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!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Heceta Head Lighthouse, OR
Ev and I were just sitting out on the porch of the B&B having cheese, crackers and a beer. Looking north is the lighthouse (B&B is in the light keepers house), looking out west is the ocean and the rugged Oregon coast. Looking South is the bridge we will cross tomorrow. What a special place. The nearest restaurant is in Florence, about 12 miles away. We did not want to ride to dinner. We called the inn keeper earlier to confirm our reservation. We told her we would pick up some cheese and salami for dinner. She informed us that they have a full guest kitchen that we can use! We are now going to have pasta, asparagus and wine.
Yesterday was a great riding day. There were three major hills to climb. Our bike kinda broke, but just like last year's tour, some of the best days are also the most challenging. Except for those three climbs, the ride was mostly flat. The first climb started just as we passed the entrance to the campground we would have stayed at if we hadn't stayed with Doug in Netarts. At the top we were in the clouds! We passed by Sand Lake. It was a lake of sand! Beautiful. We were cold, so we stopped at the only store. We got coffee and goodies and visited with the owner. She and her husband grew up in the town. We sat on stools right at the register counter and listened to stories about the area.
We stopped for lunch at Neskowin at the only cafe in town. What a treat. A mix of coffee house and pizza joint. The three of us sat at a counter watching the pizzas being made and put into the wood burning oven. We had debated about the afternoon's route. We could stay on 101 or ride the old 101. Both had a serious climb but "real" 101 was shorter. Our waiter weighed in and told us to go the old route. Great choice. It was a five mile climb, but not too bad. There were hardly any cars and we were riding through a rain forrest. Sweet. The downhill was awesome! At one hairpin turn we were able to wave to Doug as he passed by on the lower section.
Our third and last climb also had an alternate route. We rode below the 101 on a one-way street. One way for cars and a bike lane the width of a normal car lane. Sweet again.
Last night's hiker biker site was the best yet. Our new friends Allen, Harold and Al all showed up later. Two more guys came a lot later. They had ridden over 100 miles and were planning the same for today. No side trips. Just ride. Good for them, but not our kind of bike tour.
Today's ride was a mix of rollers and hills. We mostly had the wind to our back. Some times too much wind.
We stopped early at Bike Newport to get our bike looked at. We got there at 9:45. They were suppose to open at 10 but turns out they had a Tour de France party that morning and had been there since 6AM. What a great shop. They had a "touring" lounge upstairs with a shower and laundry facilities. Got a new chain and had the rear disk brake adjusted.
Doug went ahead at Yachats to his campground while we went shopping for dinner. The ride to the B&B was not very fun. Windy, up and down, no shoulder and lots of RV's.
Tomorrow we will meet Doug in Florence and turn inland for the final leg of this amazing journey.
Yesterday was a great riding day. There were three major hills to climb. Our bike kinda broke, but just like last year's tour, some of the best days are also the most challenging. Except for those three climbs, the ride was mostly flat. The first climb started just as we passed the entrance to the campground we would have stayed at if we hadn't stayed with Doug in Netarts. At the top we were in the clouds! We passed by Sand Lake. It was a lake of sand! Beautiful. We were cold, so we stopped at the only store. We got coffee and goodies and visited with the owner. She and her husband grew up in the town. We sat on stools right at the register counter and listened to stories about the area.
We stopped for lunch at Neskowin at the only cafe in town. What a treat. A mix of coffee house and pizza joint. The three of us sat at a counter watching the pizzas being made and put into the wood burning oven. We had debated about the afternoon's route. We could stay on 101 or ride the old 101. Both had a serious climb but "real" 101 was shorter. Our waiter weighed in and told us to go the old route. Great choice. It was a five mile climb, but not too bad. There were hardly any cars and we were riding through a rain forrest. Sweet. The downhill was awesome! At one hairpin turn we were able to wave to Doug as he passed by on the lower section.
Our third and last climb also had an alternate route. We rode below the 101 on a one-way street. One way for cars and a bike lane the width of a normal car lane. Sweet again.
Last night's hiker biker site was the best yet. Our new friends Allen, Harold and Al all showed up later. Two more guys came a lot later. They had ridden over 100 miles and were planning the same for today. No side trips. Just ride. Good for them, but not our kind of bike tour.
Today's ride was a mix of rollers and hills. We mostly had the wind to our back. Some times too much wind.
We stopped early at Bike Newport to get our bike looked at. We got there at 9:45. They were suppose to open at 10 but turns out they had a Tour de France party that morning and had been there since 6AM. What a great shop. They had a "touring" lounge upstairs with a shower and laundry facilities. Got a new chain and had the rear disk brake adjusted.
Doug went ahead at Yachats to his campground while we went shopping for dinner. The ride to the B&B was not very fun. Windy, up and down, no shoulder and lots of RV's.
Tomorrow we will meet Doug in Florence and turn inland for the final leg of this amazing journey.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Netarts, OR
A real house with a kitchen, laundry, bathroom and a computer! We are staying at Doug's mom-in-law's house. Unfortunately she is in the hospital so we do not get to say hi. We had salmon for dinner that Doug caught yesterday with his brother-in-law, Jim. Really good. Ev's doing laundry and we plan to find some ice cream later.
Yesterday we rode from Astoria to Nehalem Bay. Ah, to have the wind to our backs and be riding down the Oregon Coast. Such a pleasure. There were still hills. There are always hills. In fact, we passed over 20,000 feet in vertical climbing for the trip. We rode along the promenade (boardwalk) in Seaside. Many people were out and about and on the beach. Not a SoCal beach day for it was cold and overcast, but they all seemed to enjoy. We stopped for coffee and a treat at Cannon Beach. Cute town with lots of small quaint shops. Our book said there were places down the road to get lunch so we ventured on.
Hug Point State Park was a short downhill ride and walk to the beach. There is a small waterfall going onto the beach and some really cool caves. There is also an old section of the original Hwy 101 when it was (literally) on the beach. You had to time your journey according to the tide. You can see some of the rode just left of us in the above picture.
We never found an open store or cafe the rest of the day. We split a Cliff Bar and some Sport Beans. We were a little spent by the end of the ride. We shopped in Manzanitas just before our campground. We bought cheese, smoked oysters and beer for a late lunch or really appetizers. We also got salad makings for dinner.
The hiker biker site was right at the entrance, not far from bathrooms and showers. We earlier met Allen and Harold on the road and they showed up. We also met three girls earlier that were on the first day of a 5 day bike tour and they showed up. After Al (77 years old, riding 2000 miles this trip), a couple from the Netherlands and a guy from Germany came, there were 11 of us at the site! Great night of stories and trading advice.
Yesterday we rode from Astoria to Nehalem Bay. Ah, to have the wind to our backs and be riding down the Oregon Coast. Such a pleasure. There were still hills. There are always hills. In fact, we passed over 20,000 feet in vertical climbing for the trip. We rode along the promenade (boardwalk) in Seaside. Many people were out and about and on the beach. Not a SoCal beach day for it was cold and overcast, but they all seemed to enjoy. We stopped for coffee and a treat at Cannon Beach. Cute town with lots of small quaint shops. Our book said there were places down the road to get lunch so we ventured on.
We never found an open store or cafe the rest of the day. We split a Cliff Bar and some Sport Beans. We were a little spent by the end of the ride. We shopped in Manzanitas just before our campground. We bought cheese, smoked oysters and beer for a late lunch or really appetizers. We also got salad makings for dinner.
The hiker biker site was right at the entrance, not far from bathrooms and showers. We earlier met Allen and Harold on the road and they showed up. We also met three girls earlier that were on the first day of a 5 day bike tour and they showed up. After Al (77 years old, riding 2000 miles this trip), a couple from the Netherlands and a guy from Germany came, there were 11 of us at the site! Great night of stories and trading advice.
Today's ride took us through Tillamook. We stopped to tour the cheese factory. Us and everybody else for it was very crowded. Doug met us there and we had lunch with him, Jim and Judy and Jim's Aunt. The "girls" and the "guys" also showed up at The Rodeo (the restaurant). Quite a scene of bikes parked along the side of the resturaunt.
We then rode the "Three Capes Scenic Route". It's a thirteen mile ride. The first part was directly into the wind since we were heading northwest. Ugh... not hard but not very fun. Then a hard turn to the south. Yes the wind was to our backs but also up this killer 1 1/2 mile hill. All granny gear all the time. Ev really started to feel bad. Lunch was not agreeing with her. We stopped a number of times, but we made it. Doug had visited him mom-in-law and drove up to meet us at the lighthouse. We were making contingency plans if Ev could not ride again. I could ride the tandem solo, but it is a real weird ride. We saw the lighthouse and the "octupus" tree. Ev started to feel better and insisted she could do it. There were two more hills but not as bad. Hot and sweaty on the rides up and cold on the way down, we made it. Doug drove down and got his recumbent bike and met us just as we got into Netarts to show us the way. 43 miles total today.
Tomorrow is a long day; over 60 miles to Beverely Beach State Park. The tandem - recumbent train will ride again.
A sad note: With a real computer, I uploaded a couple of photos this time. We suspected, but now know, we lost all of our Vancouver pictures. Somehow they got deleted when we charged the battery. Thankfully the iPhone still has photos from those days, so all is not lost.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Leaving Astoria, OR
Yesterday was a day to explore the town. We took the trolley to the maritime museum. We spent a couple hours viewing the numerous exhibits. We then went to another local brew pub for a late light lunch listening to a local jazz band. Back to our B&B we relaxed and read.
We ate diner at the Astoria Coffee House and Bistro. It had a vibe. We had Old Fashions (house recipe) and two seafood entrees. We split orange creme brulee.
On the walk back we saw a car way up on the hill. Below it was a walk street on an even steeper section. We started walking and ended up at the Astoria Column. What a view over looking the two rivers and bridges and the whole city. What a sight!
Another great breakfast at The Rose River Inn. One of the other guests used to own a bike shop so we talked bikes and touring (of course).
We are taking a coffee and pastry break in Cannon Beach. Already have 28 miles behind us.
We ate diner at the Astoria Coffee House and Bistro. It had a vibe. We had Old Fashions (house recipe) and two seafood entrees. We split orange creme brulee.
On the walk back we saw a car way up on the hill. Below it was a walk street on an even steeper section. We started walking and ended up at the Astoria Column. What a view over looking the two rivers and bridges and the whole city. What a sight!
Another great breakfast at The Rose River Inn. One of the other guests used to own a bike shop so we talked bikes and touring (of course).
We are taking a coffee and pastry break in Cannon Beach. Already have 28 miles behind us.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Astoria, OR
Sitting in our room in the B&B. Just had breakfast with a young, newly married and pregnant couple from Portland. Enjoyable conversation about life, kids and (of course) bike touring. Today is a rest day. The bike will stay in the garage while we explore Astoria.
Long cold days of riding since our last post. Our route through Washington was a blur of trees, mud flats and highways. Not many side trips or points of interests.
We did stop at a cute museum in South Bend. It had a lot of info on the local industries of fishing, oysters, logging and cranberry farming. Answered many questions and gave us a new appreciation of the area.
Two days ago we were almost to the KOA campground in Bay Center, WA. We stopped by the grocery store for dinner. There was little to choose from. After much discussion, we had smoked salmon and oysters on Keebler crackers for appetizers. I then made pasta with onion, canned peas and blue cheese "flavored" cream cheese. Pretty good considering. Doug did not know he signed up for a catered trip. We camped next to a family that was moving to So Cal in two weeks. After spending the last couple days with overcast skies, I told them anywhere in So Cal with "beach" in the name would be great. They left early to build sand castles in Long Beach, WA.
Yesterday we rode with Doug in the morning. He left us before lunch and headed toward Tillamook, OR to see his ailing mother-in-law. We will see him again in a couple of days.
After lunch in Ilwaco (oysters) we took a side trip to the Lewis and Clark museum at Cape Disappoint. While Ev and I knew about their expedition, the museum beautifully explained the journey with words, paintings and artifacts. Makes our little 900 mile "adventure" seem pretty tame. We then conquered the bridge. We read in our book about crossing the Astoria bridge over the mouth of the Columbia River. It is 4.2 miles long, no shoulder and scary. Traffic was light and Ev kept a watchful eye on upcoming RV's and trucks. The two most challenging parts were the STEEP incline on the tallest part and the STEEP, curvy descent coming into Astoria. I kept thinking the only thing between me and a real bed was that bridge so we made it unscathed.
Our B&B is lovely. We ate last night at the Columbia Cafe. Three booths and a row of counter stools, the food is prepared right in front of you. It was great. We then went to a brew pub for a pint.
Today we are going to bundle up and go to a farmers market and a maritime museum. There is another microbrewery on tap for lunch.
Long cold days of riding since our last post. Our route through Washington was a blur of trees, mud flats and highways. Not many side trips or points of interests.
We did stop at a cute museum in South Bend. It had a lot of info on the local industries of fishing, oysters, logging and cranberry farming. Answered many questions and gave us a new appreciation of the area.
Two days ago we were almost to the KOA campground in Bay Center, WA. We stopped by the grocery store for dinner. There was little to choose from. After much discussion, we had smoked salmon and oysters on Keebler crackers for appetizers. I then made pasta with onion, canned peas and blue cheese "flavored" cream cheese. Pretty good considering. Doug did not know he signed up for a catered trip. We camped next to a family that was moving to So Cal in two weeks. After spending the last couple days with overcast skies, I told them anywhere in So Cal with "beach" in the name would be great. They left early to build sand castles in Long Beach, WA.
Yesterday we rode with Doug in the morning. He left us before lunch and headed toward Tillamook, OR to see his ailing mother-in-law. We will see him again in a couple of days.
After lunch in Ilwaco (oysters) we took a side trip to the Lewis and Clark museum at Cape Disappoint. While Ev and I knew about their expedition, the museum beautifully explained the journey with words, paintings and artifacts. Makes our little 900 mile "adventure" seem pretty tame. We then conquered the bridge. We read in our book about crossing the Astoria bridge over the mouth of the Columbia River. It is 4.2 miles long, no shoulder and scary. Traffic was light and Ev kept a watchful eye on upcoming RV's and trucks. The two most challenging parts were the STEEP incline on the tallest part and the STEEP, curvy descent coming into Astoria. I kept thinking the only thing between me and a real bed was that bridge so we made it unscathed.
Our B&B is lovely. We ate last night at the Columbia Cafe. Three booths and a row of counter stools, the food is prepared right in front of you. It was great. We then went to a brew pub for a pint.
Today we are going to bundle up and go to a farmers market and a maritime museum. There is another microbrewery on tap for lunch.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Twin Harbors State Park, WA
Not only the longest day (76.8 miles) but the wind in our faces made it worse. Nothing like going downhill, on a tandem, loaded with 50 lbs of gear and still only doing 12 mph. Needless to say we were in the saddle a long time. Our butts hurt. Many discussions about stopping, getting a hotel, or taking a shortcut. In the end we prevailed. The store our book promised us turned out to be a gas station with a Subway. Mmm those sandwiches tasted good. Being so cold and windy on the ride in, we thought we were in for a cold damp night. Actually is was a great campsite. We built a fire and enjoyed our dinner. This morning all is dry.
Today is only 50 miles, flat and the wind to our backs. We hope.
Today is only 50 miles, flat and the wind to our backs. We hope.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Potlatch State Park, WA
Just a long day in the saddle (65 miles) Another day of "rollers".
One big climb. No side trips.
We did get off the main highway for awhile. That was nice.
Big salad for dinner. It's amazing how well we eat at camp.
One big climb. No side trips.
We did get off the main highway for awhile. That was nice.
Big salad for dinner. It's amazing how well we eat at camp.
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