ride and a large duffle so we could check most of our gear.

I end were I started. Still sitting across from the train station enjoying an Oregon brew.

We'll probably do some more waypoints on Track My Tour during the train ride. We'll post some closing thoughts early next week and PICTURES!