Oregon Trail

Today was another great day of the adventure. Riding along the Pacific Coast in Oregon. This was one part of the entire 11,000 mile trip that I was especially looking forward to. I had heard great things, but wasn’t sure if the coast would live up to them. Boy, was I wrong.

First, let’s go back to last night. Lindsay and Ronda took me out to eat after I finished the last blog. They didn’t just treat me to a dinner, they treated me to a feast. With clams, fresh salmon, and prime rib that had to have been half a cow, I was more than spoiled. I even got a taste of the famous clam chowder! I wasn’t upset one bit. It was incredibly nice of them, and was a delicious meal.

I mentioned in the previous post that Lindsay and Ronda are kiters. In fact, the whole kiting community has essentially adopted me over the last week. It’s incredible. As I joked with Ronda, once you’ve become part of the group, there’s no getting out. That’s an understatement. This community of kiters are going all out to make sure I have places to stay, and spread the word about the ride in general.

Last night, I went to bed worried about today’s ride. My legs were so. My achilles still hurt, and when I went to bed there was still a strong wind from the south, which would undoubtedly make the right quite a challenge. Luckily for me, the wind shifted overnight, and I felt as signficantly better on the ride. Combined with the magnificent scenery this was the best ride of the trip. Tailwind. Gorgeous scenery. Healthy legs. What more do you need?

I’ve been thinking of this stretch of riding as if I was playing Oregon Trail back in grade school on the computer. Everyday, I have to pedal a certain amount of miles, ration my water, along with my food. No hunting thus far on the ride. I have had to cross rivers, thankfully with bridges. I don’t want any of my oxen to drown. So far, I’m doing good. I got sick, referring to my few injuries. However, I’m making a turn for the better after a visit to the trading post and getting some Ibuprofen. Let’s just hope I don’t die from the measles or a rattlesnake bite like I always would when I played the game.

For the most part, cars have been behaving pretty great on the roadways of Oregon. The shoulders on roads have been more than respectable. Plus, when I do have a small shoulder and require riding in the lane of traffic, there are multiple signs warning drivers of bicycles sharing the roadway. Now, here is my favorite part. On a narrow bridge that I crossed this morning, instead of just crossing and dealing with traffic. Cyclists can press a button which then flashes a light warning motorists of a bicycle on the roadway. Incredible! Oregon really does a great job of attempting to ensure the safety of bicyclists on the roadways. Later on the ride, I rode through a tunnel, and they had the same set up. They also had motorists reduce their speed to 30 mph. Woah! Hi5 for bicycle safety!

 

The climbs today were gorgeous, and tough. They were even more difficult because of the many breathtaking views I witnessed. Get it? Hahaha. I crack myself up. Though in all seriousness, the views were stellar. Some of the best riding I’ve ever experienced. The climbs were tough, but when you’re regularly rewarded with some amazing views, it makes them a little bit better.

 

 

 

One of the last, and hardest climbs of today’s ride was to the Sea Lion Caves. Which are some of the largest caves in America. In fact, it’s the only caves on America in which the Sea Lions are able to hangout. They market it pretty well, and have an elevator that goes down to check out the caves. I’ve heard that it smells god awful. So, maybe, if I had stopped I’d fit right in. I had already rode 65 miles at that point, so I wouldn’t smell any different. I did spot these guys from up on the highway. Look closely. Those aren’t rocks. It’s just a bunch of sea lions! Cool!

Another big thank you to Hugh and Lyn who were able to meet up with me again for lunch! They provided some great sandwiches, cookies, and water. Plus, their timing is impeccable. Right as we began eating, no sooner did it start raining. By the time lunch was over, the rain had blown over and it was time for some afternoon sunlight. Perfect. Hugh and Lyn also put me up in a hotel in Florence. Incredible. Talk about one supportive group! Hugh even did his research, and brought up the other group of guys who did it a few years ago, and got their bikes stolen in San Francisco. That’s right! I know that story. That’s Chase, Steve, Rex, and Adam the original Fab B4B’ers.

Today was the best day of riding so far on the ride. I just couldn’t stop smiling. That’s what this trip is about smiling, high fiving, and spreading happiness to kids who deserve it. The best smiles are the smiles that you can’t hold back. That’s what I had going today. I’m loving this trip already. From the kindness of strangers, to the biking, to the physical and mental challenges I must overcome. This trip is an experience. I’m only a week in. So keep telling you friends. Spread the word. If you’re able, donate. It can make a huge difference in the lives of youth. Go become a mentor for a kid in your community. Go make a difference.

The next two days are two shorter days of only 50 miles each. Which is quite convenient for me, since I’m still recovering from that achilles soreness. With each day San Francisco is getting closer. I can almost smell the chocolate in Ghiradelli Square. I’ll be there soon enough. Keep on following along, and always keep on pedaling. Hi5!

Matt