Day 3 – Corvallis to McKenzie Bridge
Thurs 3rd June 2010
We left our Motel at 06:45hrs and it was dry! Immediately after closing the Motel door behind him Chris realized he needed the loo and turned to go back, but it was too late and the door was now locked. I hoped this was not going to set the stage for the rest of the day.
About an hour into the ride the sun came out and we took off our jackets. I even put my solar charger on the back and we had our washing hanging off the back of the bikes to dry. This is what it’s all about and with very smooth tarmac on quiet roads the cycling was a real pleasure and we were making good time.
Chris spots a restaurant he'd like to visit
At about 50 miles into the ride it started to rain gently and we were forced to wear our rain jackets. Just past Eugene we began to follow the McKenzie river. It was very picturesque with huge firs (cedar I think) lining the road on either side. The rain began to get heavy and in Leaburg we stopped by to see IPA member Les Blum and his wife Ginger. They provided us with a great lunch and live in the most fantastic location. By the time we left them the rain was very heavy so it was full raingear. Ginger put my gortex in her tumble dryer and putting it on was better than getting in a hot tub! Thanks Ginger.
From there we still had a further 40 miles to cover in awful conditions. There was no wind but the rain was very heavy. Chris is having a problem with his knee causing him pain and I tried to cheer him up by reminding him that most people of his age have already had them replaced and to stop whinging. On a serious note I hope the knee is better soon as without Chris I will have to carry all of the tools and cooking gear myself.
I'm really enjoying myself
At about 6:30pm we finally arrived at McKenzie Bridge, a bit further on from where we had planned to camp. We were tired, cold and wet through (again) and had nowhere to stay. With no more services for 40 miles we bought some groceries from the only shop and the store keeper made lots of phone calls to find us a bed. It turned out that immediately behind the store a cancellation meant that a log cabin was available. So here we are in our log cabin right next to the raging McKenzie River. We have lit a roaring log fire which is drying our clothes and we’ve had a huge meal of pasta, tuna and peas. So we are okay and looking forward to another wet day tomorrow.
Drying clothes in front of fire
Those senior meals sure make you sleepy
Daily Mileage – 94 miles
Time in Saddle – 8 hrs 12 mins
Total Climbing -2,042 ft
Posted on: Jun 4th, 2010 at 8:24 am
Hi boys,
Sorry to hear about your knee Chris – and glad you are getting lots of sympathy – NOT!! The photo of Chris asleep is jst like looking at Dad. I’m sure he’s with you, having a laugh at his sons’ bravery/foolhardiness!! Hope the weather treats you well today – at least the Americans seem to be embracing you, which is brilliant.
Loads of love and best wishes
Ann
Posted on: Jun 4th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
Loving the picture of you asleep Dad!! I can just hear you snoring as i look at it!!
Alan, I’m glad to see that you got the camera out for it!! No doubt dad will pay you back at some point!!!
Bit concerned about your knee though! make the most of the time when you can rest it!!!
I’m just about to go on to e mail to send you a longer message, so check it when you have the opportunity!
Love you
Tracey
xxxxxxx
Posted on: Jun 4th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
Great to hear all the updates, it really makes us feel that we are there with you – although if that was the case you would probably spend all your time waiting for me to catch you both up – just like London to Brighton last year!!!
Hope your knee feels better soon Dad
Lots of love Lisa
xxxxx
Posted on: Jun 4th, 2010 at 4:44 pm
Hi guys, conditions sound pretty horrendous so far. Cycling in the rain is just not fun! By the way its roasting here and my cycling tan lines are looking great – jealous? no, I doubt it!
Remember Chris, pain is just weakness leaving the body, so the more it hurts, the stronger you become.
I’m down to Weymouth this weekend, doing half ironman as a warm up race to Germany. Swim in the bay, bike out to Dorchester, puddletown bypass, back, then out to Wool and Osmington, run 13.1miles round Lodmoor. I’ll think of you whilst I’m heading out on the A354, in the blistering heat.
Great blogs so far Alan,keep us posted!
Nick
Posted on: Jun 4th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Good luck with the bike ride Alan and Chris.Will follow your exploits daily.Now my touring bike is in the garage covered in cobwebs.Maybe just maybe I will dust it off and plan another end to end with Bob!Just for starters!!
All the best Sandy
Posted on: Jun 4th, 2010 at 5:23 pm
It is great to see your updates, Are we having fun yet.Sun is on its way.Have a good day.
Posted on: Jun 4th, 2010 at 6:53 pm
To both of you well done and loving the updates, thinking of you all the way and cant wait for the stories when your back. Hope the weather improves and your knee Chris. Take care both of you. Emma xx
Posted on: Jun 4th, 2010 at 9:12 pm
Hi Chris and Alan,
what a fantastic website. Great to hear all your news. Have been reading the daily blogs to the club members and leaders while sitting at viney hill. We’re missing you Chris but have shared the photo of you sleeping so it’s just like you are with us!!
We are really proud of all that you are doing. Keep going and best of Luck with the weather and knees!!!
Love from all of 115 Club
total mileage: 59.7
time in saddle: 0 – we took cars!!
Height: up and down
number of bananas consumed: 0 – we ate cake!!!
Posted on: Jun 7th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Hi Alan, hello Chris.
The great adventure has begun. Hope you are not worn out before reaching Montana. The lngest ride I did was flat, so you guys have got a lot of guts. Tour de France~ nah that’s piddly stuff. Good reading – from here!
Catch up with you in 3 months.
Posted on: Jun 9th, 2010 at 11:46 am
Howdy Alan and Chris,
You two are amazing! I can’t believe you made it all the way to Baker City in one day (must’ve been all the wild meat you ate in John Day). Monday evening, all Bob and I could talk about was you: how much we admire you, how much we enjoyed having you here with us, how much we miss you already, and how much we hope to see you again (either here with your families for a real western vacation or there for us to see your beautiful country). We wish you safe travels!