My First Post

OK... So I am a computer programmer and I can't figure out how to maintain a blog. I could write the code and back-end for it, but can't figure out how to post and delete on good old blogspot. Probably shouldn't have admitted that, but oh well.

I wish I had started this earlier, but this is the first time that I have had any time to sit down with it.

I am in Eugene now, at the fanciest hotel in town (not really) and had a great day of riding. Logged about 70 miles and rode almost the whole day with Karli and Paul. It was really fun riding with the others and nice to take turns pulling. Eugene has been great. I was a little beat during the last 20, but as soon as we got into town I started to perk up and we had a great time at a cool little pizza joint having beers and laughs. Found the coolest bar in town (yes really) and rocked out to some cool blues rock and some solo guy with a squeeze box who was amazing.

Soon I will attempt to recap the trip thus far, but for now let's just say that it has been an absolutely amazing experience and has been getting better and better each day. It is everything I ever dreamed of. The riding has been harder than I had expected, but the scenery has made it worth every pedal stroke.

Our group before the ride start in Astoria.
Left to Right: Jay, Nicola, Ken, Me, Karli, Kevin, Michael, Paul


After the first crazy hard climb.
We descended and camped on the tip of the peninsula in the background.

Karli and me before our morning departure at Cape Lookout.

Campsite at Polk County Fairgrounds.
Looks like a little hippie commune.

This is what all of the Oregon coast looks like.
Brilliant!

Beers and fries (chips as our British friends would call them) at the Pelican Coast Brewery.

A little blurry, but you can see all smiles after our first day of riding, watching the sunset on the beach.

One of my favorite portions of the ride so far. An unbelievable climb and descent through the fog and clouds. It was cold and wet and I loved every minute of it.