Well we have made it over the Cascades.
We started on the Oregon coast--dipped our hands into the water and then peddled off inland. A wonderful/easy day with very little traffic until we hit Hwy 42 but then great shoulders.
The climb over the coast range is either the hardest or 2nd--I have done Bear Pass from the east--but this one over the Powers-Glendale Bike road was equally a challenge but far more beautiful. The first part of the ride was some of the best riding I have ever done. Moderate climbing on smooth roads with virtually no traffic. I think on part of it we went about 30 miles between seeing a car. Gale and I road up the climb very well together but then--the descent. We had to stop 4 times on a 5 miles descent to keep our rims from cooking. We decided it took us longer to descend than to do the climb itself. And I know we enjoyed the climb much more.
After reaching the bottom of the climb then it was miles more into Glendale with no water. Finally Gale went down to a stream to get us water to at least dump on top of ourselves. We meet Steve on the road and sent him up to rescue Nancy and Lisa.
We road into Glendale where we meet Sam and my mom.
The next day started beautifully with a ride around Galesville Resevour and then a climb up Goolaway Gap. The highlight of the day was Sam riding his bike down the hill to greet us as we crested the summit. Then a long but rough descent before we ever saw any cars. What a hot day though into Eagle Point.
Finally time to cross the Cascades. Since our trailer park was well south of where we had intended to go and right on Hwy 140 we decided to just ride Hwy 140. What a great choice. Wide shoulders, not much traffic and what traffic there was gave us lots of room. My mom was there for us twice on the climb which was 17 miles of non-stop climbing. Not all that steep--I road the entire thing in my middle chain ring--but non-stop. Into Rocky Point Resort for the nite. Mom and I drove up to Crater Lake and ate in the Lodge.
Tomorrow off the Beatty--if you know where that is. More to follow.
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Sounds like you're all off to a pretty good start! I am very excited that you're doing this - I can't actually put into words how amazed I am that you are undertaking this magnificent journey.
ReplyDeleteI know you won't always have much energy to post your experiences on a daily basis, but hope that you will keep all of your loving supporters updated when you can.
With love and admiration,
Paul (Nancy's son)