Day 2 – Pacific City to Corvallis
Wed 2nd June 2010
Firstly thank you to everyone for their comments and support. It’s very difficult to reply to them but rest assured that we are reading them all.
A night in the motel allowed us to dry out most of our things although I’m not sure why we bothered. In our room we could hear the wind whistling outside and the news channel kept on about a storm that would pass through today and dump 2-5 inches of rain on us. They must be kidding us right?
It was hard stepping out into the wind and rain first thing and for once we were dismayed that weather forecasters have improved so much. I cannot describe how awful the weather was today. Torrential rain and a very strong wind meant that we were struggling to maintain 7mph along the flat. In fact it was so awful that it was almost enjoyable.
At Neskown we turned left of Highway 101 and began heading East away from the Pacific coast. We were now starting to cross the US and it felt good.
Lance Penny in full flow
We have met loads of people on the way and everyone is being so helpful and kind.
The rest of our day has been pretty uneventful. As we moved away from the coast the terrain changed from forest to rolling hills and crops with long stretches of straight road.In the afternoon the wind was also behind us so we made good time reaching our planned destination by early afternoon. With a planned 116 miles tomorrow we decided to push on and managed another 27 miles, finally stopping at a motel in Corvallis – camping is out of the question again today.
Thankfully these had a fence around them
Don’t tell Chris I told you this but he fell off his bike today when he got too close and touched the back of my bike. Concerned for my brother my immediate reaction was to reach for my camera to share the moment with the world but for some reason Chris did not approve. So in a moment of weakness I helped him up instead. With hindsight I should have taken the photo. He’s fine by the way.
Daily Mileage – 87.6 miles
Time in Saddle – 8 hrs 17 mins
Total Climbing – 4,006 ft
Bananas Eaten – 2 each
Posted on: Jun 3rd, 2010 at 7:08 am
Hi Alan
I remember you knocked me off my bike in France. Have you passed your bike test?
Bob
Posted on: Jun 3rd, 2010 at 7:52 am
Hopefully your will get good weather soon, stay safe, love you
Posted on: Jun 3rd, 2010 at 9:08 am
I am disappointed Alan, you need to be more on the ball to get the money shot of Dad falling over!!! I am sure there will be other times over the next ten weeks when you can get that picture!!
Lots of Love Lisa
xxxx
Posted on: Jun 3rd, 2010 at 9:47 am
I cant imagine how hard the day must have been with the wind and rain!! I know it’s your least favorite conditions to cycle in dad, but day 2 is done and glad to hear now you are crossing US!! Well done !!
And common Alan… get the camera out next time. He’d do the same to you!! he he!
Lots of love
Tracey xxxx
Posted on: Jun 3rd, 2010 at 11:17 am
G’day Chris, ‘ow are ya mate? On yer bike at last I see. Gotta smile for the camera though! Just got back from a week in the Central Queensland outback. Blimey it was hot, 31 deg, shorts and t-shirt every day slaving away at re-stumping rotting piers under a church building. Barrel of laughs, and fun! Oh my aching back, no hang on, that’s your line! If it’s any consolation I’m back in Sydney now and it’s raining cats and dogs. Just got Lisa’s email with your address, thanks Lisa. Downed your first Bud yet?!! Havagoodone, Tone
Posted on: Jun 3rd, 2010 at 5:10 pm
Hi Brothers
Sounds like you’re having an adventure and a half already. What’s this with Chris touching the back of your bike Alan? Tell him he’s not Michael Schumacher!! No dirty racing allowed!! Stan and I send our love – thinking of you. Wish we were there (not cycling though)…..
Sister Annie xx
Posted on: Jun 3rd, 2010 at 7:13 pm
Hello Lads. Sounds like your having fun! It didnt suprise me you forgot your water ! PLONKER ! Great reading about your exploits. Good to see Alan has the same warped sense of humour as us. Loved the Lance photo. The jersey colour was right but not sure about those legs ! Anyway lads stay safe and keep that pepper spray handy. Off to water me spuds!!!!!
Posted on: Jun 3rd, 2010 at 8:57 pm
Forgot to say that Mum sends her love – will show her all this on Saturday.
Loads of love
Ann
Posted on: Jun 3rd, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Hope bike is ok,
you have another great day!!!
Posted on: Jun 4th, 2010 at 7:35 pm
Enjoying reading about your day, stay safe, love you xxx
Posted on: Jun 8th, 2010 at 1:22 pm
Good golly Pals! you’ve really out done yourselfs yesterday, we had no idea that you would make it to Baker City! at that rate you’ll be eatin grizzly in Montana in a couple of days. So now ya know that wild meat keeps ya going. I sure hope Chris’s knee is better as he will need it to keep Sherman in line. take care Bob
Posted on: Jun 8th, 2010 at 7:58 pm
Hello Alan and Chris,
Your ears must’ve been burning last night as all Bob and I could talk about was you two! We talked about your amazing feat of cycling all the way to Baker City, and also about how much we miss you! We truly hope someday you and your families can come back and stay awhile; we can give you a real western vacation. We also hope we can get “across the pond” to come spend time with you too someday. I’d even practice riding a bicycle so I could ride your beautiful bike trails. So glad to have gotten to know you! We’ll follow your blog daily and we wish you safe travels. Judy