California here we are

Friday Sept 7, 2012  Gold Beach Oregon to Crescent City California

Lucy and Ricky Ricardo have nothing on us.  The Weisbarth's made it to California today.

Don't ask me why I'm holding my bike, I really don't
have a good reason.

I don't mind saying that today was a very long, cold and wet day.  We started out immediately with a 4 mile climb up to about 750 feet where I could see my breath and my glasses were covered with water.  Did I mention it was cold and wet today?  The views were mostly cloudy but you could still see the amazing coast.  We stopped about 4 times in the first 15 miles just to see the rock formations and views.  According to Mike Munk our tour leader, the Pacific shoreline was formed by a volcano, which is probably why it reminds Mark and I of Hawaii.  The weather however is nothing like Hawaii.

I was really dragging this morning and Mark had to give me a little push...I blurted out a few 4 letter words and even a 5 letter word back at him.  After a few more miles (and epithets) I got my ass in gear and soldiered on.  We practiced doing intervals on some of the uphills and that seemed to help my mood so that by the time we were half way through the day I felt better.  My mood definitely improved when we arrived in California.  We even rode for a while with Jeff and Joe (the "big boys") and they let me beat them up one hill!!! 

After a stop at Subway where 2 can dine for $9.99, we checked into the Quality Inn in Crescent City.  I'm not sure this hotel should be allowed to use the word "quality" in their name but I'm not a branding expert.  I also think Crescent City should be renamed Crescent Shitty because...it is.   I heard a number of people saying how they needed a rest day and we were all anxious to get here.  I know I was sure ready to get off the bike today.  We said goodbye to Margo Addison (one of Mark's alumni friends from his cross country trip in 2010) and we welcomed 2 couples from Colorado.  They sure looked bright eyed and bushy tailed...

Since I'm taking the day off tomorrow from riding, I'm going to take the day off from blogging.  Hope everyone has a nice Saturday and I will be back in touch on Sunday from Eureka, California.

From L-R: Chris, John, Howard, Me, Shirley, Mark, Joe, Jeff, Barb, Don and John

Bah Humbug

Thursday Sept 6, 2012  Bandon to Gold Beach Oregon

Today started a little later than the previous 4 days because we had a shorter distance to ride (only 57 miles; imagine a world where 57 miles, or 95 kms, is a short ride!!!).  We rode the first 10 miles or so in a light drizzle, more like a cloud cover than anything else...I should have had windshield wipers on my glasses.  As it was, I didn't take my jacket or extra gloves off all day and the temperature never got above 56 fahrenheit.

Oh, by the way, I ate breakfast this morning beside another rider named Phyllis.  She is an experienced rider and is 55 years old.  She burned 3200 calories yesterday according to her Garmin and I burned 1300.  This is really starting to piss me off.  There is clearly something wrong with my Garmin, so I went online and googled this issue.  Apparently this is a software problem, so that's my story and I'm sticking with it.  I am a human software problem.

About 5 miles from the SAG stop, Mark and I were climbing up a hill when he stopped.  I continued to the top and he yelled something and I saw that he was off his bike.  By the time I could get my phone out it was ringing and Mark told me he had a flat tire.  The timing of this is kind of funny, as just this morning, Mark asked the tour leader when he was going to give us a "tire changing clinic" (like the one he did during Mark's ride 2 years ago).  I guess asking for a tire clinic is like saying the number "7" at the craps table, you say it and then it comes true...bad luck.

It was a pretty uneventful day other than Mark's flat tire and we rode for a good portion along the Pacific coast (what we could see of it).  Around the 33 mile mark we rode up and over Humbug Mountain. Bah Humbug I say! This mountain don't scare me none. I "crushed" the climb. OK, I didn't crush it, but I did make it safely over, even going through a construction zone.  Here is a video of me riding on Mt Humbug:

http://youtu.be/JDhLFtOScA4

As you can see, I'm not having a good time at all.

We are staying in a pretty cool "old school" motel a short walk from the beach. It's the kind of place you've driven by a hundred times and more than likely said, not stayin' there, ever. But the room we're in is really cozy and is quite nice, plus it has a view of the sand dunes and the ocean.  A couple of riders walked down to the water and went swimming.  The water was no more than 55 degrees.  Too cold for me, the only people I know brave enough to go in water that cold is Benji Lipson and the Vancer.  We have an 81 year old man named Herb doing this ride and he went in the ocean.  As he walked to the beach, one of the other riders said "break out the CPR paddles". If Herb weighs 140 pounds soaking wet it's a lot but he went in and said it was wonderful.  Go figure, maybe that's what keeps him young, that or all the red wine we're told he has in his room.  He keeps offering me some, but I'd have to bring my own paper cup.

Mark Koltz took this picture of Herb frolicking in the surf.
That's Leo standing by ready to offer CPR.

Anyway, the reason we saw Herb walking to the beach is that we were attending the flat tire clinic led by tour leader Mike. Holy cow, Mike is amazing at both changing a flat and showing us how it's done. Then after that, I had another "bail-out" gear added to my bike to make the climbing (which is f-ing tough for me) a bit easier. We'll test it on the road tomorrow.

Tomorrow we leave Oregon and cross over into California.  I sure hope it warms up a bit soon.  We ride 60 miles to get to Crescent City California and our day off on Saturday!!! Massages for Mark and I and a manicure for me.  Yeah.  My legs and bottom need a rest too.  Any by the way, my ring finger on my left hand is still numb. Hello shopping in San Francisco!

"More Bark than Bike"

Wednesday Sept 5, 2012 Florence to Bandon Oregon

Today's title refers to a road we travelled today called Seven Devils Road. This refers to the 7 devilish hills on this road.  My late grandmother Lily used to call the pain in her leg a devil.  She used to say that there was a devil in her knee (otherwise known as arthritis) and that this devil was banging on her knee from the inside.  Naturally, when I heard about a road with 7 devils, I was scared, but...these devils were definitely more bark than bike.  Other than the first hill, this road was no big deal, as a matter of fact, it was the highlight of the day.  It turned out to be a bunch of rolling hills where you could ride down and the momentum would carry you up most of the way to the next hill.

As far as scenery today, the best way I can describe it is to say "FOG" and "CLOUD".  We basically saw nothing today as the entire ride was cloudy and mostly cold.  Not memorable at all, unfortunately.  We didn't take a picture all day.  Sorry...no visuals to go with these words...boring.

One funny thing that happened today occurred just before the first SAG in the town of Umpqua (town motto..."No, we're not a typo"...; oh wait, runner-up town motto... "Buy a Consonant") Mark and I stopped at a bakery/coffee shop for a snack and to warm up.  We ordered and paid for 2 hot chocolates and 1 square.  While we were eating the square (really good Bourbon square, around 1000 calories for sure) the counter person was, or so we thought, making our hot chocolates.  We finished the square and she hadn't even started the hot chocolates...she was definitely not in a hurry.  We said we had to leave without them and she promised us they would be "free" the next time we came in.  I said you mean the "free" ones we just paid for?  She didn't think I was very funny. Yes, things move at a different pace out here on the Oregon coast.

We arrived after 77 miles today in the town of Bandon, Oregon.  It's a cute little town on the Pacific coast and before dinner, Mark and I went to the harbor (note the American spelling) and sat outside at a cute little place and had a local beer called Lagunitas IPA.  It tasted GOOD.  After a bit of time we were joined by some other riders; Mose from Michigan, Russ from North Carolina, Jeff from Conneticut, Joe from Georgia and Gary from Conneticut.  Some guy at the bar had caught too many crabs (only 2 hours before) and he gave us one so we sat there and ate cold crab and it was GOOD.  Then we went to dinner.  I feel like I ate all day long today (probably because I ate all day long today) but I guess I earned it.

I'm putting my Garmin stats here for your perusal but I have to say I'm a little pissed off. I'm riding the same hills and distance as the guys on this trip. Today, my Garmin showed I burned 1297 calories in 5 hours and 36 minutes.  Joe Schroeder and Baltimore Mark's Garmin's showed they burned over 4000 doing the same ride.  How is that possible or fair to women everywhere???  I protested by eating all day long today.  My sacrifice is that I didn't go to Dairy Queen.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/219305131

Another thing that's going on is that the ring finger on my left hand is numb from the road vibration or because I'm holding onto the handlebars too tight. I've decided that the only cure for this is to buy something for this finger when we get to San Francisco.  One of the other riders named Barb Soley just had to confirm this, and yes, I told her that my ring finger will get "fixed", if you know what I mean! Any suggestions for what we could possibly buy would be greatly appreciated.  Feel free to email or call with your suggestions.

Tomorrow is a fairly benign day (only 57 miles, I can't believe I just said that).  We end up in Gold Beach and I will write again from there.  Maybe there's something Gold to buy for this finger problem in Gold Beach. Mark...get that credit card warmed up!

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.

Over the hills and far away

Monday Sept 3, 2012  Tillamook to Lincoln City, Oregon

Well, another day is in the books...only 19 more riding days to go.   I felt really good today. We rode less miles but with more climbing.  The scenery once again did not disappoint.  Wow, the Oregon coastline is really spectacular.  The beaches are deep and flat.  I didn't go in the water though (Don Yost, the only Oregonian on the ride, says the water temperature is a chilly 50 F) and it looked like the only people who were in the water were wearing wet suits.  Lots of beach towns and surf boards but absolutely gorgeous vistas and viewpoints from which to see the ocean below.

Here are my Garmin stats, but to summarize, we rode 58 miles and climbed 4100 feet.  There were four significant climbs and I only had to rest on the last one.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/218576815

We took a few pictures along the way including a really nice one of me at a lighthouse after our first big climb.  This area also boasts a tree called the Octopus tree.  No one knows how it grew like this, but local legend says the Native People cultivated it this way.

Everyone who I've ridden with has been incredibly encouraging.  As I'm struggling to climb these hills, I get passed, (no surprise) and each rider passing me cheers me on and somehow I find the strength to keep pedalling.  It's an amazing feeling to be among this very diverse group of people but everyone shares the same goal, we enjoy the companionship of others, and all of us are challenging ourselves in one way or the other.  To a person, they couldn't be easier to be with or more supportive...they want you to succeed and finish the day with a smile.  I'm surprised at how much I'm enjoying this (shhh, don't tell Mark – I keep giving him dirty looks when another massive hill rises up to greet us; it's a good thing he doesn't read my blog).

I haven't spoken about the staff from America by Bicycle.  They are Mike Munk (tour leader), Barb Munk (chief organizer and mom), Karen (rider and RAP boss and sometime van driver) and Jim (mechanic, rider and van driver).  They are all amazing and are so concerned about each and everyone of us.  I can't imagine the responsibility they have on their shoulders (there are 24 of us out there riding) but they handle it with grace and couldn't be more encouraging especially to someone as inexperienced as me.

One thing that surprises me is how little free time we have.  Thank goodness Mark is here.  Today he did the laundry while I took an epsom salts bath (he went to Safeway and bought me the salts) and as I write this he's cleaning our water bottles for tomorrow.  Another thing about my husband Mark I want to say...he's incredibly supportive and encourages me and keeps me going.  He's also incredibly (some would say dashingly) handsome. Mark!! Stop typing these falsehoods.

Wow. That was unfortunate. I am back on the keyboard now, fully in control.

He keeps telling me I can do this and he's right, I can.  Tomorrow is 79 miles and 3500 feet of climbing and I'm ready. I think I can...I think I can...I think I can...zzzzzzzzz. Sorry, I'm a little tired and I fell asleep at the computer zzzzzzzzzz......

Our friends blogs:
Jeff: http://jeffscyclingadventures.blogspot.com/
Joe:http://joescyclesamerica.blogspot.com/
Mark: http://markstrekacrossamerica2.blogspot.com

Overboard

Sunday Sept 2, 2012...Astoria to Tillamook Oregon

For those of you who don't know, Tillamook is the town where the Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell movie Overboard was set and I think it's a fitting title for my first day of riding.  I've gone "Overboard" with the hills, and the mileage and the roads.

The weather today was beautiful, sunny skies and about 18 degrees Celsius.  I'm going to post my Garmin stats below.  We rode 66.84 miles in 5 hours and 9 minutes with lots of climbing.  Suffice it to say that we basically climbed Snowmass Mountain.  Here are my garmin stats for today:

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/218140176

We started out the day riding near the front of the group but after a while a lot of the group passed me on the uphill portions and there were a lot of them (not the group, the uphills).  Did I mention that there was a lot of climbing?  Somehow, we ended up being the 3rd and 4th people to the hotel, I guess some of the other riders stopped to have lunch or take in the views, personally I just wanted the last 10 miles to be over.

The Oregon coast is spectacularly beautiful.  Here are some pictures we took today.

Mark says I should talk about how I feel.  I'll tell you how I feel; Tired but I'm sure after a good night sleep, I'll still feel tired (I mean better).  Tomorrow is another day when I'll be tired, anyone noticing a theme here?  Wait, I might be hungry too.  Slightly lower mileage tomorrow but with more climbing...Yeah!!!

A few of the other riders here are blogging as well so here are the links to their blogs:
Baltimore Mark: http://markstrekacrossamerica2.blogspot.com
Jeff Douglas: http://jeffscyclingadventures.blogspot.com/
Joe Shroeder: http://joescyclesamerica.blogspot.com/

Also, Lauren is in London and she's blogging there.  We are a blogging family!!!  Here's her blog about her adventures in London:  http://laureninfoggylondontown.blogspot.ca

I'll post more tomorrow but for now, this is an amazing adventure and I'm really happy I'm doing this.  Love to all.

Astoria, Oregon

Hello from Astoria,
We arrived here just before 6pm Pacific time last night.  To get here we had to fly to Vancouver and then connect with a flight to Portland.  Then a car service picked us up and drove us to Astoria.  Everything went smoothly, the whole thing just took a long time.  As we pulled up to the front of the hotel, we were greeted by some of Mark's buddies from the cross country ride.  It was really nice to see them all.

We walked to a really nice restaurant near the hotel and had dinner with Gary, Jeff and his wife Aila, Baltimore Mark, Joe and Leo.  We had a very good dinner, shared some laughs and fell asleep by 9:15!!!  My only excuse is that it's 12:15am body time.

I'm exhausted from this ride already, and it hasn't even started!

This morning we were wide awake by 4:30, so Mark and I went for an early morning walk along the waterfront here.  We walked until we found a coffee shop that was open.  Astoria is a pretty town on the Columbia River and it's dominated by a large bridge that connects Astoria (in the state of Oregon) with the state of Washington.  We had breakfast at the hotel when we got back, and then we had bike assembly.  It was pretty stressful especially for Mark as both of his wheels were damaged in shipping.  The tour company is loaning him wheels until the new ones we ordered can be delivered. Then Mark's seat post fastener broke, which would be a major problem except that the handy folks who run this ride figured out a solution. Watching Mark today with his bike problems was like watching him play golf or play craps at a casino. In other words, not pretty. Not pretty at all.

This afternoon was dominated by bike safety checks and a 2 hour orientation and safety briefing.  The tour staff led by Mike Munk are extremely safety conscious (I'm not just saying this cause my mom is reading).  They must have spent 75% of the time today talking about safety and how to avoid accidents by being smart.  Tonight the group went to a Mexican buffet (mmm mmm good) and we were back at the hotel and in bed by 7pm.  We are sure living the wild life on this vacation.  Tomorrow we start riding.

I'm looking forward to starting this ride.  It's enough talking about it, it's time to start doing.  In ten years, I wonder what I am going to remember about the way I feel right now. I think the thing I'll remember is how there's nothing to watch on TV in Astoria.  I know something more profound should be in my head but honestly, this hotel TV really sucks.

I'm not sure what we'll encounter along the way but I think it's cool that all I have to do is get on my bike, and tomorrow night we'll be in another town.  Sounds simple but there are 110 kms and a s--tload of hills to ride. At least the weather forecast looks good for the first few days. There are a couple of people here who have done this ride before and they all rave about the scenery.  I'll take pictures and post the good ones tomorrow.