Destination: Across The Nation

A Family-Style Epic on the TransAmerica Bike Trail


6/17/07 - Florence, OR to Blue River, OR - 111.3mi / 6:51 / 16.2mph [2150 vert] - Total So Far: 111.3mi

Broke the camper down in a hurry this morning and were on the road toward the put-in at Haceta Beach at about 7am. Swung by the Holiday Inn in Florence and picked up Dick & Carol Gibson for the caravan to the beach.

The rear-wheel dip was comedy as the tide was waaaaay out and we had to walk waaaaaay out to even get to the surf.

Ceremonial rear wheel dip in the Pacific

Jim & Dick prior to take-off. Note the Providence jersey . . . a little dig at my former boss since he elected to switch teams a while back!

It truly was a privilege to be able to kick off the ride with such a great friend.

Wheels dipped - Dick and I pushed off and were on our way. The ride was terrific - the weather couldn't have been better (High temp today of 80). Our concerns about traffic on 126 proved (somewhat) unfounded.

Dick giving notice to all that we aren't to be messed with whilst in the tunnel. Turns out we travelled the whole of the tunnel without seeing a single other car. Early starts are the BEST.

Dick taking in the views of the McKenzie River Valley (and Jim enjoying his last opportunity to do some drafting for a long, long time). A great first day.





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