Brad Neil- Another rode 106 miles today through beautiful Oregon coastal countryside.  We even had a chance to pick up some cheese curds at the Tillamook cheese factory.  The wind was at our back so often we were cruising at over 20 mph.  Some of the hills were killers however.  I am catching flack for my bike.  It is a vintage Peugeot I bought in 1974 while stationed in Germany.  It is a pretty orange with the Peugeot lion crest in several places, it has a small tube frame with all the features such as chrome fenders lights, and generator, luggage rack, and sin of all sins, a kick stand.  It is only a 10 speed.  Most of the riders have 14 or 21-speed gearing, no fenders, kickstand, or lights and they are black or gray.  Of course I have the perfect comeback.  You see I am the oldest rider on the trip and I am often miles ahead of most of them, (except Jesse who makes me eat his dust) and sometimes at camp or meals a half hour before the last arrival.  So I remind them that this old man with the junk bike is busting their chops, all in jest of course.  They must be envious that I don’t have to lean my bike against a motor home or tree and that when we ride when its wet they have a streak of mud down their back and I don’t.  Anyway we are having a blast.

Jesse Stevens – The day started out, not so good. It was wet with light rain, and again it was cold. My top half stayed dry with my rain jacket, but the bottom half got soaked. I ended up changing my shorts, and socks at breakfast – 22 miles or so into the day. By then it was dry riding. The rest of the ride was good, as Jeff and I pretty much stayed together all day. We had a good time as we took our time riding a 109 miles together – we took  a wrong turn at the end of the day that cost us about 5 miles total (2.5 there, 2.5 back).

At any rate, the route was great, even though there were hills at the beginning and end. We went` from the Oceanside on the beach at breakfast, through the forest and hills that overlooked the Ocean, as we went up some hills. We were on a cliff basically, with vista lookouts that were about 500 feet up looking down at the beach. From there we descended down into a bay and fisherman’s town that could have been in Maine. We went through Tillamook, OR, which is where the factory to make the Tillamook Brand cheese is. Some people got some cheese curds for us. The scenery there was that of a valley, which had signs for “Tsunami Evacuation route” in case of that event. As we continued through some more hills, we came into Hedo, OR, which could have been any town in rural Western MA. Just a small town with signal at the center, and a small red two story building with a sign that said “Hedo Middle School”. The trees surrounding the hillside there were just beginning to change color, too. From there the 101 seemed just like a country road in Charlton, MA as it wound up and down the hills, and with weather houses peppering the roadside about every ¼ mile or so. Then we got into some farmland with lots of dairy farms and cattle on each side of the road. Finally with about 10 miles to go, we went up one more set of hills, that brought back to an overlook of the Pacific, from about 200 feet up, just a great view. We had one final steeper hill to climb and that took us through a national forest as well. While Jeff and I did make a wrong turn, we did happen to be on a round that went around the wrong side of the lake we were staying at, so at least it was scenic. By the way, throughout the ride today, I was able to make a few extra stops, to get a Cappacino and pie, later Jeff and I enjoyed a Frappacino at Hedo on the bench outside the country store, and lastly we stopped along the side of the road (twice) and picked and ate some wild blackberries – the best fruit we have had this trip. Sorry for the long Blog, but it fits with the long ride we had today.

Jody – In one day it’s possible to experience a wide variety of extremes. In the morning, I was extremely wet and cold – to the point of not feeling my toes. I was really struggling when I was so cold. This afternoon there was that old familiar burning in my seat and feet.  I could mention more extremes but I’m trying to keep this brief because I’m so tired. I was ready to stop around 80 miles and at mile 97 we started one of the hardest hills I’ve ever climbed. I was thinking how so many times it’s best that we don’t know what’s coming (on the road or in life). I don’t think there was any way to prepare for it. It was probably about 3.5 miles and really steep. It was the first time (in all my years) that I wished I had more gears. I never stopped riding though. God helped me through a lot today. “I can face tomorrow because He lives!”

Dave – Our first full day in Oregon started with the first hour being a light rain. After a hard climb following breakfast, we had lunch, the sun came out and when we got on the road again we had a very nice tail wind. Everything was going good until we hit the big hill at the end of the day. Most of us finished and completed our longest day – 106 miles. This brings our total mileage to 404 miles so far.

Craig – I am proud of the team for riding through some very heavy mist this morning.  We had the opportunity to get warmed up a little once we started climbing the mountains along the pacific Coast.  One of the tunnels today actually had a signal for cyclists to activate which alerted the traffic in the tunnel of our presence.  Steve and I enjoyed a tailwind this afternoon as we rode together for the last 60 miles.  The final hill of the day was impressive to say the least.  I want to state how much we appreciate Christopher and Katherine’s tireless efforts to keep in touch with the riders even as we are often spread out over several miles.  The whole team seemed to enjoy riding past the Tillamook Cheese Factory today.  Steve took a photo for you- Amy & Theresa.  Thank you Kristi for your 18 hour days filled with taking care of the team’s needs.  I also want to thank Phelan of www.planetapparel.com for helping us with our t-shirts as well as helping me finish up some last minute Mexican Medical Ministries business prior to our departure.  The chili socks ride again tomorrow!

Jeff Schwimer- Today most of us rode 106 miles. Jesse and I rode 110 miles. Found our selves at the wrong campground. By the time we found out where everyone else was, we rode an extra 4 miles. Sights were beautiful. Did not like the last hill. Had already ridden 95 miles, then, found myself at the bottom of a 2.5mile hill that was pretty steep.  Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.