Ride the West Sep 09--Day 3 Lincoln City to Florence

Hello Friends and Family!

Today, Tuesday, 8 Sep 09, was absolutely delightful from beginning to end. The sky was vivid blue and the wind that kicked us soundly the previous two days was now at our backs for most of the way. We started off this 75 mile plus trek with a handful of turns and twists to avoid the "rush hour" traffic of the metropolis of Lincoln City. About 4 of us decided to just head to Highway 101 south and head on down the road. Other than school buses stopping to pick up youngsters headed for their first day of school, the traffic really wasn't too bad.

With some smooth pavement, a tailwind and a full stomach, I really enjoyed pushing for about the first 10 miles, looking around at the innate beauty of this land and appreciating the chance to enjoy each turn of the crank. As I looked around, I kept thinking of how much I hope my family, Arlene, DA, Sara and Adam have a chance to see this bountiful land and sea. Corny yes, but I was definitely "feeling it."

The temps were in the mid 50's to start so I had both my wind pants and windbreaker on and felt comfortable. I hate to ride cold and consequently, I'm not bashful about bundling up a bit. By the time I'd made it to the first rest stop at 20 miles, I'd climbed a number of hills and consequently, I appreciated the SAG at Devil's Punchbowl, perched atop a precipice overlooking the Pacific. As I walked my bike to the America By Bicycle van, Barbara Munk greeted me and said, ". . . those people over there are looking at some 'quail'." At least that's what my tired aviator ears heard. I thought to myself, that's a little odd, but the 3 people I could see were looking down an embankment and who would have thought that "quail" are native to Oregon? Okay, it took me about another 30 seconds to realize that Barbara must have said "whale" vs "quail." And guess what sports fans, I actually saw 3 whale spouts, having full confidence that right below each was a full fledged, dyed in the wool, whale. As more and more folks arrived, all were excited to see these native giants in their own backyard.

Pushing from there, I ambled along for another 30 miles appreciating the grandeur and simplicity of this place. And for those of you interested, there are many residences and lots available--buy now! I smiled vigorously as I crossed the Alsea Bay Bridge. In fact, I stopped midway on the bridge, picked up my bike and swung it into the pedestrian lane and climbed into the lane myself. I was carefully listening for someone to yell, ". . . don't jump", but the cry never came. Instead, I leaned against the railing and admired the 100 sea lions who were suntanning on a nearby sandbar below. And against the Surgeon General's advice, it looked to me like none had adequate sunscreen.

After riding about 55 miles, I arrived at the second rest stop at Yachats State Park and became slightly concerned. We are required to sign in at each rest stop to maintain accountability for all the 25 riders and I could not find the van and trailer. I called Barb and she told me she was about 5 miles out. I continued to relax, hydrate with my water bottles and Gatorade, and made a quick call to Arlene. I also had a front row seat to the world's most magnificent view while listening to a lady play here melodic harp. Does life get better than this? I much enjoyed the warm, comforting sun and setting and stayed a while talking with some of the other riders about their experiences.

I left the SAG and headed back down 101 south until I made the optional turn to climb Cape Perpetua. Perpetua is a scenic overlook that is about a 2 mile climb and an extra 1000 feet up. I love the challenge of hauling my 207 pounds up a hill that I renamed "St. Perpetua, the patron saint of Uphill and Into the Wind." When I arrived up the hill, I was quite warm and ready to see this view that Mike Munk, our ride leader, recommended. On this perfectly clear day, it was worth every extra heartbeat it took to get here! After some photos and a good drink of Gatorade, I screamed on down the hill, smiling and waving at a young couple pushing toward the summit. They too looked pained.

As I exited the hill and headed toward Highway 101 South, who should roll by but Bill Bergen. I pedaled quickly to catch him and rode with him about the next 20 miles. About 3 miles after I rendezvoused with him, we both heard what we thought was a large group of people playing their music way, way too loud. To our chagrin, the source of the loud "music" was 500 seals barking loudly while recreating at what looking like a seal water park. This large rock outcropping had places to lay down and relax and bark, as many did, but it also had a place to swim, wrestle, and goof around. Of course there were also those long distance swimming seals who were just swimming slowly on the periphery by themselves. I was so excited that I called Arlene and left a message that included the background noise of seals going, "arg, arg, arg, etc."

Bill and I each too some great photos and went up and down some good hills over that last hour. We split off for about the last 10 miles when he stopped for yet another moving photo of the Oregon coastline. I rolled into the Comfort Inn in Florence, OR just as Barb was getting instructions from the front desk regarding our stay. She and I, along with Dave, the pet products business owner, helped unload the bags. Over a great meal at the legendary "Mo's", we all shared stories of whale watching, seal and sea lion viewing and we also solved world hunger while sitting at an ordinary picnic table. Sure had a lot of fun riding a bicycle today.