Wally World

As hard as it was getting to Sisters the easier it was leaving. It was a little cold but the sun was shinning and I had a ten to fifteen knot tailwind. Life was good. It was as if the the good Lord looked down and said, you poor dumb young'un I am going to cut you a break. I had level ground almost all the way and with the tailwind I made good time to Ochoco Reservoir about eight miles east of Prineville. I stopped at the state run campground and was met by Wally. Wally and his wife of 59 years run the park through the summer. He said I was the eighth person to come through so far this year. He also informed me the grocery store across the street had been closed two years. (I really need to look at those Transamerica errata sheets) I was bummed because I planned to load up there for the ride up Ochoco Pass.Wally came to the rescue! It seems Mrs Wally wanted Chinese takeout for dinner and Wally was heading into town and asked if I wanted to ride along. Wally is 74 and he and his wife live in an RV. When not tending to the campground they park at his granddaughter's and helps with the great grand kids. Since I was the only one in the park he gave me the primo spot. I think even Marty could catch a trout out of that lake. Beautiful setting with the mountains as a backdrop. And sometime during the night I thought I heard an Elk bellow from across the lake. Of course it could have been the burrito I had in Prineville. It was a little cold during the night and frost was on the ground this morning. I hurriedly packed got extra water and hit the road. No tailwind but another beautiful day. From the campsite to the pass it's 24 miles with a climb. But this climb was a slow uphill grade and only getting steep the last couple of miles. Along the way I noticed how dramatic the difference East and West Oregon really are. East Oregon gets about 60 inches of rain a year. (I think most of it fell on me) but West Oregon only gets about 10. Much more arid, almost desert like, sagebrush and all. East Oregon also has llamas, Eve. After the climb I was rewarded again with another six mile screaming dive to the valley below. After the descent, again, I was struck with the beauty and majesty of the Oregon mountains. Yesterday and today reaffirmed my reason for starting this journey. Two miles west of Mitchell I started back uphill. And when I leave the Oregon Hotel, I immediately have Keyes Creek Pass to climb. Now, I know that Real Man wouldn't, but, I am taking tomorrow off. There's less than 200 people in Mitchell and I am going to see how many I can meet.

Sisters

When I left Ellie's B&B I planned on 35 miles to split the distance to Sisters. That would make me fresh for the climb up Santiam Pass. As I started out no wind no rain, however that didn't last. Five miles out, rain again and a constant uphill grade. I logged the miles but when I started looking for places to sleep most of the campgrounds were closed. The wind and cold rain had taken its' toll and I needed rest. No problem, I have my three season tent and new gear purchased thanks to Kristi and Matt. I looked for a level spot off the road and started spreading my tent while trying to keep it dry. Hard to do. It was only three in the afternoon but I'd had enough for the day. I got some dry clothes on and settle back to rest. The rain was a constant patter on the tent fly and had me worried about getting wet. Now from three till dark what do you do in a tent in the woods when it's raining cold water. Read a book, didn't bring one-make a phone call, no service. So I tried to get comfortable and take a nap. I haven't found the correct way to force myself to go to sleep yet. Finally, the sun went down and I thought I'd sleep better. I was all snuggled in and of course had to go the bathroom. I put my boots on and went out when the rain slackened. As I did my business I started thinking about the photo of the puma the gas station attendant had shot. Quickly I went back to the tent and pulled the sleeping bag around me. What about bears, elk and rabid squirrels? What if a tree falls on me? I pulled my flashlight closer and my little companion even closer. Needless to say I spent a good portion of the night listening to the rain hit the fly and wondering when I'd be jerk out of the tent by my feet.
When the sun came up I got right to it. Still raining. I only had 35 miles to do today but I was nervous because at the end of yesterdays climb my legs were cramping.
Any other time the scenery would have been beautiful, today I didn't see much at all.
In addition to the rain there was fog, not heavy but enough to limit what I could see around me. Frankly, I looked about two feet ahead except when I was encouraging myself to make the sign, or curve guard or tree, anything to keep me moving. I would have liked to have taken a lot of pictures but due to the rain I kept digging. When I got to the summit I couldn't wait to start down. Snow covered most of the mountain so the temperature was much colder but the rain had not turned to snow. There was a six mile descent down the mountain. I now know what Jean experienced on her trip. Yahoo. When I got to the bottom my legs were like stumps and it took several miles before I got feeling back into them. I've got to be honest and say the last to days have been the toughest I've ever experienced on a bicycle. I am sure there are more ahead but for now these two take the cake.

Nimrod

Got back on the horse yesterday. The local news in Springfield said Sunday night the coast would be hit with tropical force winds and driving rain. Monday morning the news said around Springfield the winds wouldn't be high till around 4 o'clock. So I started toward the mountains. I had gone about 10 miles and it started to rain.
More rain! Just can't stay dry. To make matters worse the road has narrowed as I get closer to the mountains and shoulders are only about a foot wide. From Springfield to Nimrod the field elevation increased from 500 to 1000'. After 20 miles of rain, grade, and logging trucks, I took a chance on a B&B (Mckenzie River Inn) in Nimrod. I am glad I did. I was the only visitor and had the house to myself complete with fireplace and washing machine and dryer. Ellie the innkeeper was a delightful hostess. She has gone out of her way to make my stay wonderful. As I signed in I noticed the McKenzie River runs directly behind the house and humming birds everywhere. Ellie puts out bird feeders with sugar water and they were constantly zooming around the back porch. This morning I get breakfast with Ellie and then I'll be on my way. I am doing the blog this morning because there are limited facilities for the next two days. The next two days get tougher. A 5000 foot climb and the rain is supposed to continue till Thursday with limited facilities. Not sure where I'll sleep tonight.

Stalled

Yesterday was supposed to be a nice, easy, 40 mile ride to Springfield. Started out that way. I was a little cold the night I camped and Kristi and Matt found online, a sporting goods store about a block from my hotel. So I packed and biked there before I departed. I found an insert for my sleeping bag, wool socks, and more thermal underwear and picked their brain for awhile. After gathering my gear, repacking I departed Corvallis a little later than I wanted. But, no problem--just 40 miles with fairly nice conditions, a little overcast but the temperature was around 55. The first ten miles were uneventful, with good views of the mountains to my left and prime farmlands throughout. Several farmers had little stands set up along the way selling plants for regrowing. It wasn't a very busy highway so I doubt they sold very much. The wind picked up a little and since the route had a slight uphill grade I had to gear down. Then the rain started. Light at first, enough just to be annoying so I kept peddling thinking it would stop. It didn't and about ten miles down the road I donned a Walmart waterproof rain jacket. Now the rain is heavy. When I got to Harrisburg, about 23 miles, I stopped at a mini mart for a break. I was soaking wet. I quickly put on a dry shirt and made about five trips to the bathroom changing clothes and repacking again. I've thrown away two short sleeved shirts and a pair of shorts. I drank a sport drink, ate a banana and generally stalled an hour until the rain lighten. Back on the road I am feeling pretty good, I am dry and I have only about 14 miles to Coburg, then six to Springfield. I had gone about five miles and the wind picked up again and the rain started. Then the wind turned to gusts and heavy rain started. At about the worst part of the storm, I noticed a slight shimmy in the back. Oh no, not now, I thought. Yeah, the tire was slowly losing air. I looked for a sheltered place to hide and peddled harder but the leak didn't stop. Fearing I would make matters worse by riding nearly on the rim now, I stopped.Rain, hard rain, and frontal gust like wind. I noticed a farmhouse about two hundred yards across the road and pushed in that direction. Nobody was home, so I pushed another two hundred yards to a sole white framed house. The lady of the house gave me permission to change the tire on the porch. It took about an hour, because of all the gear. I only used the hand pump so I didn't have full pressure in the tire. But the rain had slowed to a drizzle. Riding into Coburg I met three other, loaded bikers doing the trail to Wyoming. They were stopping at Coburg but I had it in my mind to get to Springfield so I pressed on, missing a great opportunity. About five miles from Springfield I am bucking a ten knot headwind with a poorly inflated tire.That,s OK I can make it. Just outside of the town I stopped at a store for a drink and directions to the nearest hotel. Just go down the road, turn left, then turn right on main and you,ll see plenty. About two miles he says. After five I stopped acop and got directions to the Vally Inn where I got the last room available. After shedding my wet clothes and taking a hot shower I turned to the poorly inflated tire.I put the inflater with CO2 on and the tire firmed but when I pulled it away the stem came with it. Damn! What next. I went to get another tube and discovered I had only one more. The other two I bought for the trip are sitting safely at home. Needless to say I replaced the tube very, very carefully. I was beat, whipped and tired. Tomorrow is Sunday, bike shops closed, I am going nowhere. That was yesterday.Today, I found an open bike shop in Eugene and only a seven mile ride from the hotel.I had new tires, and brake pads put on and bought five spare tubes. I rode to and from Eugene through the park without being rained on and gratefully without another flat. The Eugene marathon was taking place through the park and lots of people were out and about, but little traffic. The bike shop was on 5Th Ave. a street similar to 5Th St in Austin, TX. lots of unique shops, bars, and restaurants. Missing the camaraderie with the three bikers yesterday and having an unexpected surprise of the beauty of the city of Eugene reminded me why I set out on this journey in the first place. You might say an elbow to the ribs.

Hotel Richie

Yesterday I went 75 miles (I took a shortcut). Along the way I saw the pretty countryside of Oregon. From Seaside to Bay City I saw beautiful, rich farm land and at one farm a herd of goats. They didn't faint when I rode by so I don't know what kind they were. The people I've met so far are friendly and helpful. For example, I made a water stop in Tillamook. The young lady behind the counter was so interested in my trip she went to her car and plugged cities into her GPS to show me distances, very nice. After I got my water and a Red Bull I stood outside relaxing and this man walked up and just started chatting. Turns out Dick Crossley owns the store and the Tillamook Country Smoker, a huge beef jerky factory. Before he left he gave me his card and made me promise to call him if I ran into trouble. A nicer man you wouldn't meet. Later on in the day I passed a huge herd of llamas of all types. I would have stopped and taken a few pictures for Eve but I was afraid I wouldn't get back on the bike. When I got to Grand Ronde I looked for the hotel noted on my map. Turns out it was a casino with attached inn that I am sure my sister Sandra could have stayed at free of charge. But, when I strolled into the lobby and asked for the rate I thought, now's a good time to checkout my camping gear. And the rate they were going to charge me was after I told them I was one quarter Cherokee and deserved the brotherhood rate. I John Wayned it back to my bike (remember 75 miles) and rode down the road to a Qwik Mart. By this time I was looking for anything as I was tired, legs were cramping and my butt was screaming stop. I got a corn dog and ask the attendant where the nearest campground was. Across the street. I never would have found it. I paid my ten dollars and pitched my tent near the bathhouse. I laid in the tent and listened to my Ipod until the sun went down and settled down for a good nights rest. Now, I have found the firmest mattress of all which made me toss and turn to find a comfortable position. Sometime during the night I heard voices, one said, yeah my sister has one like that. Then I heard one approaching my tent. I yelled out that they had better leave my stuff alone. Then one rushed to my bike and started opening my saddlebag pockets. I tried to jump up and couldn't, I was being held down. I started kicking but couldn't raise my legs. I was struggling to get up but couldn't move. Just before I screamed for my life, I woke up. These darn sleeping bags take some getting used to. And that's why I am in a hotel tonight. Today I biked only 50 miles on more level stretches. Oregon is really biker friendly and today I benefited from bike paths and wide shoulders. Some rolling hills, but nothing like the last two days. But looking at the map, the Cascades are looming with a 5000' climb.

Release the Hounds

Well I got to Oregon without any problems. The USAir flights from Charlotte to Las Vegas and Portland went without a hitch. Although, I did lose $50 in the terminal in Las Vegas. As we made our approach into Portland I was awed by how green everything was. The grass and trees were lush and just beautiful. After landing I had to get from the airport to the center of town. But, have to say the mass transit system in Portland is great. I caught a train that goes to and from the airport and then a bus that dropped me off at the Amtrak station. Had to wait three hours for the 6:20pm bus to Astoria which put me there at 8:30. Was looking for a cheap hotel while walking in the rain carrying the rest of my gear that I forgot to ship via FedX. I walked till I smelled curry and knew I found the right place. The hotel was right on main street so I went to sleep with the steady roar of angry truckers. No problem, I think my snoring gave good competition. This morning I awoke to 45 degree day and walked to the bike shop. Scott of Bikes and Beyond had my sled ready and all I had to do was repack and go. I thought about staying there an extra day and starting out Thursday but what the heck. I rode pretty much along the coast, but mixed with three very long and steep climbs. The last went from sea level up to 1600'. I rode about 50 miles from Astoria to Manzanita and the last climb made me cry uncle. I wanted to go about 60 miles but I needed a hot shower and something cold to drink and I was afraid if I went further I'd have to call Dan Kendrick for an emergency leg massage. Along the way I crossed the Columbia river, saw the monument on the boardwalk at Seaside that marks the end of the Lewis and Clark expedition, and ate what was billed as "the best Ruben on the planet". Carnegy Grill in NY isn't in danger. Tommorow I'd like to make Sandlake...but.

On the Move

Monday I took the bike and a lot of gear to FedX and shipped it all to Astoria, Or. I am starting there instead of Florence for ease of transportation. That will add about 100 miles to the trip but will give me the opportunity to explore Oregon a little more. Tuesday I left home for a few visits before heading to Oregon. Yesterday I stopped in New Port Richie to visit Kristi and her husband Matt (married on the beach) and today will stop in Gainesville. My oldest daughter lives in gator country, being a ' 75 nole, I'll suffer somewhat just to see her. Thursday we go to NC to visit my sisters, some friends and attend a family reunion. Then on Tuesday 28 April I'll depart Charlotte, NC via USAir for Portland and then on to Astoria.
In the past the "adventure" has been an abstract idea, something to dream about, plan for and something to focus on as a future event. Now the time has come and I'd be lying if I said I didn't have second thoughts. That's a long way. How will the altitude affect me? What about the crime? What happens if a gang of crazed motorcycle riders.....? What about my family, my friends, my dogs? All of these concerns have run through my mind this past week as I prepared to leave Marco yesterday. Am I being selfish? Or am I just denying the fact that I'll be 60 fraking years old in October. I've tossed and turned at three o'clock in the morning trying to answer some of these questions. Sometimes you just have to say, what the heck.