Day 7, Cycle for a Cause

We’ve been on the road for 7 days now and have made it all the way to Southern Oregon. The coastline here is amazing! I’m starting to feel like I’m getting in the groove. Atleast I really hope I am. The first two days were brutal for me personally. I was constantly asking myself what I had gotten into. I was not fully prepared for this. I had just received my sisters road bike from Texas the day before and that was my training, none at all.

By day 3 we had made it to Oregon! I was starting to feel a little bit more confident about this trip. I was tired and sore but making progress. The only thing that really killed me was the 4.1 mile bridge from WA, to Astoria. The longest bridge of my life! I felt so bad because Pep was stuck behind me while I crawled over this massive bridge. It was so narrow and congested with traffic with just made matters worse. When we made it to Astoria Riley Poor’s parents had met us there for lunch.

Lincoln City

Lincoln City

Day four rolled around and I finally got a camera. Go Pro had donated cameras for the trip! This is awesome especially since my camera no longer works for some reason. And, no it’s not the batteries. I left about a half hour earlier than the guys this day. I wanted to get as far ahead of them as possible. As much as I hate to admit it they are faster. The section of the road from Seaside to Tillamook was much hillier than the rest of the trip so far. I have no idea how those guys never caught up to me. Although it was tough going the views were just amazing. Every climb was rewarded with amazing views. Just like Jesse Hall I was motivated to get to the Tillamook Cheese Factory. I was determined not to stop until I had arrived there! When I finally made it, it was the best site of the day. The big green grassy yard to lay on while I waited for the boys felt amazing! We stopped for lunch and a tour of the factory then moved onto Sandlake.

101 South of Lincoln City

101 South of Lincoln City

By day 5 I was so tired and sore. I had no idea how I was going to make it ten miles never mind 50. We stopped in Lincoln City for lunch and I just wanted to pass out. We still had another 20 miles or so till we made it to Beverly Beach State Park. Dreading the ride I set out ahead of the guys again. Somehow I got another wind and was feeling so good. I think it was the amazing views that motivated me. I just wanted to see what was around every corner.

Day 6 was a big day for me. 85 miles, I believe that is a personal record for myself. The morning was a bit off a rough start for myself. It was foggy and the road was rough. I struggled for a bit but after a few hours I was starting to feel better. We met up with Dave Stiener about 20 miles from Florence. After a big mexican lunch fiesta, which was a bad idea, we headed onto Winchester Bay. About 15 miles from the bay I started to notice some pain in my left knee, no good. Just before sunset we strolled into the Surfside RV Park and enjoyed a hobo dinner.

Today was not a good day. We headed into the town of Winchester Bay for some coffee. We stopped at a great little spot where I had the best bear claw ever! Dave got behind the counter and made Lattes for the group. Apparently the store had recently opened and they had not yet mastered the espresso machine. After our little coffee break we headed out towards the town of Port Orford, about 70 miles away. I made it 5 miles and had to stop because my knee pain was increasing. I hope by tomorrow I’ll be ok…

1 Response to “Day 7, Cycle for a Cause”


  1. 1 Diane Paaso

    Hi Honey,
    Great, you have a camera. Do you get to keep it I am glad that you rested your knee. The pictures are great. Almost like being there. I am so proud of you honey. Love Mom

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