Day 4

Day 4 what a day. Jeneca and I started at 9 am. We figuring it would be a piece of cake to get to Newport today. Newport is only 75 miles from where we started. The day started with a 1.5 mile climb after we had ridden about a mile. We thought no big deal until we got to a climb that was 2.5 miles to the top, followed by a 1 mile climb, and then finishing with a 2 mile climb before we got to Lincoln City. The rest of the climbs were only a half mile or less. Today we rode from sea level to 750 feet 3 time and 500 feet 2 time and 300 feet more time then I can count. After 53 miles we were ready for a break so we stopped in Lincoln City.

We did see many interesting sites today. we visited the Camp Meares light house which was built in 1889. It's light can be seen 21 miles out to sea. It sits on the top of the first 1.5 mile climb we made. we made the mistake of riding down to see it and had not thought about having to ride up the hill to get back to the down hill ride. It was well worth the quarter mile climb to get back to the road. we meet some nice people who gave us the low down on a great restaurant in Big Sur. We will report on it when we try it out.

As we climbed the second hill of the day we came to a look out which was great. the views were amazing. As were gazing out over the 500 foot drop a bunch of guy came up and started talking about flying of the cliff. We had stopped at their run way. After a short discussion one of the guys got in his gear and flew off the cliff. it was very interesting hearing them discuss if there was enough lift to go or not. Finally one got ready and went and everyone else decided it was safe for them to go also. It must be tough being the first of the cliff.

Today's ride was on the old 101 so there were very few cars, which made the sounds of the ocean and the birds amazing to hear.

the weather has been wonderful. it rained on day one and has been really pleasant ever since. we have seen sun but no to much. The clouds have been coming and going and keeping it cool for most of the day.

Today my daughter says I qualified for senior pricing at restaurants. I will have to try it and see if it works. Maybe I will get carded i haven't been asked for id since I was 30.

My son the hotsot bike rider called and asked how far we got today and then proceded to say we were slow riders. After reflecting on the day I am not sure he could have made it much further. When i attempted this ride 20 years ago I missed this portion of the ride. I rode from Tillamook to Lincoln City and only had to climb two hills. I did not realize I had missed the 3 capes portion of the ride.

When you ride you have a lot of time to think and count. Today i only counted 4 drive thru espresso shops, two beaver ponds, more house for sale signs then I can remember, and hardly any beer cans. The Oregon bottle bill must be working. I have also been collecting lost money as I ride. I am up to 32 cents so far.

Jack