M&M to the Rescue!

We left Charleston under sunny, clear skies and headed for a short trip to Bullards Beach State Park. On our way there M&M (Susana's mother who she calls Monch and I call Madrecita, hence M&M) offered to meet us at our campsite and treat us to dinner in Bandon, OR. She also offered to bring us any supplies we needed/wanted. At first there were only a couple of supplies but the list got longer the more we thought about it. Of course, my list consisted of beer. To say we were spoiled is an understatement. M&M brought us many supplies and treated us to a scrumptious meal. Thank you M&M!!

But let's back up to the ride to Bandon. Even though it was a short 20 miles, there were about 12-15 miles that consisted of tough, slow pedaling hills. At one point we were in our lowest granny gear and I think I could have walked faster than I was riding. The main road we took was called Seven Devils Rd. They lied, there were at least 17 devils on that road!

When we arrived at Bullards State Beach campground we were greeted to a newly constructed hiker/biker area. The photo below shows the entrance and the small structure on the left side has lockers for food, which also includes USB ports for charging electronics. Solar panels on the roof of the structure provides the electricity for charging. Smooth!

Here's our pad for the night:

We also met some other bikers and one in particular is traveling in our direction and is also covering around the same mileage as us. He advised us that our next stop at Humbug Mountain State Park shows that the hiker/biker area tends to be infested with blood sucking creatures so we all agreed to share a regular site and split the cost. He's a very nice younger gentleman who is on his second bicycle tour. 

On Monday we'll be headed to Harris Beach State Park in Brookings, OR. and by Tuesday we should be crossing the border into California if all goes as planned. Until then....happy trails.

We see the sea!

Today we left Reedsport and headed to Charleston, a 35 mile ride. The forecast called for rain again this afternoon so we opted to stay another night in a motel. We've been on the coast for three days now, but a bit inland so we were thrilled to finally see the sea today!

We had southerly winds to deal with along with a few hills. We also had the pleasure of crossing this magnificent bridge, although it was a bit nerve racking as there was no bike lane or shoulder and a few, somewhat large gusts of winds so the pucker factor was in full swing.

But here we are in a nice dry motel, which was a steal of a deal, clean and roomy as far as motels go. If you're ever in Charleston, Oregon and are looking for cheap accommodations, we highly recommend Captain John's Motel.

Invest in a good tent!

Last night, before dinner, we carefully surveyed the hiker/biker campsite (in the rain) for the best possible place to put up our tent seeing as we were the first bikers to arrive. We found what we thought to be the perfect location; level and dry. We claimed our space. We pitched our tent. We then rode 3 miles back into Florence for dinner (in the rain). Upon returning to the campground (in the rain) a small lake had formed around and under half of our tent. We moved the tent (in the rain) to one of the few non-puddle patches of earth. By then every inch of the ground was drenched. We were happy to get inside our Nemo Opi 3-person tent knowing this was the big weather test for our shelter.

It rained all night long. How do I know? Because I was awake throughout the night listening to the rain beat down on our tent. While I wished I was sleeping I was more grateful that we purchased the tent we did as it kept us dry! Don't skimp on the tent. Go for the good one! Trust me on this.

Today we splurged on a motel in Reedsport. If you've ever camped in a tent during a deluge you understand why we're in a motel. The tent may keep you dry but once you pack it up, it's soaked. A dry shelter is a good one.

Lesson #1

Don't forget your tent poles as they are crucial for a temporary shelter especially when the forecast calls for rain. We left Eugene on Tuesday and arrived at Triangle Lake campground 38 miles later. As we were setting up camp we realized we had left our tent poles at Susana's mom's house. We had a bit of rain in Albany so we set up our tent to dry in Eugene. Anyway, Madrecita came to the rescue and delivered our tent poles so we could continue on in relative comfort. She made us promise to take a picture of me putting the tent poles in our bag so here it is:

Today we rode 49 miles to Jessie Honeyman campground in Florence. We kept expecting bigger hills, but to our delight there weren't any. However, there were some long, slow upgrades. Even though it was an easier ride than expected I struggled for the last 10 miles or so. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the crappy sleep I had last night. We also have the pleasure of some wet weather, but that's to be expected on the Oregon coast. However, at the moment we are enjoying a glass of wine in a nice dry bar! Perks of the unemployed.

Eugene!

We rolled into Eugene yesterday and made killer time. I told Susana it would probably be the easiest 49 miles of our trip as it was flat the entire way. At times, we hit 20 mph. That's pretty fast in the loaded touring bike world, or at least in my world. We are now enjoying some family and friends time and Bluga and BB Baker are resting comfortably together. They were tired.

Sleepless Night

But somehow we're still smiling.

30 miles to Salem today, which was much easier (aka no hills) and tonight we get to sleep in a real bed. It's a bit too early to be complaining about sleeping on the ground, but after last night's restless night it's going to be a treat. We are staying with a friend who graciously made us dinner AND provided beer. Thanks, Kate!! Tomorrow we will take a short ride to Albany where we will camp  at a prestigious RV park. On Friday we will ride into Eugene where we plan to stay and visit with family and friends for a few days.

Ready to Pedal: Day One

Day one began with smiles (plus a few tears) as we pedaled away from Portland to Champoeg Park. Weather was cool and wonderful for our 35 mile ride. It took a few miles to adjust to the weight we were carrying however after a bit of time BB Baker and Bluga reminded us they were made for these kinds of adventures. We were humbled by the hill climbs (knowing steeper and longer climbs are in our future) and arrived at our destination more tired than we thought we would be. After a welcomed hot shower, a splash of wine and some food we were off to our tent for a good night's rest. The first night of sleeping in our fabulous Nemo Losi tent was hysterical! Our bodies were less than thrilled to be sleeping on the ground. That made the morning coffee all that much more remarkable! 

Here We Go!

Here is everything our trusty bikes will carry on our grand bike adventure! Didn't seem like too much stuff when we layed it all out considering this is everything we have from here to Mexico! Then we loaded up the Long Haul Truckers and gasped. Everything tends to weigh more on the bike.

Here they are in all their glory: BB Baker and Bluga. Here is where our grand adventure begins. HERE WE GO!

Delayed

Only by a day due to weather and a bit of a leg rash for me. Tomorrow, we ride!