We have made a trek out to the Pacific today and dipped our rear wheels in the ocean. Tomorrow morning we’ll start east, riding Rt 126 back to Eugene where we’ll camp for the night. The time here has gone well and been valuable. Since arriving Sunday night I’ve had time to get the bikes assembled and tested and we’ve done a little riding here in the Florence area, found a bike shop to buy some spare spokes, shipped our train trip clothes and some odds and ends home and packed and re-packed our panniers. They don’t get any smaller or lighter with repacking. But I’m pretty sure we have everything we’ll need.
Bike specific comment – I had a bright idea, inspired by something I saw on someone’s blog. I used expanding aerosol insulation foam as filler/protection in the bike boxes. Worked great for structural protection but raised havoc with paint (stupid, stupid, I should have put the frames in plastic bags first) especially on Judith’s beautiful new bike. I owe her for this one.
Florence is a great place to start this trip. It’s beautiful in a very northwest manner, forests right down to the river and the ocean and massive sand dune area. It’s also been a good chance to load up on seafood which I doubt we’re going to see a week from now in ID.
Tomorrow will be our first real challenge. Need to cover about 70 miles, twisting and climbing, with the bikes fully loaded. We saw part of our route on the drive here and it was beautiful but there was more traffic than I had hoped for and an inconsistent shoulder. Driver’s here are pretty bike aware so it is what it is and we’ll deal with it. I’ll try to post a couple of pictures tonight before we leave.
Michael
Did you dip your toes too? Is it as cold as the Atlantic at the Cape? Congrats on a successful start and we'll be rooting for you as you start riding!
ReplyDeleteCannot believe that it's that hot. It really must be you guys (just like the Maine trip). Please get that out of your system before I arrive on the 14th. I do like heat, however not oppressive heat. Donna and I are telling everyone about what you guys are doing. Most people say "what are they crazy?". But the other day I told someone and they said "So awesome. You have the coolest parents!". And we totally agree. Good luck tomorrow. And Michael...make sure you HYDRATE!!. Love you guys
ReplyDeleteYou are definitely not just the COOLEST parents, but coolest friends, too! I would definitely be up for the Oregonian seafood, but that 70 mile first day is a hum dinger! The wind will ALWAYS be from the west! Have a fantastic journey.
ReplyDeleteLove,
John and Paula
everything is fine and dandy on grant avenue - and your house is being well watched by the local police - bob wants to know if you paid off the pba - they are watching your house like fort knox! Happy riding! Provare is opening this weekend - so that will have to be a visit when you get back. Have a wonderful trip - and hope the weather continues - its raining in GF! Love, amy and bob
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