Day 37: August 17th, 2010 (Route: Cape Lookout Campground to SouthBeach Campground, OR)
Technical Data:
Distance, miles: 68.88
Ride Time: 5:20:42
Work, kJ: 3166
Average Power, watts: 162
Normalized Power, watts: 210
Average Speed, mph: 12.71
Woke this morning ready to go! So much rest the last couple of days I'm ready to get back to work. So this morning I really wanted to get a move on as I didn't wanted to get bothered by the kid that rolled into camp last night. This morning I could tell it was going to be a gloomy day yet again. Mentally thinking I sure cannot wait to get to sunshine whether that be further south in Oregon or until I get to California. Since it was gloomy I decided to avoid taking a shower this morning as I really didn't feel like walking to the shower and if I got on the road early I could hopefully be at my next destination (SouthBeach Campground) within 5-6 hours. With all these hiker/biker sites in the camp grounds there is no need to shower every time as I know I'll have one available. When traveling in the central US I wouldn't have forgone the shower however this morning I knew I would have the facilities available after a long day of riding so to the road I go.
Rolling out of camp I head up the road I hiked next to the day before. Foggy and cold, I'm thinking just keep pedaling to warm up. Nothing like a 2.5 mile climb first thing in the morning at 5% grade or so towing a 50 lb BoB. I didn't think the day before about the route ahead of me as planning on this trip has been a 50/50 shot in the dark. Knowing all the details leaves little room for excitement and adventure. I used to be a huge fan of planning everything out, however I'm glad I'm able to see both sides of the the spectrum with planning to the smallest minute detail to not planning at all, giving me a broad outlook on things! Heading up this climb I pass four cyclist, not sure where they are going but they are traveling light so I'm assuming out for a day ride. I hope they are on vacation as riding in this weather everyday would get old, however I'm sure you get used to riding in this weather when you live in a place like this. If you love to do something you'll pretty much do it anywhere you can. I really enjoy riding my bike, however riding in the cold all the time can cause me to move inside and ride on the trainer. Being raised in a warm climate I tend to like the warmer weather for outdoor riding. I'll always ride whereever I may end up for sure, inside or out.
Up the climb I could see the weather and it didn't look good. I worked a little too hard coming up the climb too, I was putting out close to 300+ watts for the entire climb. I think it was becuase I saw some people and wanted to put a good effort into catching them. I tend to always surge a little when I see people, I do this when running too. I do this subconciously when just riding, however when racing Ironman I mentally prepared not to surge and to ride at my own pace. I figured this would get me later in the day as efforts like this at the start of ride can come back and haunt me later for sure. At the top of the Cape I rolled down at my 25-30 mph governer and just keep cruising. I figured SouthBeach would be close to 60 miles or so, not a long ride by any means.
Thoughts were just thinking about the ride today, just focusing on the narrow shoulders, bad weather, and the thick traffic. I think everyone took an extra day for the weekend, however then my thoughts reverted back to it being summer in the NW where everyone is trying to get their vacations in. Busy or not I was going to ride and get in what I could of sight seeing with the gloomy weather. This type of weather sends me into a bad attitude most of the time as I prefer the sun, however its my choice on receiving the good day or making it bad with my thoughts. I made the best of the ride and really tried to enjoy what I could see but it the ride turned out to be a grind! A dead day to be honest for a while, it was foggy and about 55 degrees and truly miserable considering what I have gotten to ride in so far. I just kept pressing on. I sure needed a few up drafts throughout this ride as I did have moments where I was thinking warm place to sit and read a book would be nice to have today!
I kept on riding and hitting some scenic areas I'm sure of it, however I was looking at fog! The thick fog us Midwesterns read about that sits in the coastal bays for days. I couldn't see more than 15 feet in front of me! Combine the small shoulder with all this thick fog and no lights, I was getting pretty concerned for my safety at this point. At moments on rides I will not think about this at all however, when conditions like this come about I begin to get really concerned leaving the mind think of all the negative things that happen. I know that living in the moment during these times can be tough as I am human and not superhuman so I feel the ever present danger. I stopped a couple times on this stretch to try and see some sights however nada, nothing in the fog!
Then I got my updraft, I stopped at this cove to really just go to the bathroom and it hit me. A whale comes up from the depths of the cove to brighten my day, not noce but two short breaths to dive again, never to be scene again through my eyes. Happened to be a family there taking photos of the steep cliffs along the Oregon Coast line, they got to share this moment with me that I needed so much today. Days like today remind me of all those days in the corporate world where you have meeting after meeting. The feeling of not wanting to be there however you have no choice but to continue to push on to the next stop. Life throws many challenges at ya and its moments like these that really help out! Nothing like seeing a whale in the wild to get me out of my negative thoughts for the day! (I saw this whale right outside of Depoe Bay, and according to another gentlemen I saw later in the day, there is a pod of about 60 whales that hang out in these coves during the summer months.)
Pushing on out of Depoe Bay area I get back on the 101 and continue to ride, around a bend and into the rain now. Luckily I stopped and donned my rain jacket! 8 miles to Newport and I'm there early so I plan on just hanging out at a coffee shop and warming up as it has been one interesting day of driving! I could see the beach on this eight mile stretch however all I keep thinking about is getting into town, so many beautiful views missed along this 70 mile stretch of coastal highway, but what can you do when its raining out. It's funny how one reacts to the environment when living outside versus having a warm place to call home. Enter the city of Newport and head straight to the local coffee shop, change and down some warm apple cider. Since I don't drink coffee I stick to other warm drinks that I usually partake in during the holiday and winter months!
It took a little while to hit a comfortable temperature internally before getting to my pc to start writing. Again I was behind on writing as so many people to chat with at the camp sites, I really am missing those solitary moments in the plains and mountains states when I was alone. Funny how you can be surruonded by so many people then you want to be alone, then other times when your alone and you want to have some company! We are creatures of accompaning each other and I need that, however finding the balance is the key...
After hanging out at the shop for a long time I decide its time to head to the campsite, the state parks out here are all full due to the nature of season, however always a room for a cyclist! I roll into the site and there is my German friend Tobias that I have scene a couple of days before, it was great to see him, he just rolled into town and was ready for a nice cold brew! Gotta love those Germans! What I like about foreigners is they don't take drinking to the extreme as most Americans, don't get me wrong I know many that over indulge however since they drink at an early age its not a high priority to get completely intoxicated like a ton of people I know. It's more a social thing and that I can respect versus the other side of the spectrum. Again everything is great in moderation...
To dinner time, noodles with a little salt for added flavor and tonight some added Tuna (Thanks to Julie) for a treat. I have two pouches left of Tuna and its so nice to have some meat on the trip. I find it so difficult to get enought protein for recovery on this trip. Over the course of the last couple of days riding I have been focusing on preserving my nutrition products for my larger days which isn't fun to be honest, I have hit many walls of low blood suger throughout the rides. To sleep I head to get up tomorrow and hopefully get to Florence to have camp set up before 1 and do some chores. Gotta love chores on the road...
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Day 36: August 16th, 2010 (Recovery Ride Out and Back to Tillamook, OR)
Day 36: August 16th, 2010 (Recovery Ride Out and Back to Tillamook, OR)
Technical Data:
Distance, miles: 26.23
Ride Time: 1:43:59
Work, kJ: 1216
Average Power, watts: 191
Normalized Power, watts: 233 (Recovery Ride, okay maybe not! lol)
Average Speed, mph: 14.82
Woke this morning knowing I was taking an extra day here at the park. I didn't have really anything planned, however I knew I wasn't going to sit around and sleep. So the first thing I do when I get up is say fairwell to my Canadian friends I had dinner with last night, Andrew and Nicole. I sure hope I keep in touch with those two, they were so nice and so adventurous!
So what to do today? I know that I need to capture some electrons for my phone and pc so I might head back into Tillamook today and just hang out at a coffee shop and get caught up on things. I thought about this early then I thought twice, so I headed and took a shower and then took a long walk on the beach! What a great morning!!! Walking the beach I just people watched as there was so many people out walking and riding the beach. There was a couple of guys trying to show off on there mountain bikes, then one tacoed his rear wheel, it was the humor for the day for sure! I just laughed as they were riding around, I laughed becuase I know what its like to have this happen and then what to do? Really nothing can be done, you can straighten it back out which he did then roll on and replace it later. The family was great as they laughed too!
Watching the kids play in the sand, running from the ocean waves was cute this morning. I tried to really get in the moment and just enjoy the day and it was perfect! I do wish the sun was shining though as I haven't really seen it in a couple of days. I really enjoy the warmth of sun on my face in the morning and I'm pretty sure this will be a place to visit for me and not a place to call home as it has a lot of rain and little sunshine. However, one will never know where I will end up, I could grow to love this place for sure as it has what I like for topography. I remember this quote from John Steinbeck when I thought about this while walking on the beach.
"A journey is like marriage.The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it."
- John Steinbeck
Giving up control is so liberating! The journey so far has been so much fun! So today I think I'll hike the 5 mile hike from camp up to the Cape Lookout Point and back. So a ten mile hike on one of my days off! What a way to spend a day off, in a lush green park surrounded by forests and the giant Pacific Ocean! Heading out of the hike I grab some water and really thought about trail running it, however my clothes are still wet from washing them in the shower the other day. It's been 90% humidity for the last couple of days, finally getting to see the true NorthWest weather! Cloudy and rainy all the time! Hike was amazing, huge trees! Trees have to be a couple hundred years old! I'm so greatful to get to see the NW forest before I head to see the Giant Redwoods in California. Gives me a true perspective of things, from the trees in Kansas to Oregon then the Redwoods! I'll get it all then touch it up with the fall foilage on the East Coast to finish up the trip. I have to be so blessed right now to be escaping from society and just enjoying life!
The hike was great, it had lots of climbing which was good as I have been riding my bike for the last 30+ days with no other type of exercise so it felt great to switch things up today! The hike didn't provide much of a view as it was cloudy the entire time with thick fog at times. The one thing it did provide was lots and lots of mud at times, I wish I would have worn my Chacos at this point as the mud between my toes would have been nice. I know this may sound silly, however there is just something about getting muddy every once in a while!
The point I hiked too didn't have much of a view today, I'm sure when its clear its an amazing view, but today I just got to see a lot of H2O floating in the sky and it was thick too! So I just decided to head back to camp! The hike took a little over three hours which I expected. Once returning to camp I debated for about ten minutes before deciding to head into town for some electrons and some food. Before rolling out John (62) another cyclist rolled into camp. I asked him if he wanted anything from the store, he mentioned he wanted a "Sprite" so he gave me a buck, I was thinking you can't get a "Sprite" for a buck these days.
I changed and headed off to the store. I wanted to try and ride every day now, even on rest days as I feel like its the best thing to do so I don't get complacent. I headed out on my little 25 mile round trip trek to Tillamook to pick up some electrons and some food. Right before I hit 131 back into Tillamook a small black bear crossed my path and I thought whooooo, if theres an adolescent where's Mom... I waited for a little bit before I ventured on so did the car it almost got hit by heading the other direction. They rolled down their window and we chatted for just a bit then I headed on to the store. Nothing like a little climb to get over before I drop into Tillamook. I was riding today and not thinking otherwise! I stripped half of the weight out of BoB and really wanted to hit it today.
I can tell by the normalized power numbers I was having some fun today! It was! The ride into Tillamook took close to 40 minutes which I thought wasn't bad for an eleven mile treck to the store over a good series of small climbs (500 feet or less). Once into Tillamook I headed to the Cheese Factory to fill up my bottles with lemonade, I wasn't going to be shy on the free samples either today as I was hungry when I got into Tillamook. Then to Safeway to grab some Sprite and a couple hours worth of electrons for my phone, it was dead and I needed it for the ability to take some pictures. It went out on the way up to the point, I glad it was cloudy as I wouldn't have been able to take any photos any how.
Nothing really exciting happened at the Safeway! I did take the time to connect with some friends and family as I had cell service and had the time. It was good to chat with some people I knew and it helped pass the time when just hanging out at a random Safeway. This was the same Safeway I hit up before heading into Astoria a few days before and the same homeless guy was just hanging out eating some more pastries. I don't think he recognized me this time around, last time we chatted this time no time, he was off.
I hung out for a little bit longer after chatting with friends before riding back. I was going to have some fun and race it a little I thought, then I gthought nope! I'm just going to ride easy and see how it goes. I rode pretty strong though and could really feel the power today without towing BoB fully loaded, o' how I can't wait until I get back to a group ride and see how strong I have gotten.
Back at camp I down the "Box" of cereal and 1/2 gallon of milk I purchased and it was so good! Since this trip started my stomach has been a deep endless pit able to eat about everything in sight. Though on the recovery days in Astoria I did feel full and didn't want to eat anymore processed food! I have been craving some fresh fruit and vegetables along with some fresh fish! I really would like to have some BBQ as well...all these carbohydrates I have been fueling this trip have got to go though, I really want some meat!
Really not much going on at camp, lots of cyclist rolling in tonight, however I have one thing on my mind and that's sleep. Little treck closer to Florence tomorrow will have to do as I am delaying my trip to hang out with a friend of mine on Friday in Florence so I'll have to make sure to slow down and enjoy the sites a long the way. To sleep I go...
Monday, August 16, 2010
Day 35: August 15th, 2010 (Route: Astoria, OR to Cape Lookout Campground, OR)
Day 35: August 15th, 2010 (Route: Astoria, OR to Cape Lookout Campground, OR)
Technical Data:
Distance, miles: 79.76
Ride Time: 5:48:06
Work, kJ: 3485
Average Power, watts: 163
Normalized Power, watts: 204
Average Speed, mph: 13.44
Forecast: Cool and cloudy, winds
The last three days of rest have been wonderful, to be honest I actually wasted a couple of days just sleeping and eating! I woke this morning thinking one more rest day but mentally I was really not wanting to sit around or even hike around, I wanted to ride and to start my journey South. I have seen so many things this past month by moving destination to destination that sittle idle kind of has me going crazy. I actually didn't write at all when I was recovering which is what I really wanted to do, however I took the time to visit with locals, see the sights and just really take a few days off from pedaling and writing. One more rest day was on the schedule but I'm feeling good and to waste another day sitting and eating isn't what I had in mind, I always do better mentally moving from place to place.
I woke and the German that I talked to last night was still in his tent, sleeping I'm presuming. The other cyclist had rolled out and I'm not sure at what time. I'm pushing on today I'm thinking! Getting things together is always a chore after you have taken a few days off from the routine, I was thinking it would be easier to just hang out and enjoy the day, however with the gloominess of the weather I was ready to push south and hopefully hit sunshine sooner than later! I look at the map and pick out a destination with a fair amount of distance in it as I want to slow myself a little, but still have a good ride. Riding my bike brings me such great joy and I don't think those who have told me to slow truly understand this!
I love to ride my bike!!!
I choose Cape Lookout just south of Tillamook for my destination of choice today, I figure I'll take my time down the coast and drop into the coastal cities and check them out, then to the Cheese Factory in Tillamook and eventually hit the camp site. I've heard the campsites (hiker/biker) are wonderful along the coast so I plan on staying at them along the way. The one last night was great, the beach was amazing and the ship wreck was pretty cool too, add a seal basking in the sun and you have a perfect morning! Getting things ready for departure this morning was a task, I have put off patching tires and other small chores I should have done over the last three days but failed to as I was too busy sleeping!
I continue with chores, repatching tubes (I've a lot of flats), washing dishes from lasts nights dinner, and shower and quick shave. My clothes are still not dry from doing laudry by hand yesterday, I figured I could save a couple bucks by doing my laundry in the shower, however the ability to dry clothes outside her when the clouds come in is virtually impossible. I'll have to back up all my wet clothes and take them with until I see some sunshine. Again, this place is an amazing place and if the entire US could live here I'm sure they would, if and only if it was sunny all the time. I guess its a give and take, clouds may just keep the entire population from living on this coast.
I get everything packed up and bike lined out and head for a shower. The showers at this site were great, even had heated flooring! I thought this a little over kill, however it does get cold up here so having heated floors makes a lot of since, I enjoyed them nonetheless. Back to my bike and ready to take off and another flat, I'm thinking I'm never going to get out of here. Maybe I was supposed to take another day of rest, I figure I'll work my way down the coast resting. I have plans to hang out with a friend in Florence next Friday exploring and just enjoying the day so I'm really in no hurry as its less than 200 miles there and I have 5 days to get there. I like this though as it is forcing me to slow my pace a little. Not on the bike but on the days! I really don't like riding less than 50 miles, even 80 at that as I don't seem to be getting warm until after 40+ miles and then the legs really feel like riding! Must be all the training I did when prepping for Ironman I guess.
Patch the tube and find the culprit in the tire, another small wire that I didn't find earlier. Next time around I'm going to run a touring bike with much more durable tires, and possibly paniers so I don't have to worry about the sway when heading downhill. Plust I'm going to go much lighter and possibly faster, possibly slower depending if I can find someone to tour with me!
And I'm off, destination south of Tillamook where the whale watching is supposed to be pretty good, however I'm not sure they are running right now so I'll have to wait and see. The clouds are thick, so thick the UV light is having trouble penetrating through. No need for sunblock today, true the blue UV light will seep in however I'm feeling pretty good about not wearing any today. If I see the light my skin will thank me for doing so! Rolling out of camp I know I need to get to a bike store as I'm down to just patches for punctures, out of spare tubes. All the spares I had are full of punctures that were not patchable so I had to pitch them. I'm thinking bike shop 10 miles away in Seaside, OR, where I can pick up some tubes and see if they have a quick release BoB skewer as mine is bent, it was bent when I borrowed it and has worked its way to more bent!
The ride to Seaside was good, just trying to warm up the legs and flush all the recovery out of them. They were stiff and it did take some time to get going, however I was still thinking one pedal stroke at a time and I'll be there. Rolling into Seaside, OR I remember the main street, Broadway takes me straight to the beach so I head that way before hitting up the bike shop. I take a right, headed West and there are thousands of people, I feel like I'm in downtown Chicago in rush hour! So many people all flocked to this little town for one of the largest volleyball tourneys in the states. I figure since I'm in no hurry to get to camp tonight and I'm "touring" now I'll stop and see some volleyball (okay - girls in bikini's sure was a deterant!) I watched for a little while and listend as there was a lot of ex-professional and old olympic volleyball players there, however this is a foreign world to me so I just people watched and took in the views.
Heading off the main strip I head to the bike shop where I'm able to pick up some tubes, but no skewer. I'll have to wait for that at a shop further south. The main problem with the skewer is that it is bent on the side I need to tighten and came loose the other day, I can't seem to get it tight using my fingers so it needs to be replaced! Before I left the gal said I could pick one up in Eugene, the good thing is my friend is coming to Florence from Eugene so I have a couple options. #1 Ride to Eugene inland off my route #2 Ask my friend if she doesn't mind picking it up for me - Either or I wouldn't mind riding into Eugene as this would give me more time to hang out and see the city which would be cool too.
Heading South out of Seaside I get the thought in my head of, "what the" - the wind is blowing from the South? I thought it "Always" blew from the NW I kept thinking. I quickly had to adjust my thoughts as I have had so much fun riding into the wind even though I was a little tired and cranky at times, however I figure its all for the training right? I have been asked what am I training for or are you training for something on this trip and my answer from the beginning was, "I'm trianing for lower insurance premiums and what ever adventure comes up next" so I'm going to stick with that for an answer!
Not too much further to go, less than 50 miles or so as today is going to be a much shorter day compared to all the others so I'm going to site see and just enjoy the day, ok the clouds! Kinda odd all this fog, just different as I'm accustomed to living in an environment with blue skys and clouds 15,000 feet up! Riding out of Seaside there are a lot of little towns pieced together along 101 heading to Tillamook. I stop and take pictures of the signs and pretty much just piddle my way down south. I stopped and took a picture of the famous Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach and just really enjoyed all the seaside homes looking out onto to the Pacific Ocean, man what it must be like to vacation here in the summer in a place of your own or even just a rental. The views are so amazing and the beaches so clean, makes me want to get back to work. The I think 2-4 weeks of vacation when I love to travel so much, how will that work?
Legs are starting to wake up now and I'm really enjoying the time I have right now, thinking about all the other things in my life that I should be doing but I'm not, I'm postponing them to ensure I'm revived when I return, able to give 100% of myself to whatever it is God has for me in the next chapter. Roads are okay, full of chat and debree from all the motorist. Cruising now and "whooooo" a motor home buzzes by me, they failed to put up there step going into there "home on wheels". I could feel it so close when it passed at 50+ mph, I hell at them for not giving me three feet. I wonder how many people know of this "law" they passed, I'm not sure if all the states have passed it, however this person sure didn't know of it! I pointed and yelled as I think I did get there attention because they did stop and put the step back in place when traveling, I saw them in the next town and when they passed again it was out of sight and they actually got over this time. I often wonder if drivers turn into differnt people when they are behind the wheel of a vehicle, thinking man another bicycle. I wonder if they think the bicycle is pedaling itself as they really don't seem to care about human life when they buzz you at high speeds. On top of that I wonder if they understand physics at all and what the wind does to us light cyclist as we are pedaling down the road, being sucked into the wind currents when people pass at high speeds???
I feeling pretty good, stomach still full of all the goodies I ate over the three days of rest and I'm thinking just ride and burn as many calories today as possible to empty your stomach, I felt so gross when I got on the bike. I can sure tell the difference from fresh organic food vs. packaged food which I endulged myself with the last couple of days. Not a good feeling, I kept thinking of a kitchen with fresh fruit, veggies, meat, and that ever so fresh glass of cold milk! Again, thinking I don't want this to ever end, however I know when it does I won't take anything for granted! You learn to cope with so much less when you're on the road, you have no other choice. I wonder what else I'll give up when I return to the working world and plug myself back into society. Will it be my car, will I bike every where? Will it be chocolate, nope don't see that happening? I'm sure things will have changed within me, the maturing will be evident upon my return I'm certain of that as I feel like I have grown (aka matured) so much. I never want to grow up as I never want to lose the kid inside! What if we all gave up something in our lives, would we be better off? So many thoughts going through my head on the bike today, so fresh and not warn down from all the previous days. Recharged and fully functioning! Love it...
I continue to ride and nothing really exciting happens on this stretch, I did come across "Hug Point" and thought about how nice it would to embrace someone I love with a hug at this very moment. At a place where it says hug point! I've been without a hug since Cookie at the Wisdom, MT little cafe I dined at a couple weeks ago. So long to have been without touching someone. I have been asked lots on this trip about what its like to be riding alone, do you get lonely. The answer is yes, I think I do get lonely and the rest days are the hardest. The other days I'm working and not letting my mind control my thoughts. I have to ask who doesn't get lonely at times? According to the Bible - God created all creatures to have a partner in live. Adam with Eve and all the animals, et cetera. Maybe not all as there are some loners but is this by choice or design?
Since I have been on this trip, when the feeling of lonliness hits its when I see a couple walking holding hands, or fowl traveling together, maybe my lonely feelings are triggered my jealously. Thinking of having something that God has not provided for me just yet. I know it will happen someday as it has been a desire in my heart for some time and that is his design and I must wait on that and not make the choice. Making the choice would be taking control and I don't want to have control anymore. Many I have talked to that are happily married say that when you know you know so don't rush anything. I'm trying to stick to this advice as it appears it worked for them so I'll continue to put my faith in the Lord on this subject.
Thoughts all over the place today, must be recharged for sure! Continuing the ride into Tillamook I stop at the famous, you must see "Tillamook Cheese Factory", so many friends told me I have to stop so I will and check it out. I figure its just a huge tourist trap to get people to buy more of the "Tillamook" brand name dairy products but what the heck, I'll check it out! I stop and the place is buzzing with tourist, I lock my rig (bike and BoB) up and head inside. I don't like to leave my rig unattended as right now its my life! Imagine losing everything you own. I have friends that have due to natural disasters and starting over again doesn't sound that much fun, but in a way I think I currently am.
The factory wasn't running when I arrived as its 5PM on a Sunday so I check out things, eat the free samples of cheese, okay I went through the line three times I must confess. I just finished riding close to 65 miles and food is what I think about when I get off the bike. The chedder and pepperjack cheese was awesome! I continued to tour the facility and I'm thinking about coming back tomorrow to see if they are running and get a glimpse of the factory in action. I purchase some cheese for mack and cheese tonight, I figure I have all these noodles what better way to spend the evening, ocean side eating some fresh diary from a local factory. (what's 3 bucks right - I've heard this so many times on this trip and I think its a lot when you don't have much!)
Leaving the factory I head due West around the Tillamook Bay which is gorgeous I might add to Cape Lookout State Park where I'm going to call home for tonight and possible the next day. I have four days now until I need to be in Florence so I can piddle! The ride over to the park is close to 11 miles or so and I just enjoy the ride, low traffic with a little climbing and I'm there. Rolling into the park I register with the Park ranger then head to my site! I see the Canadians (Andrew and Nicole) that I saw a couple nights ago. Pretty cool seeing them again, thought they would be long gone, they were a group of four and now they were down to two. They just wanted to spend the time enjoying the sights and I don't blame them! Andrew really thanked me for a quote I mentioned before they rolled out of Ft. Stevens State Park about pacing. He made a comment about being slow and I had to comment, "Everyone has there own pace when cycling, and everyone's journey in life follows a differnt pace as well" - I know this came out different the other day but I think I collected the thought. Sharing dinner and conversation with them was great, youth is so much fun to converse with, so fresh, so adventurous!
After dinner, well before that "Thank You Andrew and Nicole" for the steak and roasted pepper, what a treat for me tonight, just a taste but that's all I needed! And Nicole - ladies never shovel! LOL I thank them and wish them a good night and return to my tent, figure listening to the waves crash along the beach all night will allow for a healthy night of sleeping. The view here is unreal - ones you see in the movies if your not from this area or have never been. So lush green, all the pigments of green you can think of and o' so beautiful! I wouldn't change this for anything right now, I do wish I had a beautiful lady accompaning me though...
Technical Data:
Distance, miles: 79.76
Ride Time: 5:48:06
Work, kJ: 3485
Average Power, watts: 163
Normalized Power, watts: 204
Average Speed, mph: 13.44
Forecast: Cool and cloudy, winds
The last three days of rest have been wonderful, to be honest I actually wasted a couple of days just sleeping and eating! I woke this morning thinking one more rest day but mentally I was really not wanting to sit around or even hike around, I wanted to ride and to start my journey South. I have seen so many things this past month by moving destination to destination that sittle idle kind of has me going crazy. I actually didn't write at all when I was recovering which is what I really wanted to do, however I took the time to visit with locals, see the sights and just really take a few days off from pedaling and writing. One more rest day was on the schedule but I'm feeling good and to waste another day sitting and eating isn't what I had in mind, I always do better mentally moving from place to place.
I woke and the German that I talked to last night was still in his tent, sleeping I'm presuming. The other cyclist had rolled out and I'm not sure at what time. I'm pushing on today I'm thinking! Getting things together is always a chore after you have taken a few days off from the routine, I was thinking it would be easier to just hang out and enjoy the day, however with the gloominess of the weather I was ready to push south and hopefully hit sunshine sooner than later! I look at the map and pick out a destination with a fair amount of distance in it as I want to slow myself a little, but still have a good ride. Riding my bike brings me such great joy and I don't think those who have told me to slow truly understand this!
I love to ride my bike!!!
I choose Cape Lookout just south of Tillamook for my destination of choice today, I figure I'll take my time down the coast and drop into the coastal cities and check them out, then to the Cheese Factory in Tillamook and eventually hit the camp site. I've heard the campsites (hiker/biker) are wonderful along the coast so I plan on staying at them along the way. The one last night was great, the beach was amazing and the ship wreck was pretty cool too, add a seal basking in the sun and you have a perfect morning! Getting things ready for departure this morning was a task, I have put off patching tires and other small chores I should have done over the last three days but failed to as I was too busy sleeping!
I continue with chores, repatching tubes (I've a lot of flats), washing dishes from lasts nights dinner, and shower and quick shave. My clothes are still not dry from doing laudry by hand yesterday, I figured I could save a couple bucks by doing my laundry in the shower, however the ability to dry clothes outside her when the clouds come in is virtually impossible. I'll have to back up all my wet clothes and take them with until I see some sunshine. Again, this place is an amazing place and if the entire US could live here I'm sure they would, if and only if it was sunny all the time. I guess its a give and take, clouds may just keep the entire population from living on this coast.
I get everything packed up and bike lined out and head for a shower. The showers at this site were great, even had heated flooring! I thought this a little over kill, however it does get cold up here so having heated floors makes a lot of since, I enjoyed them nonetheless. Back to my bike and ready to take off and another flat, I'm thinking I'm never going to get out of here. Maybe I was supposed to take another day of rest, I figure I'll work my way down the coast resting. I have plans to hang out with a friend in Florence next Friday exploring and just enjoying the day so I'm really in no hurry as its less than 200 miles there and I have 5 days to get there. I like this though as it is forcing me to slow my pace a little. Not on the bike but on the days! I really don't like riding less than 50 miles, even 80 at that as I don't seem to be getting warm until after 40+ miles and then the legs really feel like riding! Must be all the training I did when prepping for Ironman I guess.
Patch the tube and find the culprit in the tire, another small wire that I didn't find earlier. Next time around I'm going to run a touring bike with much more durable tires, and possibly paniers so I don't have to worry about the sway when heading downhill. Plust I'm going to go much lighter and possibly faster, possibly slower depending if I can find someone to tour with me!
And I'm off, destination south of Tillamook where the whale watching is supposed to be pretty good, however I'm not sure they are running right now so I'll have to wait and see. The clouds are thick, so thick the UV light is having trouble penetrating through. No need for sunblock today, true the blue UV light will seep in however I'm feeling pretty good about not wearing any today. If I see the light my skin will thank me for doing so! Rolling out of camp I know I need to get to a bike store as I'm down to just patches for punctures, out of spare tubes. All the spares I had are full of punctures that were not patchable so I had to pitch them. I'm thinking bike shop 10 miles away in Seaside, OR, where I can pick up some tubes and see if they have a quick release BoB skewer as mine is bent, it was bent when I borrowed it and has worked its way to more bent!
The ride to Seaside was good, just trying to warm up the legs and flush all the recovery out of them. They were stiff and it did take some time to get going, however I was still thinking one pedal stroke at a time and I'll be there. Rolling into Seaside, OR I remember the main street, Broadway takes me straight to the beach so I head that way before hitting up the bike shop. I take a right, headed West and there are thousands of people, I feel like I'm in downtown Chicago in rush hour! So many people all flocked to this little town for one of the largest volleyball tourneys in the states. I figure since I'm in no hurry to get to camp tonight and I'm "touring" now I'll stop and see some volleyball (okay - girls in bikini's sure was a deterant!) I watched for a little while and listend as there was a lot of ex-professional and old olympic volleyball players there, however this is a foreign world to me so I just people watched and took in the views.
Heading off the main strip I head to the bike shop where I'm able to pick up some tubes, but no skewer. I'll have to wait for that at a shop further south. The main problem with the skewer is that it is bent on the side I need to tighten and came loose the other day, I can't seem to get it tight using my fingers so it needs to be replaced! Before I left the gal said I could pick one up in Eugene, the good thing is my friend is coming to Florence from Eugene so I have a couple options. #1 Ride to Eugene inland off my route #2 Ask my friend if she doesn't mind picking it up for me - Either or I wouldn't mind riding into Eugene as this would give me more time to hang out and see the city which would be cool too.
Heading South out of Seaside I get the thought in my head of, "what the" - the wind is blowing from the South? I thought it "Always" blew from the NW I kept thinking. I quickly had to adjust my thoughts as I have had so much fun riding into the wind even though I was a little tired and cranky at times, however I figure its all for the training right? I have been asked what am I training for or are you training for something on this trip and my answer from the beginning was, "I'm trianing for lower insurance premiums and what ever adventure comes up next" so I'm going to stick with that for an answer!
Not too much further to go, less than 50 miles or so as today is going to be a much shorter day compared to all the others so I'm going to site see and just enjoy the day, ok the clouds! Kinda odd all this fog, just different as I'm accustomed to living in an environment with blue skys and clouds 15,000 feet up! Riding out of Seaside there are a lot of little towns pieced together along 101 heading to Tillamook. I stop and take pictures of the signs and pretty much just piddle my way down south. I stopped and took a picture of the famous Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach and just really enjoyed all the seaside homes looking out onto to the Pacific Ocean, man what it must be like to vacation here in the summer in a place of your own or even just a rental. The views are so amazing and the beaches so clean, makes me want to get back to work. The I think 2-4 weeks of vacation when I love to travel so much, how will that work?
Legs are starting to wake up now and I'm really enjoying the time I have right now, thinking about all the other things in my life that I should be doing but I'm not, I'm postponing them to ensure I'm revived when I return, able to give 100% of myself to whatever it is God has for me in the next chapter. Roads are okay, full of chat and debree from all the motorist. Cruising now and "whooooo" a motor home buzzes by me, they failed to put up there step going into there "home on wheels". I could feel it so close when it passed at 50+ mph, I hell at them for not giving me three feet. I wonder how many people know of this "law" they passed, I'm not sure if all the states have passed it, however this person sure didn't know of it! I pointed and yelled as I think I did get there attention because they did stop and put the step back in place when traveling, I saw them in the next town and when they passed again it was out of sight and they actually got over this time. I often wonder if drivers turn into differnt people when they are behind the wheel of a vehicle, thinking man another bicycle. I wonder if they think the bicycle is pedaling itself as they really don't seem to care about human life when they buzz you at high speeds. On top of that I wonder if they understand physics at all and what the wind does to us light cyclist as we are pedaling down the road, being sucked into the wind currents when people pass at high speeds???
I feeling pretty good, stomach still full of all the goodies I ate over the three days of rest and I'm thinking just ride and burn as many calories today as possible to empty your stomach, I felt so gross when I got on the bike. I can sure tell the difference from fresh organic food vs. packaged food which I endulged myself with the last couple of days. Not a good feeling, I kept thinking of a kitchen with fresh fruit, veggies, meat, and that ever so fresh glass of cold milk! Again, thinking I don't want this to ever end, however I know when it does I won't take anything for granted! You learn to cope with so much less when you're on the road, you have no other choice. I wonder what else I'll give up when I return to the working world and plug myself back into society. Will it be my car, will I bike every where? Will it be chocolate, nope don't see that happening? I'm sure things will have changed within me, the maturing will be evident upon my return I'm certain of that as I feel like I have grown (aka matured) so much. I never want to grow up as I never want to lose the kid inside! What if we all gave up something in our lives, would we be better off? So many thoughts going through my head on the bike today, so fresh and not warn down from all the previous days. Recharged and fully functioning! Love it...
I continue to ride and nothing really exciting happens on this stretch, I did come across "Hug Point" and thought about how nice it would to embrace someone I love with a hug at this very moment. At a place where it says hug point! I've been without a hug since Cookie at the Wisdom, MT little cafe I dined at a couple weeks ago. So long to have been without touching someone. I have been asked lots on this trip about what its like to be riding alone, do you get lonely. The answer is yes, I think I do get lonely and the rest days are the hardest. The other days I'm working and not letting my mind control my thoughts. I have to ask who doesn't get lonely at times? According to the Bible - God created all creatures to have a partner in live. Adam with Eve and all the animals, et cetera. Maybe not all as there are some loners but is this by choice or design?
Since I have been on this trip, when the feeling of lonliness hits its when I see a couple walking holding hands, or fowl traveling together, maybe my lonely feelings are triggered my jealously. Thinking of having something that God has not provided for me just yet. I know it will happen someday as it has been a desire in my heart for some time and that is his design and I must wait on that and not make the choice. Making the choice would be taking control and I don't want to have control anymore. Many I have talked to that are happily married say that when you know you know so don't rush anything. I'm trying to stick to this advice as it appears it worked for them so I'll continue to put my faith in the Lord on this subject.
Thoughts all over the place today, must be recharged for sure! Continuing the ride into Tillamook I stop at the famous, you must see "Tillamook Cheese Factory", so many friends told me I have to stop so I will and check it out. I figure its just a huge tourist trap to get people to buy more of the "Tillamook" brand name dairy products but what the heck, I'll check it out! I stop and the place is buzzing with tourist, I lock my rig (bike and BoB) up and head inside. I don't like to leave my rig unattended as right now its my life! Imagine losing everything you own. I have friends that have due to natural disasters and starting over again doesn't sound that much fun, but in a way I think I currently am.
The factory wasn't running when I arrived as its 5PM on a Sunday so I check out things, eat the free samples of cheese, okay I went through the line three times I must confess. I just finished riding close to 65 miles and food is what I think about when I get off the bike. The chedder and pepperjack cheese was awesome! I continued to tour the facility and I'm thinking about coming back tomorrow to see if they are running and get a glimpse of the factory in action. I purchase some cheese for mack and cheese tonight, I figure I have all these noodles what better way to spend the evening, ocean side eating some fresh diary from a local factory. (what's 3 bucks right - I've heard this so many times on this trip and I think its a lot when you don't have much!)
Leaving the factory I head due West around the Tillamook Bay which is gorgeous I might add to Cape Lookout State Park where I'm going to call home for tonight and possible the next day. I have four days now until I need to be in Florence so I can piddle! The ride over to the park is close to 11 miles or so and I just enjoy the ride, low traffic with a little climbing and I'm there. Rolling into the park I register with the Park ranger then head to my site! I see the Canadians (Andrew and Nicole) that I saw a couple nights ago. Pretty cool seeing them again, thought they would be long gone, they were a group of four and now they were down to two. They just wanted to spend the time enjoying the sights and I don't blame them! Andrew really thanked me for a quote I mentioned before they rolled out of Ft. Stevens State Park about pacing. He made a comment about being slow and I had to comment, "Everyone has there own pace when cycling, and everyone's journey in life follows a differnt pace as well" - I know this came out different the other day but I think I collected the thought. Sharing dinner and conversation with them was great, youth is so much fun to converse with, so fresh, so adventurous!
After dinner, well before that "Thank You Andrew and Nicole" for the steak and roasted pepper, what a treat for me tonight, just a taste but that's all I needed! And Nicole - ladies never shovel! LOL I thank them and wish them a good night and return to my tent, figure listening to the waves crash along the beach all night will allow for a healthy night of sleeping. The view here is unreal - ones you see in the movies if your not from this area or have never been. So lush green, all the pigments of green you can think of and o' so beautiful! I wouldn't change this for anything right now, I do wish I had a beautiful lady accompaning me though...
Friday, August 13, 2010
Day 31: August 11th, 2010 (Route: Tillamook, OR to Astoria, OR)
Day 31: August 11th, 2010 (Route: Tillamook, OR to Astoria, OR)
Technical Data:
Distance, miles: 67.34
Ride Time 5:06:27
Work, kJ: 2977
Average Power, watts: 160
Normalized Power, watts: 195
Average Speed, mph: 12.99
Forecast: Cloudy and 65 with winds out of the NW...
Waking up in the Park at Tillamook was great, I finally feel like I got a full nights rest since Colorado Springs, CO. I really didn't want to get up today as I was warm and cozy in my tent, the fog that's on top of me right now has keep me warm all night, out of the wind I was able to keep quit warm and didn't really need the sheet tonight. It's 6AM and I'm thinking today's the day and I'm kinda ready to be through with the first leg, however I don't want the trip to end either so I maybe I'll delay my start. I fire up the pc to download my powertap data as I didn't do it last night, I was a little more interested in eating ice cream then anything.
Once up I take inventory on what I have and make sure I'm not missing much, I even take a few photos of things to give those reading an idea on what I have and what I don't have! Nichols - I took a picture of my tent you requested, should be up on FB. After getting ready I decide to go back to the Safeway cafe and regroup, write a little and wait for the library to open so I can hit the internet. I've been a couple days behind on my blog after staying with warm showers host a couple days in a row, just seem to lose track of time when your with people. I love it though, just adds a little work later in the week...
I think hitting up Safeway for some electrons wasn't a good idea as I downed six cinnamon rolls there in the bakery, I was hungry. I had a guy in the little cafe ask me if I was going to eat all of those and I thought, sure why not I'm about to ride 65 miles up the coast I could use the fuel! He just smiled and agreed if you're riding that much you'll need it. I laughed and went back to collecting some electrons for the pc and the phone and worked on getting caught upon my blog. I text a few people while I was there and tried to catch up on some emails as I have neglected, would neglected be the correct word? I've just been preoccupied would be a better word I think! Enjoying the sights, the people, and the terrain of beautiful Oregon. Terrain is one thing you never really take in while in a car or truck when traveling somewhere. Think about it, most just push a little harder on the gas pedal or with the newer cars and the cruise control kicks a little more fuel at a faster rate into the engine. The terrain by bike can be a lot more than one thinks! The work goes up and the mental strain goes up as well if you are not physical and mentally prepared. The last couple of days I have been trying to conserve my nutrition products as I really need to conserve a little before I get to Astoria. I'm doing this as I know that I'll have a couple days of rest while I'm there so I'll have the time to recover versus the quick recover the products allow for. Maybe this is a mistake however I'll need the calories down the road and lately I've been pretty full as the warmshowers.com host have really helped bring a few pounds back!
Safeway didn't have wi fi even though the connection was strong so I headed to the library for a little bit. Since I wanted to keep an eye on my bike I decided to just type outside on the park bench and enjoy the "gloomy" weather. I thought for a while on how do people live with all this gloom but I'm sure they get used to it all the time. I think I was a little spoiled living in Colorado Springs and Tampa with all that sunshine. I now know for sure that warm weather and sun is going to have to play a key in where I live in the future where ever that may be.
Before leaving the library I chatted with a gentlemen working on adding sand to the bricks in front of the library, conversation was pretty good. He just moved to the area and was mentioning he had always wanted to live in Oregon, relocated from California where he used to work in some shipping yards that were shut down when Clinton was president. He seemed a little upset about losing his job however he was making the best of his situation and enjoying his time sunny or cloudy. He wished me best on my journey and I headed off.
65 miles to Astoria and I was really ready to get there as I have wanted a day of rest since I took my last one at the church, that wasn't very long ago so I have been feeling pretty shot mentally I assuming. The stretch from Tillamook to Astoria has a little bit of climbing in it but I was unsure how much. I started to ride feeling pretty good but not mentally, the dreariness of this place is starting to get to me. Cloudy, with lots of fog in the morning with a light drizzle all morning. I can tell something is off as I'm not able to concentrate on the positive. Riding was going pretty good, however the traffic was starting to get to me, I kept thinking its a weekday so why so much traffic? I was warned about the 101 traffic but really didn't put 2 and 2 together today, again another sign I am getting extremely tired mentally!
I kept thinking that how am I going to get to see the coast with all this traffic so I just put my head down to ride today. I'll see it after I have rested a few days in Astoria. I figured on this last section I would play a little game with the mileage and just cover ten miles then another and just play it a little bit at a time. Mentally I was pretty upset at the traffic and hoping just to be done as soon as possible. Riding along the highway tired is not something I like to do, the nutrition was playing a huge roll today as well.
The sights were starting to get better though, a few breaks in the clouds would come and go and I was excited to see the beauty of the coast that I have heard so much about. I dediced to stop at Seaside and it was 4 o'clock now, leaving Tillamook at 11:30 wasn't a good idea if I wanted to make it to the post office by 5PM. I know I had some post drops to pick up and a really wanted to pick them up today as I was running low on snack food and figured I would have some waiting for me, as a four people mentioned they had sent packages for me. I was pretty excited to be honest, kinda like Christmas in August!
I would think about this and this would cheer me up on the bike. Then I hit an out cropping to view the sites an it was something! Tons of waves crashing on the beaches and rocky terrain the Oregon coast has to offer. This cheered me up but heading back into the gloomy weather was not appealing. I was thinking I need to change my attitude, however riding like I have ridden over the last 30 days is new to me and I'm starting to feel it, I'm not sure if I'm mentally breaking down or its just because I'm so close and can see the light for the recovery days to come?
Attitude has a lot to do with whatever situation you are in, trust me! I'm out here doing what I love, in one of the most gorgeous parts of the country and I feel like my attitude sucks. Kinda like when your sick, nothing is going right, however I have a choice to make. Feel like crap with a crappy attitude or feel like crap and look at the postive and have a positive attitude! I was in that valley for a little bit, however I got out just as I got in once I saw the coastal waters! The surf boards where something different, and I can't imagine surfing in the NorthWest. I was so cold racing in Oceanside a couple years ago, however it is August and not March, so I'm sure the waters are a little warmer however with as little body fat as I have, I think I'll surf in the warmer climates!
The stop in Seaside, OR I stopped in at the visitors center, as I plan on slowing down a little enjoying the coast. I have had so many people ask when I'm going to slow down. Well guess what, I'm planning on it on the coast. I have wanted to spend a lot of time in Astoria for so long, the landscape from the movies I love had stuck in my mind and I want to enjoy it! Heading out of Seaside, OR I have about anothe 15-20 miles into Astoria, I haven't seen much of the sun since the Eastern part of Oregon and I'm hoping once I get settled it will show itself. I feel for all my friends and family that are cooking in one of the worst summers ever in the midwest, here I am traveling the country by bike wishing for sun. When all think they may be thinking is, I want some shade and and don't want to work.
Kinda odd how they want what I am experiencing right now and I want what they have? A steady income and home to go to every night. All in due time I'm sure, I'm just praying I have someone to share it with when it does come around. This makes me think of a chat I had with a friend the other day that wants to take a trip across country but wants to have a co-pilot. I had to question why the wait and say pick up a co-pilot when your out on your journey, there's no time like the present to get lost in the moment! So many wait, wait for what? A full bank account, an opportunity to get away, a ten your tenure at a company for that extra weeks vacation? So many things to wait on, when your waiting what are you doing? I once read this book about waiting and how this person never believes in such a thing. We should never be waiting even when it appears we are, reading a book, chatting with a complete stranger will work. Try it - shoot a smile at a complete stranger and see how it affects there day! Trust me - just try it!!!
I roll into Astoria and its dreary and getting close to 5 I'm thinking. Check my phone and its 5:15PM - I'm thinkint the post office has to be closed and sure enough closed at 5 when I went by. I'm kinda bummed when I get into town, I really wanted to make it by 5 so I could pick up any packages that had been sent. Those were my updrafts for when I arrived as it was drizzling and I was drained...
Now where to sleep, I ask around and since Astoria is built on a hill all there parks are up on a hill, well to be honest I wasn't interested in pulling BoB up a hill today, ones like the ones in San Fransisco or would should the ones in San Fransisco be like the ones in Astoria considering its the oldest settlement west of the Mississippi? I'm thinking hostel tonight as it would be good to get out of the rain! I missed my opps for good camping back at Ft. Steves where I do plan on staying just not tonight. I get settled in at this hostel where I feel pretty comfortable about locking my bike up and getting out to see the sights, no rest for the anxious I guess!
First stop - the Goonies House of course! 368 38th Street, Astoria, OR. I'm not a big fan of doing things like this, however that movie is something, it brings me back to being a kid and I watch it at least once a month to be honest! I just like the youth, the adventure, and of course the landscape! Walking to the house I hear the seals on the docks, the gulls circling over head and the sound of the Columbia river in a mass of all the traffic walking east on Marine Street. I have a couple of miles to go before I hit 38th and I'm thinking grab a couple of photos then head to Inception as its playing at 8:30 and its 7:45. I forgot I did stop and eat, I've been craving chips and salsa since I started and I told myself that would be my reward for getting there. I had hostess cupcakes for crossing Kansas! Chips and Salsa was a treat - nothing like the onces at other restuarants I've dined at but I didn't care I was hungry!
Walking to the house was nice, looking back at the bridge and thinking about all the cars that cross it, the ships that come navigate the famous sand bar heading into the Columbia river to dock up at the port in Portland, OR. So many famous things have occured here, Lewis and Clark, trading, first settlement, forts, forts that have been fired upon, such a historical little treasure here on in the Northwest! I get to the house and its somewhat I remember from the movie! Things have changed over the last 25 years since the movie has been shot! There are residents in the house so going in isn't an option however snapping a picture was worth it. I thought all the guys I used to run with in a town similar to this one, small! Riding bikes and having our own adventures, making friends do the truffle shuffle, and hearing the words "The Goonies Never Die"...a true film all about adventure, nothing to lose in a desperate time, very similar to times like this! Different yet somewhat similar to my thoughts!
When I arrived at the house there was a group of kids taking pictures and they kept asking what house it was, I thought what? You're here and don't know what house it is? That's weird! I tell them then they head back up to take a photo. I saw some signs in town about the 25th Anniversary that happened in July for the movie, would have been cool to see it then! All the fans, I'm not a huge fan but I do like the movie, fanatic I mean - never have really been that fanatical about things, however some might disagree. I did like the Teeanage Mutant Ninja Turtles growing up, part three was shot here however I haven't seen it so I better get on the history while i'm here!
After I shot a photo of the house I headed to the Astor school where they shot the film Kindergarten Cop took a photo and looked at the phones clock and thought I can make it to "Inception" if I push it. On the way I'm thinking chocolate milk, even after the large dinner so I stop at the grocery and grab some milk. I'm going to be late to the film but I'm thinking the previews will be long so I won't be late. I keep walking and get to the cinema, no ones at the desk so I'm thinking the movie must be started. I stand around for a few minutes, go to the restroom and think what should I do. I'm later then I thought, its now close to 9 so I decide to just walk in and catch the rest of the movie, okay this wasn't probably the smartest thing to do but I figure if no ones around what do I do? They must be watching the film too so I would join them! Not sure how much of the film I missed but I didn't fall asleep, when I'm this tired I've been known to fall right asleep after a long day of riding and just random things. I did miss about 30 minutes of the movie so I'm going to have to see it again, and next time I'll pay!
Heading back to the hostel now to sleep...
Technical Data:
Distance, miles: 67.34
Ride Time 5:06:27
Work, kJ: 2977
Average Power, watts: 160
Normalized Power, watts: 195
Average Speed, mph: 12.99
Forecast: Cloudy and 65 with winds out of the NW...
Waking up in the Park at Tillamook was great, I finally feel like I got a full nights rest since Colorado Springs, CO. I really didn't want to get up today as I was warm and cozy in my tent, the fog that's on top of me right now has keep me warm all night, out of the wind I was able to keep quit warm and didn't really need the sheet tonight. It's 6AM and I'm thinking today's the day and I'm kinda ready to be through with the first leg, however I don't want the trip to end either so I maybe I'll delay my start. I fire up the pc to download my powertap data as I didn't do it last night, I was a little more interested in eating ice cream then anything.
Once up I take inventory on what I have and make sure I'm not missing much, I even take a few photos of things to give those reading an idea on what I have and what I don't have! Nichols - I took a picture of my tent you requested, should be up on FB. After getting ready I decide to go back to the Safeway cafe and regroup, write a little and wait for the library to open so I can hit the internet. I've been a couple days behind on my blog after staying with warm showers host a couple days in a row, just seem to lose track of time when your with people. I love it though, just adds a little work later in the week...
I think hitting up Safeway for some electrons wasn't a good idea as I downed six cinnamon rolls there in the bakery, I was hungry. I had a guy in the little cafe ask me if I was going to eat all of those and I thought, sure why not I'm about to ride 65 miles up the coast I could use the fuel! He just smiled and agreed if you're riding that much you'll need it. I laughed and went back to collecting some electrons for the pc and the phone and worked on getting caught upon my blog. I text a few people while I was there and tried to catch up on some emails as I have neglected, would neglected be the correct word? I've just been preoccupied would be a better word I think! Enjoying the sights, the people, and the terrain of beautiful Oregon. Terrain is one thing you never really take in while in a car or truck when traveling somewhere. Think about it, most just push a little harder on the gas pedal or with the newer cars and the cruise control kicks a little more fuel at a faster rate into the engine. The terrain by bike can be a lot more than one thinks! The work goes up and the mental strain goes up as well if you are not physical and mentally prepared. The last couple of days I have been trying to conserve my nutrition products as I really need to conserve a little before I get to Astoria. I'm doing this as I know that I'll have a couple days of rest while I'm there so I'll have the time to recover versus the quick recover the products allow for. Maybe this is a mistake however I'll need the calories down the road and lately I've been pretty full as the warmshowers.com host have really helped bring a few pounds back!
Safeway didn't have wi fi even though the connection was strong so I headed to the library for a little bit. Since I wanted to keep an eye on my bike I decided to just type outside on the park bench and enjoy the "gloomy" weather. I thought for a while on how do people live with all this gloom but I'm sure they get used to it all the time. I think I was a little spoiled living in Colorado Springs and Tampa with all that sunshine. I now know for sure that warm weather and sun is going to have to play a key in where I live in the future where ever that may be.
Before leaving the library I chatted with a gentlemen working on adding sand to the bricks in front of the library, conversation was pretty good. He just moved to the area and was mentioning he had always wanted to live in Oregon, relocated from California where he used to work in some shipping yards that were shut down when Clinton was president. He seemed a little upset about losing his job however he was making the best of his situation and enjoying his time sunny or cloudy. He wished me best on my journey and I headed off.
65 miles to Astoria and I was really ready to get there as I have wanted a day of rest since I took my last one at the church, that wasn't very long ago so I have been feeling pretty shot mentally I assuming. The stretch from Tillamook to Astoria has a little bit of climbing in it but I was unsure how much. I started to ride feeling pretty good but not mentally, the dreariness of this place is starting to get to me. Cloudy, with lots of fog in the morning with a light drizzle all morning. I can tell something is off as I'm not able to concentrate on the positive. Riding was going pretty good, however the traffic was starting to get to me, I kept thinking its a weekday so why so much traffic? I was warned about the 101 traffic but really didn't put 2 and 2 together today, again another sign I am getting extremely tired mentally!
I kept thinking that how am I going to get to see the coast with all this traffic so I just put my head down to ride today. I'll see it after I have rested a few days in Astoria. I figured on this last section I would play a little game with the mileage and just cover ten miles then another and just play it a little bit at a time. Mentally I was pretty upset at the traffic and hoping just to be done as soon as possible. Riding along the highway tired is not something I like to do, the nutrition was playing a huge roll today as well.
The sights were starting to get better though, a few breaks in the clouds would come and go and I was excited to see the beauty of the coast that I have heard so much about. I dediced to stop at Seaside and it was 4 o'clock now, leaving Tillamook at 11:30 wasn't a good idea if I wanted to make it to the post office by 5PM. I know I had some post drops to pick up and a really wanted to pick them up today as I was running low on snack food and figured I would have some waiting for me, as a four people mentioned they had sent packages for me. I was pretty excited to be honest, kinda like Christmas in August!
I would think about this and this would cheer me up on the bike. Then I hit an out cropping to view the sites an it was something! Tons of waves crashing on the beaches and rocky terrain the Oregon coast has to offer. This cheered me up but heading back into the gloomy weather was not appealing. I was thinking I need to change my attitude, however riding like I have ridden over the last 30 days is new to me and I'm starting to feel it, I'm not sure if I'm mentally breaking down or its just because I'm so close and can see the light for the recovery days to come?
Attitude has a lot to do with whatever situation you are in, trust me! I'm out here doing what I love, in one of the most gorgeous parts of the country and I feel like my attitude sucks. Kinda like when your sick, nothing is going right, however I have a choice to make. Feel like crap with a crappy attitude or feel like crap and look at the postive and have a positive attitude! I was in that valley for a little bit, however I got out just as I got in once I saw the coastal waters! The surf boards where something different, and I can't imagine surfing in the NorthWest. I was so cold racing in Oceanside a couple years ago, however it is August and not March, so I'm sure the waters are a little warmer however with as little body fat as I have, I think I'll surf in the warmer climates!
The stop in Seaside, OR I stopped in at the visitors center, as I plan on slowing down a little enjoying the coast. I have had so many people ask when I'm going to slow down. Well guess what, I'm planning on it on the coast. I have wanted to spend a lot of time in Astoria for so long, the landscape from the movies I love had stuck in my mind and I want to enjoy it! Heading out of Seaside, OR I have about anothe 15-20 miles into Astoria, I haven't seen much of the sun since the Eastern part of Oregon and I'm hoping once I get settled it will show itself. I feel for all my friends and family that are cooking in one of the worst summers ever in the midwest, here I am traveling the country by bike wishing for sun. When all think they may be thinking is, I want some shade and and don't want to work.
Kinda odd how they want what I am experiencing right now and I want what they have? A steady income and home to go to every night. All in due time I'm sure, I'm just praying I have someone to share it with when it does come around. This makes me think of a chat I had with a friend the other day that wants to take a trip across country but wants to have a co-pilot. I had to question why the wait and say pick up a co-pilot when your out on your journey, there's no time like the present to get lost in the moment! So many wait, wait for what? A full bank account, an opportunity to get away, a ten your tenure at a company for that extra weeks vacation? So many things to wait on, when your waiting what are you doing? I once read this book about waiting and how this person never believes in such a thing. We should never be waiting even when it appears we are, reading a book, chatting with a complete stranger will work. Try it - shoot a smile at a complete stranger and see how it affects there day! Trust me - just try it!!!
I roll into Astoria and its dreary and getting close to 5 I'm thinking. Check my phone and its 5:15PM - I'm thinkint the post office has to be closed and sure enough closed at 5 when I went by. I'm kinda bummed when I get into town, I really wanted to make it by 5 so I could pick up any packages that had been sent. Those were my updrafts for when I arrived as it was drizzling and I was drained...
Now where to sleep, I ask around and since Astoria is built on a hill all there parks are up on a hill, well to be honest I wasn't interested in pulling BoB up a hill today, ones like the ones in San Fransisco or would should the ones in San Fransisco be like the ones in Astoria considering its the oldest settlement west of the Mississippi? I'm thinking hostel tonight as it would be good to get out of the rain! I missed my opps for good camping back at Ft. Steves where I do plan on staying just not tonight. I get settled in at this hostel where I feel pretty comfortable about locking my bike up and getting out to see the sights, no rest for the anxious I guess!
First stop - the Goonies House of course! 368 38th Street, Astoria, OR. I'm not a big fan of doing things like this, however that movie is something, it brings me back to being a kid and I watch it at least once a month to be honest! I just like the youth, the adventure, and of course the landscape! Walking to the house I hear the seals on the docks, the gulls circling over head and the sound of the Columbia river in a mass of all the traffic walking east on Marine Street. I have a couple of miles to go before I hit 38th and I'm thinking grab a couple of photos then head to Inception as its playing at 8:30 and its 7:45. I forgot I did stop and eat, I've been craving chips and salsa since I started and I told myself that would be my reward for getting there. I had hostess cupcakes for crossing Kansas! Chips and Salsa was a treat - nothing like the onces at other restuarants I've dined at but I didn't care I was hungry!
Walking to the house was nice, looking back at the bridge and thinking about all the cars that cross it, the ships that come navigate the famous sand bar heading into the Columbia river to dock up at the port in Portland, OR. So many famous things have occured here, Lewis and Clark, trading, first settlement, forts, forts that have been fired upon, such a historical little treasure here on in the Northwest! I get to the house and its somewhat I remember from the movie! Things have changed over the last 25 years since the movie has been shot! There are residents in the house so going in isn't an option however snapping a picture was worth it. I thought all the guys I used to run with in a town similar to this one, small! Riding bikes and having our own adventures, making friends do the truffle shuffle, and hearing the words "The Goonies Never Die"...a true film all about adventure, nothing to lose in a desperate time, very similar to times like this! Different yet somewhat similar to my thoughts!
When I arrived at the house there was a group of kids taking pictures and they kept asking what house it was, I thought what? You're here and don't know what house it is? That's weird! I tell them then they head back up to take a photo. I saw some signs in town about the 25th Anniversary that happened in July for the movie, would have been cool to see it then! All the fans, I'm not a huge fan but I do like the movie, fanatic I mean - never have really been that fanatical about things, however some might disagree. I did like the Teeanage Mutant Ninja Turtles growing up, part three was shot here however I haven't seen it so I better get on the history while i'm here!
After I shot a photo of the house I headed to the Astor school where they shot the film Kindergarten Cop took a photo and looked at the phones clock and thought I can make it to "Inception" if I push it. On the way I'm thinking chocolate milk, even after the large dinner so I stop at the grocery and grab some milk. I'm going to be late to the film but I'm thinking the previews will be long so I won't be late. I keep walking and get to the cinema, no ones at the desk so I'm thinking the movie must be started. I stand around for a few minutes, go to the restroom and think what should I do. I'm later then I thought, its now close to 9 so I decide to just walk in and catch the rest of the movie, okay this wasn't probably the smartest thing to do but I figure if no ones around what do I do? They must be watching the film too so I would join them! Not sure how much of the film I missed but I didn't fall asleep, when I'm this tired I've been known to fall right asleep after a long day of riding and just random things. I did miss about 30 minutes of the movie so I'm going to have to see it again, and next time I'll pay!
Heading back to the hostel now to sleep...
Day 30: August 10th, 2010 (Route: Independence, OR to Tillamook, OR)
Day 30: August 10th, 2010 (Route: Independence, OR to Tillamook, OR)
Technical Data:
Distance, miles: 102.35
Ride Time: 7:10:32
Work, kJ: 4189
Average Power, watts: 159
Normalized Power, watts: 188
Average Speed, mph: 13.96
Forecast: Cool, cloudy with winds out of the NW
Sleeping in a construction lot was ideal last night, waking was tough as I was pretty tired from the short day before. I know that all these days in a row is catching up to me, just a couple more days and a lot of rest ahead of me and I'm looking forward to it. Waking up to a large pile of dirt and an apples falling around me was pretty cool though. Who would have thought I would be sleeping in a construction lot?
Once up I did the normal routine, except this morning I pick fresh blackberries! What a treat it is to wake with fresh berries less than 20 feet away. I really wasn't in a hurry this morning as the bike shop wasn't going to open until 9 or 10 and its 6:30AM so what's the rush. The ride is close to 12-15 miles or so to the shop I think as I have no idea on what shop I'm heading too. To the bike I go and its cloudy, where has the sun gone? It's chilly and I'm ready to fix this bike issue, I'm thinking its a chain problem which won't be that bad, quick fix and I'll be on my way if the cassette is okay.
Rolling out of Independence I kept thinking you're heading the wrong way, you need to be heading NW vs. NE but I need to get to a shop as I can't continue on without a chain! Cruising out of town, I'm suprising feeling pretty good besides the chill on the hands. The roads in this section were pretty clean and I was enjoying the ride to be honest! Approaching hwy 22 where I would take a right and head into Salem came up really quick, I was trying not to stand or put too much power into the drive train as I didn't want to slip the drive chain so I keep it pretty moderate on the way to ensure I made it!
Once into Salem, over a narrow bridge from West Salem I roll right into town and a bike shop is right on the corner! I think, this is ideal!!! The kid in independence mentioned a bike shop on the other side of the bridge and he was correct, good to know he knows the area. I roll past and the shop opens at 9, I keep thinking I'll be out of here by noon for sure! Little time to waste before the shop opens so I ride down town. Riding through town in the AM was a good deal for me, traffic was high but I came up on the "Waffle Guy". Just cruising down the road, and this waffle vendor yells at me if I have had breakfast, I said no and sure enough he say's "I'll make you a waffle". Since one of things on this trip has been trying to receive gifts I couldn't turn him down!
I pull over and chat for a bit, down a waffle with peanut butter and blackberries and a little syrup, wrapped up! I have never eaten a waffle like this, yet ever scene a waffle vendor before. The cool thing was the young man running the stand was wearing a CSC cycling jacket and used to race cyclecross, I new he had to be cool! After sharing some stories and chatting for a bit, he mentioned he would like to tour someday and ride to every professional baseball stadium and catch a game! I thought this would be a great thing to do! Reminded me of Aaron and Laura's story about riding to the center of every US state! What cool ideas!!!!!
I think I would like to combine my idea of climbing the highest peak in every state by adding riding to them! What a way to see the country.....
Back to the shop I stop in and get down to business! I mention the problem to the mechanics in the shop and sure enough the chain is shot, its not even measuring, I new that as I could feel it! The next question was what about the gears, how are the teeth? They do mention when you cassette is shot to add a new chain as they wear together, however I wasn't sure about the front teeth. After a long conversation and observation of the current gears I have I decide its going to best to change the cassette (11/25), chain, and front chain rings (53/39). I'm running some big gears for touring, the mechanic thought he might not have a 53, however I lucked out and he did have one in stock. Not the brand I was running but sure enough, one that would work!
I mentioned I wanted to do the work so I could save on labor cost and they agreed, still a long road ahead and I need to conserve as much as I can! I changed everything out which was a piece of cake! I needed to pay for the items now, $135 bucks for parts was the damage. New chain $28, new cassette (12/26 - they didn't have a 11/25) $35, new 39 gear ring $35, and a 53 $55 - at 15% off cost for parts and since I did my own labor I was able to save as much as I could, I added a few more patches to the purchase as I new I was going to need them on the road for the next couple of legs.
Heading out of the shop it was now 1:45PM and I had covered maybe 25 miles of riding and I was not happy about leaving at this time, but what can you do when you're on the road? Just ride I thought, ride as far as you can and see how you feel. I made the mistake of not running my nutrition today as so much was going on. I rolled out of Salem thinking I could cover as many miles before I needed a break or before I made it to Tillamook which was close to 100 miles away, I really wanted to be in Tillamook tonight even if it cost me riding into the night, however I don't have lights so I know that wasn't going to happen. I rode and rode until I needed to stop for a break. Stopping at a small cafe on the route to the coast I stop for a bit. I stopped too long to be honest, but I was tired and really kicking myself for not staying on the nutrition!
After refueling and taking in as much water as I could I decide to hit the bathroom for a shave and brush my teeth again as I had some sugar and I need to stay on my hygiene. This is in the normal routine in the mornings and evenings, however I had my kit out so I thought I would go ahead and routine it again. I really need to push on I kept thinking but I also kept thinking but I'm so comfortable just sitting here! I have coverd 55 miles today and really enjoying the new drive train! 45 miles to Tillamook and its 5:15 and I'm thinking at 15 miles an hour I can make it by 8:15, however I figured I would need to push it faster than that as its getting late and I need to be off the highways by then. I push off with a goal in mind, restocked and GU full in the tank I'm thinking I'll push the pace a little to ensure I get there in time.
Pushing the pace felt great, actually it felt great to work a little this afternoon. I was feeling pretty good and the terrian was in my favor, there was a little climbing but not to much aso iw as able to really cook it for some of the first 20 miles or so. Terrain is scenic, I had to stop and take a few pictures on this stretch which kept me thinking I can't slow. If I'm going to make it before dark I need to keep moving. Mist starts rolling in, cold and unknowning of the terrain ahead, which I love, I push on. Legs feeling pretty good as its rolling terrain which I love and windy! The road surfaces were ideal for riding too, little wet and with old balding tires I was leary however dark was approaching soon.
Passing dairy farm after dairy farm I know I'm getting closer to Tillamook. I'm thinking this is a sure thing, I'll find a campground or park just before dusk and crawl into my tent and slip into some dreams. I haven't really dreamt, well ones that I can remember since I have been on this journey, o' wait there was a couple night in Colorado Springs, CO where I did dream! Dreamt of that girl I wish to have in my future...but we don't need to go into any details. It would be nice to hit some REM sleep on this journey, exspecially once I hit Astoria which the plan for tomorrow.
I'm cruising now and really enjoying the ride and pushing the pace as much as I can with BOB in tow. I had to stop to go to the bathroom and kept thinking about Ironman racing and how I just go on the bike, I was thinking about it then thought you have to shower somewhere and where is an unknown place so just stop. I really was thinking killing the momentum was what I didn't want! Stop at this filling station and go as fast as I can, however something did catch my eye, a couple locals in a truck were having a good time and I wasn't sure what was going on. Laughing and looking my direction when I came out to my rig? I wasn't sure but I had a suspicion they were up to no good.
I push on with bottle full, I hadn't drank since I left the last stop which I thought I'm going to pay for that one tomorrow for sure! It's getting dark by now and I'm about 15-20 out from Tillamook so I have to stay on it, one more leg and I'm in Tillamook. The next stretch was pretty dicey as road construction and a narrow shoulder and I was really having to push it! I was having so much fun though, racing with a BoB to ensure my safety and not having to ride in the dark was necessary tonight!
The ride was an enjoyable one and I cruised into Tillamook all alone, the roads were pretty bare being a Tuesday night and later in the evening a lot of people must be getting ready for bed which I will do in just a few. Rolling into Tillamook at dusk I planned on getting some Tillamook Ice Cream because so many people have talked about it. To Safeway I head and pick up a quart and half of ice cream, I figure I'll eat the whole thing but I'll have to pace myself so I don't get sick. I also went straight to the bargain rack in the back of the store to see if they had any pasta or other item that might strike my fancy. I scored in this Safeway as they had some peanut butter for a little over a dollar and some pasta for forty cents. O' how you have to stretch that dollar on the road!
I ask the clerk about a local park and she mentioned to just stay on 3rd street and you can't miss it. So pedaling pretty much at dark holding a quart and half of ice cream I venture to the park. A nice little park, full of trees and play ground equipment, rather bright for my sleeping desires but what can one do? I found a great spot in the far back corner to make sure i'm out of sight as I don't want to get kicked out of the park. Looking for sprinkler heads I pitch my tent and position my bike so that if anyone attempted to steal it, it would wake me and there would be no theft. Getting settled into the tent I was pretty excited as I had this ice cream to devour and I was starving!
Half way through the ice cream I could feel the stomach start to churn a little so I slowed down! Read a little and then continued into the ice cream. Tillamook Centennial ice cream is what I purchased and it was pretty good however I was hoping for more brownies and caramel to be honest! The ice cream is more creamy then I had hoped, that or it just wasn't cold enough since I waited so long after taking it from the freezer. I wasn't able to finish the full container but I did put a pretty good dent in it. I keep thinking it would be great to have shared this with someone instead of allowing the remaining to go to waste, however I couldn't finish it as I didn't want to have to wake up in the middle of the night having to puke instead of using the restroom.
Lying there for a while thinking about how full my stomach was I doze off, thinking about the last section of the first leg of my journey will be over. A feeling of sadness and joy hit me at the same time, kinda bitter sweet I think...
Technical Data:
Distance, miles: 102.35
Ride Time: 7:10:32
Work, kJ: 4189
Average Power, watts: 159
Normalized Power, watts: 188
Average Speed, mph: 13.96
Forecast: Cool, cloudy with winds out of the NW
Sleeping in a construction lot was ideal last night, waking was tough as I was pretty tired from the short day before. I know that all these days in a row is catching up to me, just a couple more days and a lot of rest ahead of me and I'm looking forward to it. Waking up to a large pile of dirt and an apples falling around me was pretty cool though. Who would have thought I would be sleeping in a construction lot?
Once up I did the normal routine, except this morning I pick fresh blackberries! What a treat it is to wake with fresh berries less than 20 feet away. I really wasn't in a hurry this morning as the bike shop wasn't going to open until 9 or 10 and its 6:30AM so what's the rush. The ride is close to 12-15 miles or so to the shop I think as I have no idea on what shop I'm heading too. To the bike I go and its cloudy, where has the sun gone? It's chilly and I'm ready to fix this bike issue, I'm thinking its a chain problem which won't be that bad, quick fix and I'll be on my way if the cassette is okay.
Rolling out of Independence I kept thinking you're heading the wrong way, you need to be heading NW vs. NE but I need to get to a shop as I can't continue on without a chain! Cruising out of town, I'm suprising feeling pretty good besides the chill on the hands. The roads in this section were pretty clean and I was enjoying the ride to be honest! Approaching hwy 22 where I would take a right and head into Salem came up really quick, I was trying not to stand or put too much power into the drive train as I didn't want to slip the drive chain so I keep it pretty moderate on the way to ensure I made it!
Once into Salem, over a narrow bridge from West Salem I roll right into town and a bike shop is right on the corner! I think, this is ideal!!! The kid in independence mentioned a bike shop on the other side of the bridge and he was correct, good to know he knows the area. I roll past and the shop opens at 9, I keep thinking I'll be out of here by noon for sure! Little time to waste before the shop opens so I ride down town. Riding through town in the AM was a good deal for me, traffic was high but I came up on the "Waffle Guy". Just cruising down the road, and this waffle vendor yells at me if I have had breakfast, I said no and sure enough he say's "I'll make you a waffle". Since one of things on this trip has been trying to receive gifts I couldn't turn him down!
I pull over and chat for a bit, down a waffle with peanut butter and blackberries and a little syrup, wrapped up! I have never eaten a waffle like this, yet ever scene a waffle vendor before. The cool thing was the young man running the stand was wearing a CSC cycling jacket and used to race cyclecross, I new he had to be cool! After sharing some stories and chatting for a bit, he mentioned he would like to tour someday and ride to every professional baseball stadium and catch a game! I thought this would be a great thing to do! Reminded me of Aaron and Laura's story about riding to the center of every US state! What cool ideas!!!!!
I think I would like to combine my idea of climbing the highest peak in every state by adding riding to them! What a way to see the country.....
Back to the shop I stop in and get down to business! I mention the problem to the mechanics in the shop and sure enough the chain is shot, its not even measuring, I new that as I could feel it! The next question was what about the gears, how are the teeth? They do mention when you cassette is shot to add a new chain as they wear together, however I wasn't sure about the front teeth. After a long conversation and observation of the current gears I have I decide its going to best to change the cassette (11/25), chain, and front chain rings (53/39). I'm running some big gears for touring, the mechanic thought he might not have a 53, however I lucked out and he did have one in stock. Not the brand I was running but sure enough, one that would work!
I mentioned I wanted to do the work so I could save on labor cost and they agreed, still a long road ahead and I need to conserve as much as I can! I changed everything out which was a piece of cake! I needed to pay for the items now, $135 bucks for parts was the damage. New chain $28, new cassette (12/26 - they didn't have a 11/25) $35, new 39 gear ring $35, and a 53 $55 - at 15% off cost for parts and since I did my own labor I was able to save as much as I could, I added a few more patches to the purchase as I new I was going to need them on the road for the next couple of legs.
Heading out of the shop it was now 1:45PM and I had covered maybe 25 miles of riding and I was not happy about leaving at this time, but what can you do when you're on the road? Just ride I thought, ride as far as you can and see how you feel. I made the mistake of not running my nutrition today as so much was going on. I rolled out of Salem thinking I could cover as many miles before I needed a break or before I made it to Tillamook which was close to 100 miles away, I really wanted to be in Tillamook tonight even if it cost me riding into the night, however I don't have lights so I know that wasn't going to happen. I rode and rode until I needed to stop for a break. Stopping at a small cafe on the route to the coast I stop for a bit. I stopped too long to be honest, but I was tired and really kicking myself for not staying on the nutrition!
After refueling and taking in as much water as I could I decide to hit the bathroom for a shave and brush my teeth again as I had some sugar and I need to stay on my hygiene. This is in the normal routine in the mornings and evenings, however I had my kit out so I thought I would go ahead and routine it again. I really need to push on I kept thinking but I also kept thinking but I'm so comfortable just sitting here! I have coverd 55 miles today and really enjoying the new drive train! 45 miles to Tillamook and its 5:15 and I'm thinking at 15 miles an hour I can make it by 8:15, however I figured I would need to push it faster than that as its getting late and I need to be off the highways by then. I push off with a goal in mind, restocked and GU full in the tank I'm thinking I'll push the pace a little to ensure I get there in time.
Pushing the pace felt great, actually it felt great to work a little this afternoon. I was feeling pretty good and the terrian was in my favor, there was a little climbing but not to much aso iw as able to really cook it for some of the first 20 miles or so. Terrain is scenic, I had to stop and take a few pictures on this stretch which kept me thinking I can't slow. If I'm going to make it before dark I need to keep moving. Mist starts rolling in, cold and unknowning of the terrain ahead, which I love, I push on. Legs feeling pretty good as its rolling terrain which I love and windy! The road surfaces were ideal for riding too, little wet and with old balding tires I was leary however dark was approaching soon.
Passing dairy farm after dairy farm I know I'm getting closer to Tillamook. I'm thinking this is a sure thing, I'll find a campground or park just before dusk and crawl into my tent and slip into some dreams. I haven't really dreamt, well ones that I can remember since I have been on this journey, o' wait there was a couple night in Colorado Springs, CO where I did dream! Dreamt of that girl I wish to have in my future...but we don't need to go into any details. It would be nice to hit some REM sleep on this journey, exspecially once I hit Astoria which the plan for tomorrow.
I'm cruising now and really enjoying the ride and pushing the pace as much as I can with BOB in tow. I had to stop to go to the bathroom and kept thinking about Ironman racing and how I just go on the bike, I was thinking about it then thought you have to shower somewhere and where is an unknown place so just stop. I really was thinking killing the momentum was what I didn't want! Stop at this filling station and go as fast as I can, however something did catch my eye, a couple locals in a truck were having a good time and I wasn't sure what was going on. Laughing and looking my direction when I came out to my rig? I wasn't sure but I had a suspicion they were up to no good.
I push on with bottle full, I hadn't drank since I left the last stop which I thought I'm going to pay for that one tomorrow for sure! It's getting dark by now and I'm about 15-20 out from Tillamook so I have to stay on it, one more leg and I'm in Tillamook. The next stretch was pretty dicey as road construction and a narrow shoulder and I was really having to push it! I was having so much fun though, racing with a BoB to ensure my safety and not having to ride in the dark was necessary tonight!
The ride was an enjoyable one and I cruised into Tillamook all alone, the roads were pretty bare being a Tuesday night and later in the evening a lot of people must be getting ready for bed which I will do in just a few. Rolling into Tillamook at dusk I planned on getting some Tillamook Ice Cream because so many people have talked about it. To Safeway I head and pick up a quart and half of ice cream, I figure I'll eat the whole thing but I'll have to pace myself so I don't get sick. I also went straight to the bargain rack in the back of the store to see if they had any pasta or other item that might strike my fancy. I scored in this Safeway as they had some peanut butter for a little over a dollar and some pasta for forty cents. O' how you have to stretch that dollar on the road!
I ask the clerk about a local park and she mentioned to just stay on 3rd street and you can't miss it. So pedaling pretty much at dark holding a quart and half of ice cream I venture to the park. A nice little park, full of trees and play ground equipment, rather bright for my sleeping desires but what can one do? I found a great spot in the far back corner to make sure i'm out of sight as I don't want to get kicked out of the park. Looking for sprinkler heads I pitch my tent and position my bike so that if anyone attempted to steal it, it would wake me and there would be no theft. Getting settled into the tent I was pretty excited as I had this ice cream to devour and I was starving!
Half way through the ice cream I could feel the stomach start to churn a little so I slowed down! Read a little and then continued into the ice cream. Tillamook Centennial ice cream is what I purchased and it was pretty good however I was hoping for more brownies and caramel to be honest! The ice cream is more creamy then I had hoped, that or it just wasn't cold enough since I waited so long after taking it from the freezer. I wasn't able to finish the full container but I did put a pretty good dent in it. I keep thinking it would be great to have shared this with someone instead of allowing the remaining to go to waste, however I couldn't finish it as I didn't want to have to wake up in the middle of the night having to puke instead of using the restroom.
Lying there for a while thinking about how full my stomach was I doze off, thinking about the last section of the first leg of my journey will be over. A feeling of sadness and joy hit me at the same time, kinda bitter sweet I think...
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Day 29: August 9th, 2010 (Route: Eugene, OR to Independence, OR)
Day 29: August 9th, 2010 (Route: Eugene, OR to Independence, OR)
Technical Data:
Distance, miles: 72.51
Ride Time: 5:37:56
Work, kJ: 2925
Average Power, Watts: 141
Normalized Power, Watts: 163
Average Speed, mph 12.53
Forecast: Cloudy and around 65, winds out of the North/Northwest
Waking up on the air mattress in a nice warm home was a treat this morning! I really didn't want to get up but new if I didn't I would get on the road, so I woke. Folded up the blankets and stripped the sheets and pillow cases and deflated the air mattress. I thought a lot about when I stay in hotels when I was doing this and how I miss making my own bed in the morning, ok that's a rare occasion but if I was with my bed right now I might! When I'm staying in hotels I like to make it easy on the cleaning people so they can get in and out of my room by piling up the towels and trash in one area and just trying to make there job a little easier as I know when I was doing labor jobs I really was thankful for those who put a little extra into helping out!
Once up I just sat and thought for a bit. Not long after I got up Kirk awoke and headed for the shower. He slept out on the screened in porch on the cushions of the couch and since I was really in a working mood today I got the cushions and put them away. I really wanted to help out as much as possible as Aaron and Laura where amazing host and I really felt like assisting! I'm so greatful for all the hosts on this trip as it wouldn't be possible without them!!!
It's about 6:30AM and Laura is up in the kitchen preparing breakfast, man the spread was amazing! Eggs, toast, fresh strawberries, fresh blackberries, banana bread, oj, chocolate milk (Thank You again Kirk), and some coffee for those coffee drinkers! We all sat out on the porch and had an amazing breakfast and conversation! Tons of thoughts on how to make the world a fitter place to live through means of riding bikes! Kirk has lots of ideas on being a "Spokesman" for the movement! He even gave us some bracelets made out of spokes that I'm happily wearing right now! Kinda wierd wearing something silver on my wrist but I'll do it for the change! One of his thoughts was to have mentors ride with kids to school, there a lot of retired people or just cyclist willing to do this. The idea is a good one, to get kids and adults for that matter getting out on there bikes for some activity. His thought was to have an adult meet up with the kids and ride with them to school, what a great idea! Utilize those empty bike racks all across the nation by burning a few calories. I sat and listened this morning as I wasn't very talkative, just felt like listening!
His idea made me think of my childhood in Parsons, Kansas. I rode my bike everywhere, and I mean everywhere! I rode to grade school, junior high, to the ball parks, swimming pools, pretty much anywhere I wanted as the town wasn't very big. I did think it was at the time however when I went back a few years ago with my bike, I rode across town in less than 15 minutes and thought why do people in this town even bother on owning a car. I understand owning a car, however the point is if you only have a few blocks to go to get groceries, go to church, go to the library, try riding a bike. I know that you'll feel better and you won't have any second thoughts on having that ice cream or chocolate chip cookie when you want becuase you'll have burned calories by riding!
The conversation was great this morning, I love to be around people that sit and think and share ideas versus just sit and gossip or talk about the latest sitcom. Thinkers is what I need to be around, deep thinkers! I really enjoyed this breakfast and the conversation and left thinking myself as I often do! One other thought that I had was from Aaron, I'll have to quote him on this even though I have thought the same thing while on the road, however Aaron summed it up the best when he said something towards the line of "Travel around by bike and return to the same place to sleep outside, and your considered homeless, travel around by bike and sleep in different places and you're an adventurer" I think didn't get that quote right, however it went something like that!
Made me think of my brother when I hear this. When I lost my job in Florida and really didn't have a place to go I wanted to really move to Colorado and live out of my Jeep for a while and sort things out before I got back to the working world, however noone thought this to be a good idea, as I would be considered homeless. I know that I'll never be homeless with friends (family) like Kay and David!!! So I guess to maybe get this out of my system I decided to ride across the USA, now I'm looked on as an adventurer which I think I could do for the rest of my life to be honest. I'm almost a month into this journey and I'm loving it, there are moments when I think of a house to come home to, a warm bed to sleep in, a frig with food, my dog playing in the back yard and the ability to rest in the comfort of something I can call my own but I'm fending well out here on the road...
After breakfast Kirk and I said we would do the dishes but Laura wasn't having it, so we had to back off. I really wanted to do something this morning with my hands, clean or something! I really enjoy working with my hands and I'm starting to realize that now that I have been on the road for so long, I really enjoy working and look forward to when I can get back to it, however for now I'm going to continue to pedal and write! Packing up the PC and things I brought into the house I really didn't want to leave, I had the feeling of wanting to stay as it was comfortable and venturing out to find another place to crash was getting kinda tough on me I think, not to mention Aaron and Laura have made a home that any one could feel comfortable in!
Loading up the trailer I noticed I had a flat so I changed it before rolling out with Kirk. Kirk and I planned on navigating to the highway that we would be taking North, after getting sidetracked with heading the wrong direction I decided to trust my memory versus his Iphone and head back to the place I called Aaron from when getting into town. It all worked out and we were on our way North. I rode with Kirk for a brief moment before letting him know to give me a shout in Astoria before he headed out and I took off into the light headwind. Riding for close to an hour I noticed I wasn't really feeling that good today, not sure if it was something I ate or what but I just was a little unsettled. I thought what did I eat that could cause this upset stomach, could it have been the figs? I thought about this for a long time then thought, hell I just ate way too much!
Riding for a bit I was just trying to get some mileage in before I'd take a break. I stopped in Corvallis for a little break and to catch up on my blog. Lately I have been riding a lot later in the day and not finding the time to write which I'm kinda upset with, however I am experiencing life and that's what matters on this trip! I really like to collect my thoughts at the end of the day though, as I haven't read anything I have written so far and probably won't until about a month after this journey! Makes it worth writing every day to help remember all the memories I have collected so far!
Stopped at the Beanery there in Corvallis and just took in the moment. Tons of college kids just living life and really have not experienced any of the working world and true responsibilities of life, though some have! Everyone has such a unique story in life it's tough to know some one's journey without having a conversation with them!
Students walking around barefoot, playing guitars, laughing, smiling, truly just being alive! The caffeines flowing for sure in this place, homeless guy sleeping in a chair a few tables down, (homeless I'm not sure but dirty for sure), people coming in and out and just really enjoying themselves!
Back on the bike I continue to head north and trying to get as many miles in today, not feeling good but working! I noticed my chain has been skipping a little and I'm starting to worry about things as I can't afford (time) to have a chain break on me here out in the middle of the highway, 20+ miles from the nearest bike shop. Riding, I like to adjust my saddle position, more so pulling BoB so now I can't stand, overwise the chain pops. I'm starting to get pissed at this point as I should have checked this out in Eugene or Corvallis as I'm nearing close to 2500 miles and due for a new chain for sure.
I continue riding seated in the small chain ring and just trying to make it to Monmouth and identify the issue. Since we got a late start its starting to get dark and I have yet to find a place to crash. I pull into Monmouth and realize I need to get to a bike shop! It's late for riding, close to 7PM or so and i'm not sure where the nearest bike shop is, I'm sure there was in Salem, however that's 11 miles away. I stop in the park and check things on my phone and sure enough 10-15 miles to Salem for the next bike shop. I think hard about riding to Salem tonight on my warn out chain, but figure they won't be open this late so I decided to wait till morning. Now where to crash???
I sit in the park and then a gal came by and I asked here about the city of Independence and if it had any parks, this park wasn't doable for hiding in. She thought for a minute and asked "You need a place to crash? Then said, I would pitch a tent under the apple tree where their building a house" and I thought how ideal! Persmission to camp on a residential building site. I happily accepted and rolled down to the house which was a couple miles closer to Salem in Independence, OR.
I pull up to the lot and its perfect, I can hide right under the Apple Tree and behind this large pile of dirt to block any wind. I get things set up and they came by to check on me and see if it would workout and I thought, PERFECT!!! Couldn't beat it, port-a-jon on the property with fresh blackberries for picking right across the alley! What a night, slept like a champ besides the falling apples all night, one did hit me in my foot but I just had to laugh at where I was in my travels!
I have one recommendation for tent makers though, has to do with going pee in the middle of the night! Off to sleep I go as I have to get to Salem tomorrow on a chain that's way over due!
Technical Data:
Distance, miles: 72.51
Ride Time: 5:37:56
Work, kJ: 2925
Average Power, Watts: 141
Normalized Power, Watts: 163
Average Speed, mph 12.53
Forecast: Cloudy and around 65, winds out of the North/Northwest
Waking up on the air mattress in a nice warm home was a treat this morning! I really didn't want to get up but new if I didn't I would get on the road, so I woke. Folded up the blankets and stripped the sheets and pillow cases and deflated the air mattress. I thought a lot about when I stay in hotels when I was doing this and how I miss making my own bed in the morning, ok that's a rare occasion but if I was with my bed right now I might! When I'm staying in hotels I like to make it easy on the cleaning people so they can get in and out of my room by piling up the towels and trash in one area and just trying to make there job a little easier as I know when I was doing labor jobs I really was thankful for those who put a little extra into helping out!
Once up I just sat and thought for a bit. Not long after I got up Kirk awoke and headed for the shower. He slept out on the screened in porch on the cushions of the couch and since I was really in a working mood today I got the cushions and put them away. I really wanted to help out as much as possible as Aaron and Laura where amazing host and I really felt like assisting! I'm so greatful for all the hosts on this trip as it wouldn't be possible without them!!!
It's about 6:30AM and Laura is up in the kitchen preparing breakfast, man the spread was amazing! Eggs, toast, fresh strawberries, fresh blackberries, banana bread, oj, chocolate milk (Thank You again Kirk), and some coffee for those coffee drinkers! We all sat out on the porch and had an amazing breakfast and conversation! Tons of thoughts on how to make the world a fitter place to live through means of riding bikes! Kirk has lots of ideas on being a "Spokesman" for the movement! He even gave us some bracelets made out of spokes that I'm happily wearing right now! Kinda wierd wearing something silver on my wrist but I'll do it for the change! One of his thoughts was to have mentors ride with kids to school, there a lot of retired people or just cyclist willing to do this. The idea is a good one, to get kids and adults for that matter getting out on there bikes for some activity. His thought was to have an adult meet up with the kids and ride with them to school, what a great idea! Utilize those empty bike racks all across the nation by burning a few calories. I sat and listened this morning as I wasn't very talkative, just felt like listening!
His idea made me think of my childhood in Parsons, Kansas. I rode my bike everywhere, and I mean everywhere! I rode to grade school, junior high, to the ball parks, swimming pools, pretty much anywhere I wanted as the town wasn't very big. I did think it was at the time however when I went back a few years ago with my bike, I rode across town in less than 15 minutes and thought why do people in this town even bother on owning a car. I understand owning a car, however the point is if you only have a few blocks to go to get groceries, go to church, go to the library, try riding a bike. I know that you'll feel better and you won't have any second thoughts on having that ice cream or chocolate chip cookie when you want becuase you'll have burned calories by riding!
The conversation was great this morning, I love to be around people that sit and think and share ideas versus just sit and gossip or talk about the latest sitcom. Thinkers is what I need to be around, deep thinkers! I really enjoyed this breakfast and the conversation and left thinking myself as I often do! One other thought that I had was from Aaron, I'll have to quote him on this even though I have thought the same thing while on the road, however Aaron summed it up the best when he said something towards the line of "Travel around by bike and return to the same place to sleep outside, and your considered homeless, travel around by bike and sleep in different places and you're an adventurer" I think didn't get that quote right, however it went something like that!
Made me think of my brother when I hear this. When I lost my job in Florida and really didn't have a place to go I wanted to really move to Colorado and live out of my Jeep for a while and sort things out before I got back to the working world, however noone thought this to be a good idea, as I would be considered homeless. I know that I'll never be homeless with friends (family) like Kay and David!!! So I guess to maybe get this out of my system I decided to ride across the USA, now I'm looked on as an adventurer which I think I could do for the rest of my life to be honest. I'm almost a month into this journey and I'm loving it, there are moments when I think of a house to come home to, a warm bed to sleep in, a frig with food, my dog playing in the back yard and the ability to rest in the comfort of something I can call my own but I'm fending well out here on the road...
After breakfast Kirk and I said we would do the dishes but Laura wasn't having it, so we had to back off. I really wanted to do something this morning with my hands, clean or something! I really enjoy working with my hands and I'm starting to realize that now that I have been on the road for so long, I really enjoy working and look forward to when I can get back to it, however for now I'm going to continue to pedal and write! Packing up the PC and things I brought into the house I really didn't want to leave, I had the feeling of wanting to stay as it was comfortable and venturing out to find another place to crash was getting kinda tough on me I think, not to mention Aaron and Laura have made a home that any one could feel comfortable in!
Loading up the trailer I noticed I had a flat so I changed it before rolling out with Kirk. Kirk and I planned on navigating to the highway that we would be taking North, after getting sidetracked with heading the wrong direction I decided to trust my memory versus his Iphone and head back to the place I called Aaron from when getting into town. It all worked out and we were on our way North. I rode with Kirk for a brief moment before letting him know to give me a shout in Astoria before he headed out and I took off into the light headwind. Riding for close to an hour I noticed I wasn't really feeling that good today, not sure if it was something I ate or what but I just was a little unsettled. I thought what did I eat that could cause this upset stomach, could it have been the figs? I thought about this for a long time then thought, hell I just ate way too much!
Riding for a bit I was just trying to get some mileage in before I'd take a break. I stopped in Corvallis for a little break and to catch up on my blog. Lately I have been riding a lot later in the day and not finding the time to write which I'm kinda upset with, however I am experiencing life and that's what matters on this trip! I really like to collect my thoughts at the end of the day though, as I haven't read anything I have written so far and probably won't until about a month after this journey! Makes it worth writing every day to help remember all the memories I have collected so far!
Stopped at the Beanery there in Corvallis and just took in the moment. Tons of college kids just living life and really have not experienced any of the working world and true responsibilities of life, though some have! Everyone has such a unique story in life it's tough to know some one's journey without having a conversation with them!
Students walking around barefoot, playing guitars, laughing, smiling, truly just being alive! The caffeines flowing for sure in this place, homeless guy sleeping in a chair a few tables down, (homeless I'm not sure but dirty for sure), people coming in and out and just really enjoying themselves!
Back on the bike I continue to head north and trying to get as many miles in today, not feeling good but working! I noticed my chain has been skipping a little and I'm starting to worry about things as I can't afford (time) to have a chain break on me here out in the middle of the highway, 20+ miles from the nearest bike shop. Riding, I like to adjust my saddle position, more so pulling BoB so now I can't stand, overwise the chain pops. I'm starting to get pissed at this point as I should have checked this out in Eugene or Corvallis as I'm nearing close to 2500 miles and due for a new chain for sure.
I continue riding seated in the small chain ring and just trying to make it to Monmouth and identify the issue. Since we got a late start its starting to get dark and I have yet to find a place to crash. I pull into Monmouth and realize I need to get to a bike shop! It's late for riding, close to 7PM or so and i'm not sure where the nearest bike shop is, I'm sure there was in Salem, however that's 11 miles away. I stop in the park and check things on my phone and sure enough 10-15 miles to Salem for the next bike shop. I think hard about riding to Salem tonight on my warn out chain, but figure they won't be open this late so I decided to wait till morning. Now where to crash???
I sit in the park and then a gal came by and I asked here about the city of Independence and if it had any parks, this park wasn't doable for hiding in. She thought for a minute and asked "You need a place to crash? Then said, I would pitch a tent under the apple tree where their building a house" and I thought how ideal! Persmission to camp on a residential building site. I happily accepted and rolled down to the house which was a couple miles closer to Salem in Independence, OR.
I pull up to the lot and its perfect, I can hide right under the Apple Tree and behind this large pile of dirt to block any wind. I get things set up and they came by to check on me and see if it would workout and I thought, PERFECT!!! Couldn't beat it, port-a-jon on the property with fresh blackberries for picking right across the alley! What a night, slept like a champ besides the falling apples all night, one did hit me in my foot but I just had to laugh at where I was in my travels!
I have one recommendation for tent makers though, has to do with going pee in the middle of the night! Off to sleep I go as I have to get to Salem tomorrow on a chain that's way over due!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)