Sunday, August 30, 2009 In the air . . .

As the plane leaves Portland for a short layover in Salt Lake City and then another leg to Memphis, the pilot just announced that the Three Sisters, Mt. Jefferson, and Mt. Hood are off to the left (I think) of the plane. Unfortunately the day is cloudy and there is no visibility from my seat in 21C. So, I say a final, non-visual "so long" to this beautiful area of God's creation. What a pleasure to cross the Cascades over McKenzie Pass and all the other mountain passes (Alpowa, White Bird, Old Winchester Rd. come to mind) that I crossed, as well as the coastal mountains which we seemed to cross several times over the final 3-4 days. . . .Ann C. and I met for breakfast today in the hotel, followed by final "so longs" with those who gathered in the lobby. This group became such a close knit bunch - many happy memories were made. . . . Several blog pages ago I hinted at my next adventure. Some know that I've signed up for the Northern Tier: West in June, 2010 - Anacortes, WA to Fargo, ND. And, I'm thinking the Death Valley Tour, which is one week in February, might provide a good warm-up ride! What better way to stay motivated re exercise and good health? . . . So long for now. . .

Saturday, August 29, 2009 Portland/Marriott Hotel

The final day of the Northwest Loop dawned soupy and misty, but our spirits were high. After the 6:15 hotel breakfast, Virginia and I pulled out at 6:40 am. For almost the first 40 miles we had an on again off again rain and poor visibility through wet sunglasses (yellow lenses). This same mileage and beyond was interesting because, unbeknowst to WT when our dates were set, the Hood To Coast was also scheduled for today. That means there were 20,000 runners on the road! Since they were running in relay teams, we didn't actually see that many but we did see hundreds and hundreds! The event started at the Timberline Lodge at Mt. Hood, went for 197 miles (24 hrs./day) to Seaside, OR, on the coast, ending on Sunday. When we were in Seaside yesterday, workers were setting up the many tents for selling food, souvenirs, etc., to the runners. There were two aspects of this event that were positives for us. (1) We were entertained for 40 miles dodging runners and laughing at their support vehicles which were cleverly decorated, and (2) except for our own support vehicles, there was NO vehicular traffic in our lane. All the support vehicles were going west toward the coast. Due to the rain, about half of our group called it a day and drove to Portland in the van. My faithful partner and I, however, were determined to get to Portland in time to deliver our bikes to the bike shop for packing and shipping home. I must confess to a slight sinking spell early in the day, but once the rain stopped, I perked up. During the day we had several long, steep climbs and one really enjoyable downhill that I remember. At mile 75 I felt better than I did yesterday at the end of 45 miles. At about mile 78 and 90, I went through a package of sport beans (instant energy) that boosted my endurance. Virginia claimed that I ran off and left her! We came out of the forests and hills at mile 78 and followed Hwy. 30 for the last 17 miles to the Portland city limits - fast traffic, wide shoulder and LOUD. The final miles were through neighborhoods until we reached the downtown Marriott Hotel. Virginia and I completed the century in 8 hours of riding time at an average of 12.5 mph - not too shabby. . . . Tonight's final dinner was in the Mt. Hood room and was delicious - salmon, chicken, roasted potatoes, fresh green beans, salad, cheesecake, champagne. In closing, each lady told something about themselves that no one else knew and also what they liked best about the tour. I mentioned being Queen of the Columbus Pilgrimage in 1963 and having such a good riding partner for the entire tour. This truly was an incredible group of women - each determined to stay fit, have fun cycling and enjoy making new friends. . . . The ride today through the forest of sky tall trees, along (for the most part) quiet, rural roads was truly gorgeous, but, due to the low clouds and rain, was totally lacking in beautiful views. I regret that I never really got a goodlook at Mt. Hood. So, I'll just have to return some day to central Oregon. I certainly enjoyed being here during the Month of August, 2009.

Friday, August 28, 2009 Astoria, OR

Because of a short ride today, our breakfast wasn't until 8:00. Before that, though, the stem on my back tire blew off when I attempted to add air. Guess it didn't need any air! Denise came to my rescue and helped me get it changed. Was still on the road by 8:15. The ride along the ocean was hilly but quite scenic despite low clouds. I particiularly enjoyed riding through Cannon Beach with all its expresso shops and other quaint looking shops. No one took time to stop, but it was fun to ride along and speak to people as they strolled by. We saw several groups of self-contained bikers today. It was along this road, too, that we saw several haystacks (rock formations in the ocean that resemble haystacks), and at Cannon Beach, we stopped to take pictures of one that is 235 ft. high and is the third largest coastal monolith in the world!! At Seaside we stopped again to take pictures of the beautiful statute of Lewis and Clark which commemorates the end of their awesome journey to explore the northwest and reach the Pacific Ocean. Following that stop we had a beautiful, forest ride on the Lewis and Clark Rd to the Interpretive Center at Fort Clatsop (named for the Clatsop Indian tribe). The fort, of course, was at the top of a very steep climb. The explorers were looking for a good place to winter and this spot was chosen. After a month of climbing, we're accustomed to finding the best views and museums on the top of mountains! I actually thought to myself today that several years ago there was no way that I could have made today's climb. Now, it almost seems like just another climb. I hope I can stay in shape for next summer's ride. Stay tuned for info on that. .. Coming out of the museum which also had a reconstructed fort that we walked through (but did not take time for any of the great trails), we found it was raining. In addition to my raingear which I'd had on all day for warmth, I added legwarmers and my fingered gloves. We had a steady rain for the final seven miles into Astoria. Again, my core stayed dry and warm but the glasses needed washers. Arrived safely at the Holiday Inn Express. Since our rooms weren't ready, Virginia, Mary and I enjoyed lunch across the street at the Pig and Pancake (great chowder and 1/2 roast beef sandwich). The sun came out long enough for me to wash down my bike and get it ready for tomorrow. After getting cleaned up, Kathie, Penney and I were able to catch the last trolley of the afternoon when it stopped at our hotel. It runs for about four miles along the Columbia River with a running commentary by the conductors of the local sites. Since this was all we were able to see of Astoria, we were really pleased to have the ride. . . . Linda's last dinner was, of course, delicious. Because of the rain, we were allowed to use the breakfast room for eating. Hopefully, this rain will clear out tonight and we'll have a dry day tomorrow for the century. This is quite "iffy". Well, I've just about come to end of a most wonderful and beautiful bike journey. I can honestly say that I've enjoyed every day - the people, the routes, the scenery, the food :)), the endless climbs and the endless downhills. Yes, I even rejoiced today over the downhills which were long, fast and not too curvy! Truly, from the rising of the sun until it's going down, each day I have praised the Lord and thanked Him for allowing me the privilege of good health, the ability to bike, and for the many good friends that have come my way through this tremendous sport.

Thursday, August 27, 2009 Manzanita, OR

How nice to sleep today until about 7 am. Walked with others up the road to a quirky little cafe for ham and cheese breakfast role and coffee. Back at the room, I took my bike outside for a little maintenance (chain lube and tightening up bolts after yesterday's jolt down from Cape Meares), and decided to go ahead and change out the front tire. It looked as though it might not make another road like yesterday's. Of course I'm now at the local library updating the blog from about Monday. . . It's really cool here and totally overcast. Earlier there was a heavy fog. Rain is expected for tomorrow, :(( but we'll see. (I only have 14 minutes left, so will finish this later, maybe in Astoria. Will read a few more emails while there's time remaining.)
Astoria but still writing on Manzanita: Wandered up and down the main drag of Manzanita and visited with different pairs of WT gals. I'd like to know how much money was spent by us at a shop called Syzygy. I managed to get in and out at no expense. .. Did, however, treat myself to a homemade cookie: It's 4 PM and the sun is finally out. There was a heavy fog this morning and has been overcast all day and chilly. Rain expected tomorrow. For now, the sun and the waves are beautiful. Dinner tonight was salmon fish and chips at The Chowderhouse Restaurant (don't recommend this restaurant) This group of women has been so congenial. I'm really grateful for the friendships I've made, as well as for the ones renewed. It's been an altogether enjoyable tour.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009 Manzanita, OR

Leaving today at 7:40 it was quite chilly but also sunny. . . We backtracked (for me) along the same route Gerry took me on last night for supper with the Griffins. I'm sure I was close to Gerald's family tent when we started up our first steep hill - the first of several. The Cape Lookout climb was close to two miles and 8 - 9% grade. The second real toughy was 1.2 miles @ 4-9%. Then, getting to Cape Meares was two miles at 7-8%. There was another one before Meares that was 9-11%!!. Then, just before entering this coastal village , there was one last steep bump! So, this was a day of very steep climbs. Some of the worst aspects, though, were the heavy traffic on 101 out of Tillamook (think cheese and ice cream) and the horrendously rough/rutted descent after Cape Meares. It probably was beautiful, but I couldn't take my eyes off the road. It truly was awful. We decided OR needs a stimulus package to repair some of its roads. A bunch stopped in Tillamook at the Blue Goose Cafe and had a fabulous 1/2 turkey sandwich and salad. Later stopped at the Tillamook Cheese Factory for ice cream. Some took the self-guided tour. With 25 miles still to go, Va and I pressed on. After seven more miles on busy Hwy. 101, we were routed onto Miami River Road for 13 miles. This pleasant road wound around the base of coastal mountains and back to hwy. 101. The road into Manzanita took us straight down to the beach. My room actually looks onto the beach and there's a beautiful sunset. The waves seem huge - much larger than I remember seeing at Sullivan's Island, SC. This touristy town will be fun to explore tomorrow on our day off. It's hard to believe this journey is coming to an end - only two more days of biking and then home. :))

Tuesday, August 25, 2009 Neskowin, OR

Leaving Corvallis about 7:20 today in a light mist, the mist soon turned to light rain. Thankfully, I was dressed appropriately and was quite comfortable. If there was a problem, it was wet glasses. Someone should invent windshield washers for glasses! It stopped raining at about 16 miles and was cloudy most of the day til late in the ride when the sun really came out. We had several steep climbs, especially the four mile climb on Scenic Hwy. 101. That was exquisitely beautiful thru what appeared to me to be a virgin wood of Douglas firs, thick ferns and other greenery. The downhill side was fun but really bumpy toward the bottom. A lot of today's ride was on very busy Hwy. 22 and 18 - lots of trucks and mobile homes headed for the casinoes or the coast. Neskowin is on the road map but appears quite small - like a series of motels. The Neskowin Resort actually houses the local post office and laundry mat. . .About two hours out this AM, Virginia noticed my rear tire was low and suggested, because it wasn't flat, that we just pump it up and go. She was kind enough to use her pump. At the next SAG stop, I pumped it up some more with the big pump. It stayed up all day, but the tire looked bald in a five inch section. :(( I replaced it with a Continental tire from the WT stock and Denise put it on for me using the same tube which appears to be fine. It retrospect I probably should have replaced both tires before leaving Memphis. . . Lou Ellyn and Gerry, my friends from Salem, OR, were here when I arrived about 3 PM. They drove up with daughter Paige and little Carlos to see their son and his family who are camping close by. The Griffins invited me to join their family for dinner at The Pelican Pub and Brewery at Pacific City. It really meant a lot to see the children and grandchildren. I somehow always seem to have friends along the way on these bike trips. :))

Monday, August 24, 2009 Corvallis, OR

Because of such a short, flat ride (40 mi) and really cool morning, we slept in a little today, had breakfast in the motel and left about 8:40. The terrain was strictly farmland through several small Mennonite communities. It seemed as though all the homes were extremely neat and had beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. We saw lots of peach and pear orchards, as well as filbert orchards. At some point we picked up the Willamette River adn followed that to Corvallis. In Corvallis several of us immediately spotted McMenamins (chain where we ate back in Troutdate). We were able to sit at an outside table and enjoyed the best clam chowder! Later, we rode thru downtown, a college town with 3 bike shops and lots of expresso shops. We also discovered the lovely river walk. I must admit that I don't explore our stopover towns as I probably should. Once I get cleaned up, I sort of poop out. .. .The roads on this trip have had great shoulders. The NW really supports cycling, not only in the towns, but also on the highways. . . . It's been good this afternoon to have a chance to talk with Judy and catch up on her life. We rode together last summer. In fact, we met at the San Diego Airport. Another 'slow news' day.