Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Unbelievable Day

Sept 4, 2012  Lincoln City to Florence Oregon

The only words I can use to describe today are WOW, SPECTACULAR and AMAZING.  The scenery today was indescribable.  It was the longest distance I have ever ridden and the climbing was pretty tough too but I did it and I'm still smiling.  I couldn't have finished today without Mark's encouragement and support.

We began our day riding through Lincoln City meandering along their "cottage country" and then we rejoined Highway 101.  Mark and I started riding with Joe Schroeder and Rick Olafson and we were moving, probably averaging around 17 mph.  It was my first experience in a paceline and they even let me lead for a bit.  I was able to stay with them for over an hour and the time passed quickly.  We left 101 and took something called the Otter Crest Loop which was a one way road almost completely free of cars and the views were amazing.  We had forest on both sides but to our right through the trees was the Pacific Ocean.  Here is a picture of Joe, Rick and I from one of the viewpoints.


Rick, Joe and I on the Otter Crest Loop

We were together with them almost all the way to the first SAG stop.  After refilling our water bottles and eating (again) we started meandering along the coast some more.  We came to a major bridge called the Yaquina bridge.  There was no way I was riding it so Mark and I walked.  We later learned that almost all of us walked this bridge, only a few brave souls rode it.
A view of the bridge we walked over.  Smart move right?


Mark took this from the high point on the bridge.
Not for anyone afraid of heights.


Mark and I moved on alone for most of the rest of the day.  We rode a bit with John and Barb Soley from Cleveland.  We rode the last 10 miles or so together with them and froze in the wind and fog at the Sea Lion Cave at the top of one uphill section.  All in all it was a very tiring but spectacular day.  At one point, the tail winds were so strong that Mark and I were blown up a 4% grade hill!!! Amazing.

Here are my Garmin stats for today, a total of 78 miles and 4500 feet of climbing.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/218961165

Tomorrow we go to Bandon (home of the famous Bandon Dunes golf resort).  I would love to play but it will be a 75 mile ride to get there and even I won't have the energy for golf after that.  I'll have to get Mark to come back here with me just to play the courses in Bandon.

Hope everyone at home is good.  We have 3 more days until our day off in the bustling metropolis of Crescent City, California.  I'm going to look online now and find a massage therapist there...I will need it for sure.

3 comments:

  1. Way to go, Mark and Susan! The girls and I are looking forward to seeing your daily adventures..Our thoughts and prayers will always be with you and Mark..ride safely..we miss you.. :) <3

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  2. I am in awe of the mileage and the terrain you have faced in only a few days. It's like running a marathon every day! How do you even have the energy to blog at the end of the day?!!! I love that Mark has your back. I'm proud of your determination - I can only imagine how life changing this adventure is for you.
    Love you, Dina
    p.s. very smart about the bridge!

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  3. I too am very proud of you that you were smart enough to walk the bridge. Who says you don't learn from your mistakes!

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