Day 13

Yesterday we covered a good 60 miles. One question always comes up, why bike Canada to Mexico and not vice-versa? Tailwinds. The whole day it was smooth sailing. We stopped by a family BBQ for a hefty lunch and settled down in Umpqua Lighthouse State Park. 

These guys are always the coolest. Jeff (above) gave us his business card if we ever wanted a job in Oregon. These flaggers are making around $36/hour!

Biking Out the Tunnel

Met Heidi biking to Vancouver against the crazy headwind.

2 lbs. Burger. Never again.

Fire Skill +1

Day 12

I've gotten used to sleeping in a tent. But the most cumbersome thing about this journey is packing. At least twice a day, I pack and organize all my things. At least my organization skills have improved dramatically. 

I am currently in the small city of Newport which is about halfway down the Oregon coast. This morning we went to the gorgeous Taquina Lighthouse. At the Astoria bike shop, the owner recommended us to visit a bike shop where we are now. They have a cool gig set up here for bikers to take showers, do free laundry, and lounge with wi-fi. All of this is set up on a overhead deck above the store. Might stay here for awhile..

UPDATE: I got a flat tire on my back wheel about 5 miles away from the bike shop. I had a spare, but while pumping it, I broke the valve?! Presta valves are a skinnier type of valve, but I still felt pretty stupid. Oren and Guillaume started biking towards the bike shop while I stuck my thumb out! After about 5 minutes, I got a ride from a lady in a pick up truck!

Here's a picture of my progress the past 12 days! Hopefully we reach California by the weekend.

About 1/4th of the way!

Yaquina Lighthouse Newport, OR

2nd Flat? No biggie.

Broken Valve. I almost cried.

Thanks for the lift, Toni!

First Sunset on the Beach.

Day 11

After biking up a 752ft hill that was 2 miles long, I feel confident about the rest of the trip. Elevation is what makes this trip exciting. I can already feel my thigh and calf muscles bulging and it's kind of scary. Today is Guillaume's (the French biker) 20th birthday. We stopped at Beverly State Campground, OR and celebrated with his first root beer float.

Worth the downhill.

Guillaume resting on the side of the road.

Chi chi chi chia! Super Food!

The Biker Tattoo

The Magnificent Trio

Guillaume's First Root Beer Float!

Biking on this cool little road on the cliff.

Day 10

Three bikers is probably the perfect number. I think if we find more, we won't move as efficiently.

On day 10, we stopped by the Tillamook Cheese Factory which was interesting except for the fact that they didn't show how the cheese was actually made. Instead we just saw them package it. So I'm pretty skeptical..

We found a camp city in Cape Kiwanda which was prowling with ferrel rabbits. It was said some goon left a few and well, they multiplied like rabbits.

Cheese sampling? You mean cheese mealing.

Packaged rice... I miss my rice cooker.

All 3 Camping Stoves

Day 8 and Beginning Day 9

  The Oregon Coast is full of luscious forestry and exclusive sneak peaks of the Pacific Ocean. Hand down, the most gorgeous ride I've ever been on. Oren and I started on the 101 which is the highway that goes all the way down the coast. Yesterday's bike ride really made me think. Everyone should go on a trip like this. It is such an insane experience meeting all the new people, being in different places, and seeing all these amazing things. It is hard to find a few months of freedom to this trip, but if you ever have the chance, bike touring is absolutely exhilarating.

  Back to Astoria, such an alive little town. I have never been to a city like Astoria. It is famous for the Goonies being filmed there, but it is very artsy and all the shops are local. There was a farmers' market the next morning filled with fresh fruit and other odds and ends.

Astoria Street Market

Met someone from Rochester, MN in the small town of Astoria, OR 1903 miles away. I guess us folk are pretty cool.

Entering the 101.

This picture doesn't come close to actually being there.

First Oregon State Park. FREE SHOWERS. I'm sick of $.50 three minute showers.

Met Guyllaume, who's also biking the Pacific Route to San Francisco!

And then there were 3...

Day 6 & 7

    No wi-fi yesterday. Spent the night at Twin Harbors, a janky little ghost town with great seafood. I've been biking with the new partner that I mentioned in earlier posts, Oren. We are moving at a steady pace going around 40-50 miles a day.

    One thing that has really made me happy about this trip are all the kind and generous people we've met on the way. My faith for humanity has jumped up a couple of levels after all the nice folk I've encountered.

   Tonight I'm treating myself by staying in a hotel hostel. A hostel is basically a hotel with minimal amenities meant for travelers. I am in a four bed room with Oren and it is possible for others to share the room. But the most important thing is that there is a bed with a pillow. Not having to set up and pack up my tent, tarp, and sleeping bag is a relief.

Here are some pictures of the past two days. Enjoy!

Waking up in a damp tent is inevitable. Here I am drying all my gear in the morning sun.

The shore has frequently been showing its beauty.

The super nice owner gave us a chocolate for the road.

Arrival at Bay Center, WA

What do you do with all these oyster shells? You climb it and take a super pose.

Spent the night at an Ivy-League campsite.

May 31, 2014. First time changing a flat tire. Somewhere on the border of Washington.

Rocket Diner? Breakfast (lunch) for Champions.

Left the good ol' state of Washington and moving on to Oregon.
 

Astoria-Meglar Bridge. 4.1 mile transition period between Washington and Oregon. (They were repainting it)

It may not look like much, but it's heaven being indoors.

It's been too damn long since I've felt a mattress and a pillow under me. 

Michael, the awesome host!