Day 27, San Clemente to Imperial Beach, Ca

Well, we did it!

Today was a long day so we left our hotel in San Clemente at 7:15 am.  At mile 11 we entered the Naval Base at Camp Pendleton, exiting the base at mile 21.    We rode through the town of Oceanside where all the surfers were getting an early start.  We passed through Carlesbad, a town filled with surf shops and then on to Encinitas where we stopped for a quick drink and muffin at this wonderful pastry shop that was a favorite of cyclists.  We saw hundreds of riders today, it was a beautiful day for riding.  We proceeded on through Cardiff by the Sea, Solana Beach Del Mar and La Jolla.

The sea lions attracted tourists with their barking.  I couldn't wait to get through town because the smell from the birds and sea lions was so strong.

At mile 65, we took a 10 minute ferry ride from downtown San Diego to the Island of Coronado.  Then after another 20 miles we made it to our final destination, Imperial Beach.  Imperial Beach is as far as you can go in California without crossing the border into Mexico.  Several helicopters were overhead, I'm sure trying to spot people trying to illegally cross the border into the USA while border patrol were canvassing the area on 4 wheelers,

We celebrated with Champaigne before taking a final 10 mile ride to our hotel in Chula Vista (a suburb of San Diego).

Upon arriving at our hotel, bikes were packed and we headed off for our last dinner together as a group.

There's no better way to see the Country than by bike.  It opens your eyes to the good, the bad and the ugly................and you get to eat whatever you want.

We traveled just under 1,800 miles in 27 days, we had 2 days off, we had one accident (Sherman) and we had one bike stolen (mine).  We made new friends and we got to ride again with friends from previous rides.  Sue and Graham , our leaders, did a remarkable job keeping us safe and fed and rolling.  2014 was ou Cross Country ride, 2015 was our LEJOG (length of UK) ride, 2016 was the West Coast ride...................I wonder what's in store for 2017.  Stay tuned!

We'll spend 2 nights in San Diego and then head home to see the kid's and grandkids, we can't wait!!

Best,

M and Big

More pictures to come.........

Day 26, Redondo Beach to San Clemente, Ca

today's 63 mile ride had us passing through popular California towns like Long Beach (major West Coast Port), beautiful Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Dana Point.  The ride was mostly flat with much of it on bike paths; towards the end of the ride we did have some of those 200 foot lumps to make sure our legs were completely exhausted.

In Long Beach we got a glimpse of the QUEEN MARY.  I believe she is still operational but I'm not sure..........need to google to find out the details.  I also need to google to find out how many miles of beaches there are in California; they seem to go on forever.  We saw hundreds of surfers today, they looked like seals bobbing in the waves.

 We finish tomorrow with an 83 mile Ride to San Diego.  The last 30 days seem to be a blur.

Best,

M and Big

Day 25, Ventura to Redondo Beach, Ca

Today's 75 mile ride brought us back to the ocean traveling past some of the more well known California towns like Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice Beach and Manhattan Beach.

We rode the first 60 miles with just one quick stop to refill our water bottles.  At the 60 mile mark we stopped at SHUTTERS on the BEACH which is the hotel we stayed at prior to the Cross Country ride 2 years ago.  We stopped and had a wonderful lunch.

Back on the road (actually the bike paths that run through the beach) we stopped briefly at Manhattan Beach which was the actual start of the Cross County ride.  The sight brought back fond memories of a milestone ride and of good friends that became part of our family over the 50 days of riding.  I also though about the length of the XC ride being the same as riding the West Coast from Seattle to San Diego and then BACK to Seattle!!

Today's ride was mostly flat so our overall speed was just under 16 mph for the 75 miles.  That brought us into the hotel around 2:00 pm.

So, there are just two riding days left on this adventure.  Tomorrow is a 63 mile ride and Friday is an 87 mile ride to the Mexican border.  It's hard to believe we've been gone almost 30 days.

Sherman continues to improve.  He'll spend a week in a rehab facility in Arroyo Grande to get some strength back prior to his trip home.  We all wish him a speedy recovery.

Best,

M and Big

Day, 24, Solvang to Ventura, Ca

Some of the hotels offer breakfast; when we showed up for breakfast there was a long line of Danish motorcycle riders waiting for the service to open.  Tim, Michelle and I decided to walk down the street for a "real" breakfast at Paula's,  I enjoyed Danish pancakes (crepes) and eggs.  Wonderful!

We started out a little late, around 8:30.  The first 20 miles was up hill, an average grade of 6% but reaching 10% in a few areas................a loooong climb.  Again, my riding partner did a great job.  The long climb was followed by a 7 mile descent.

We rode into Santa Barbara and stopped at the pier for a drink before getting back on the road to complete the remaining 30 miles.  We rode along the beach for the balance of the ride.  There were RV's as far as you could see, parked parallel to the beach, with generators going, grills set up and beach chairs lined up.

We arrived in Ventura at our hotel without much gas in the tank.  We went out for a quick lunch and then to do laundry.  We got back in time for route rap, a time to discuss tomorrow's ride and the headed out to dinner at a local fish taco dinner..........delicious!

We spoke with Sherman via Skype.  He's feeling much better after surgery to pin his hip.  He should be cleared to fly home at the end of the week.  We'll miss him at the finish but are happy the outcome was better than it could have been.

75 miles tomorrow and then 2 final days of riding before we reach the Mexican border.

Best,

M and Big

Day 23, Arroyo Grande to Solvang, Ca.

We traveled 64 miles today, mostly away from the coast to the town of Solvang.  The town has a heavy Danish influence as it was founded in the early 1900's by three Danes.  Lots of shops in town selling clogs and nutcrackers.  The town itself looks like there should be trolls running around.  The area is also know by cyclists for the Category climb, a 9 mile climb that hits a 19% grade and averages 8%.

We received the good news a short while ago that Sherman is out of surgery and expected to be able to travel home at the end of the week. 

Tomorrow we enter "Southern California" and pass through well known towns like Santa Barbara.

Only a few more days till we reach San Diego.  We're both ready to finish this adventure and get home to see the kids and grandchildren..............and our own bed.

Best,

M and Big

Day 22, San Simeon to Arroyo Grande, Ca

Today's ride was 56 miles with no too much climbing.  We started out at 7:30 am out usual set off time.  Our friend Sherman Bull typically sets off at 7:00 am to get a head start on the faster riders.

We met up with Sherman about 30 minutes into the ride.  He'd had a puncture and Richard, one of the U.K riders stopped to give him assistance so we continued on.  At about the 45 mile mark Michelle received a call on her cell, it was the paramedic that scooped Sherman off the pavement after he collided with a pick up as he came down an exit ramp.

The paramedic said he was banged up but not in serious condition.  He was taken to the hospital in San Luis Obispo which was just minutes from the site of the accident.  After all the tests and scans were taken the results showed a broken hip, broken pinky finger and three broken ribs.  We are thankful as it could have been much worse.]

We remained with Sherman at the hospital until he got situated in a room.  His wife Peg, who just happened to be in Denver seeing grandchildren is flying in tomorrow morning.  Sherman will have total hip surgery tomorrow and most likely will spend a week before being ready to fly home.  We will miss having our friend on the trip and finishing the ride with him in San Diego but we are glad the accident wasn't worse.  We'll pray for his speedy recovery.

Tomorrow we head 63 miles to Solvang, a town that is know for it's Norwegian influence.  We've been told we need to try the pancake balls that are filled with fruit fillings.

The riding is beautiful and challenging.  After 3 weeks and some 1,400 miles we'll be glad to reach San Diego this Friday.

Best,

M and Big

Sherman on the Coast of California

Day 21, Big Sur to San Simeon, Ca

Today's 68 mile ride was hard but one of the most beautiful so far.  The weather continues to be nearly perfect with temperatures in the 50's when we start and the mid 70's during the afternoon hours.

Today's ride was challenging with lots of ups (5200 feet gain) and just a bit less in loss.  I am proud and amazed with my riding partners cycling ability.  She cooks on the flats and is doing a great job on the long climbs and descents.

At dinner last night we were told about a spot we needed to stop for breakfast.  It was up the road about 5 miles (i.e. It was a 5 mile climb) and slight descent to the Big Sur Inn.  It reminded me of an English Cottage with fireplace burning as we entered.  We enjoyed a delicious breakfast prior to getting back on the road to continue climbing and descending for the next 55 miles.
The final 6 miles were reasonably flat, passing the Hearst Castle and an area that was filled with Elephant Seals.

San Simeon is a town of only 465 people but we found a wonderful restaurant for dinner that served fresh fish and big steaks.

Tomorrow we're on to Aerroyo Grande a town of about 20,000.  From here, all our stops are in sizable towns.  Only 6 more days of riding.

Best,

M and Big

Day 20, Marina to Big Sur, Ca

Today was a short day only 47 miles.  The ride started with a big, long (4 mile) climb.  We  sighted Whales and dolphins in Monteray Bay.  The ride continued past the golf courses at Pebble Beach where we stopped for morning coffee and the best Cinnemon roll of the trip.  Pebble Beach is owned by a syndicate headed by the late Arnold Palmer and Clint Eastwood.  Our waitress told us
Arnold would sit and enjoy Cinnemon pancakes every morning he was in town.  Our bill was $40.00 for two cups of tea and a Cinnemon bun / egg sandwich.  We also learned that a round of golf is $495.00!  But what a beautiful setting for a golf course.

We continued on through the beautiful town of Carmel and then (up) to Big Sur.  We stayed in cabins with the Big Sur river just below.

Dinner at the only place in town and an early night because tomorrow is a big day.

Best,

M and Big

Day 19, Davenport to Marina, Ca

Today was a short day, just 47 miles to the town of MARINA.  Michelle and I rode with our friend Stuart Hamilton while his wife Joanne supported us until we stopped for lunch. 

Just before lunch we stopped along side a bridge and watched a mother otter feed her infant mussels..............she would crack them in her teeth, pull out the meat and feed the baby.  

We stopped for lunch at THE HAUTE ENCHILADA a colorful restaurant in MOSS LANDING.  Michelle had a wonderful homemade soup with chicken and avocado and I enjoyed the "Big Chicken Burrito".  This dish came out and it was huge, probably 12" long and 4" in diameter.  Boy it was delicious.  (Tim ate 1/2).

The final 10 - 15 miles took us along fields of fruits and vegetables............strawberries, artichokes, cauliflower, lettuce, brussel sprouts, etc.  There were fruit / vegetable stands along side the road selling this wonderful produce at incredible prices......6 avocados for $1.00!

We're staying at the 5 star Best Western tonight.  The only restaurant around is Denny's.............I hope dinner is somewhere else.

Tomorrow we cycle to Big Sur past the golf courses at Pebble Beach.  It should be a beautiful 53 mile day.  Our home tomorrow night are cabins in the woods!

Best,

M and Big

Golden Gate Bridge.

Tim, Michelle, Stuart, Joanne, Me.

Day 18, San Francisco to Davenport, Ca

Today's ride took us out of the City and back to the coast.  The ride was just under 70 miles.  Our friends from XC 2014, Stuart and Joanne Hamilton joined us for today's ride.  Stuart rode first and Joanne provided a wonderful SAG with homemade muffins, cookies, brownies, cheeses, strawberrys, and other goodies.  I wish this was part of our daily ride!

We finished the ride around 2:30 and stopped at a local restaurant close to the hotel.  A wonderful dinner was had at our hotel.........incredible Brussels sprouts!

A short day to MARINA tomorrow and then on to Big Sur on Friday.

Best,

M and Big

Day 17, Rest Day in San Francisco

I'll make this brief.  After the 16 mile ride over the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco, I got n the phone in an effort to find a BB86 bottom Bracket to fix my squeaky bottom bracket.  I called over a dozen shops with no luck.

While I was calling shops, my bike was chained and locked on the back of the support van in front of our hotel. The next think I knew, the bike was gone, the cable cut in two places and my new Storck missing.  I hope whomever stole it will be be punished when he faces our creator.

Our hotel for the night, Hayes Valley Inn, is another "gem"..............bathrooms are down the hall!  Not happy but we will make due for the night.

So, I went out to find a new bike, Michelle and Tim went out for dinner with our friends from our 2014 cross country trip, Stuart and Joanne Hamilton.  Great to see them and catch up.  They will be riding with us a few days and Joanne has graciously put together a SAG for tomorrow's ride.

I have a new bike to ride tomorrow.  I don't like having to ride another 700 miles on a bike I am not used to and on a seat that new.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that all works out.  Stay tuned.

Best,

M and Big

Day 16, Jennings to Sausalito, Ca.

Yesterday's blog didn't go out on schedule because we were totally drained after the ride.  We rode just short of 90 miles, climbed over 5,000 feet and had mid-day temperatures of 101.2 degrees.

At one point in the ride I came close to pulling over and walking into the stream that we traveled along and in fact, Sue one of our leaders did just that to cool her core temperature down.

We arrive at our hotel to a 12 x 12 from with a double bed.  That didn't work for me so after a conversation with the hotel manager we entered our new room with two queen beds, refrig, microwave, work desk and nice bathroom.

We enjoyed dinner with Martha Stettner a dear friend who has worked at TravelSmith for many years.  It was great to catch up.

Tomorrow is Sn Francisco.

M and Big

Day 15, Fort Bragg to Jennings, Ca.

Well today was our toughest day since we started this adventure.  Today's ride, on paper, looked like an EKG.  After the first reasonably flat 9 miles we started climbing and descending, climbing and descending, and then a steeper (18%) climb.  The rollers continued for the next 71 miles.  We were happy when our odometers hit 80.  

The temperature at the start was just over 50 degrees and by noon it was 85 degrees.  We've looked forward at the temperatures on our path and they're looking unseasonably high, in some cases into the 100's.  We've been extremely lucky with the weather...........no rain and moderate temperatures.  We hope this trend will continue but the forecast says otherwise.

I'm very proud of my riding partner.  She's been flying on the flats and climbing the hills without issue.

Tomorrow ride is the second longest of the trip at 87 miles.  We've been told the climbs are less than today.  My legs sure hope so.  Tomorrow brings us to Sausalito, just 16 miles from our day off in San Francisco on Tuesday.

We'll keep riding...........only 700 miles to go.

Best,

M and Big

Day 14, Leggett to Fort Bragg, Ca

Today's ride was one of the best rides of the trip............it was only 47.5 miles but it was a beautiful ride through the forest and the back to the ocean.

We started out with a huge 7 mile climb from 900' to 1900'..........not super steep but it just kept going.  The climb was followed by a screaming 9 mile downhill.  At mile 20 we headed up again with a climb that was steeper but shorter in length.  At mile 25 the ocean appeared again........just spectacular views.

We finished up the ride at our 5 star Motel 6.  We did laundry and relaxed the balance of the day in preparation for tomorrow's big 80 mile day of climbing.

Pictures soon!

M and Big

DAY 13, Redcrest to Leggett, Ca.

Only 235 miles to San Francisco!

We started out at 7:30 am on our 60 mile adventure.  We immediately started climbing and continued going up for approximately 4 miles and then continued a beautiful ride through the AVENUE OF THE GIANTS (the Redwood Forest).  We continued to travel inland through these incredible forests of trees that are thousands of years old.

We were warned that our motel was the only game in Leggett so we stopped at a country store about 5 miles from the motel.  We grabbed our recovery drink (chocolate milk) and a few snacks and proceed to the motel.  Our home for the night was a wonderful 9 unit motel owned by Mike and his wife.  They had run their motel for 23 years and now it was time to sell and move on.  He said people these days are "stupid", going on to say the drive in and before asking the price of a room or other expected questions, they ask for the WiFi password.  So, once they sell, they will move to Oregon for an easier life.

Since there was no restaurant in Leggett, Graham (our leader) shuttled us 5 miles back to THE PEG HOUSE for dinner.  Michelle and I had a SUNSET BURGER which was their award winning burger......it was incredible (I wanted two but I refrained).

Ah, I almost forgot the best part of the day.  As we were leaving the motel Michelle asked Mike if there was a place to do laundry...........he said no.  I came out of the room a minute later to get into the support vehicle and I asked Mike if there was a place to do laundry...........Michelle piped up and said he already said no.  I asked again but added "if we greased your palm" is could we get some laundry done and Mike responded "sure we can help you our with a load".  So after dinner I dropped off a bag and Mike came back 1.5 hours later with a cleaned load.  I offered him $20.00 but he refused and said "just don't tell the others I did this for you".  I guess Mike's stick together.

Best,

M and Big

DAY 12, Arcatia to Redcrest

We left the coast today and headed inland.  The 60 mile ride was not especially scenic, traveling through farm land on rough roads.  The first highlight came when we reached a little town of Ferndale and found the best little coffee / pastry shop we've found to date.  We enjoyed a cup of tea and an incredible Cinnemon Muffin and Raspberry Coffee Cake.  Just what the doctor ordered at mile 34.

We continued our rather boring ride until mile 55 when we entered the AVENUE OF THE GIANTS State Park.  We rode the 5 mile stretch to our lodging for the night, a very nice / clean cabin in the woods.  Initially we were concerned about what we would do for dinner tonight since there is only one small coffee shop here that closes at 5:30.  It was our luck that they offered to say open late (6:30pm) and serve us dinner.  So our group enjoyed burgers / chicken sandwiches and an incredible blackberry cobbler a la mode!!

More Avenue of the Giants tomorrow as we make our way to Leggett, Ca.

Best,

M and Big

DAY 11, Crescent City to Arcata, Ca

We left our lovely Super 8 motel and started a 75 mile day that began with a big (reaching 11% grade) and long (almost 4 miles) climb.  We climbed 4,600 feet, one of the biggest days of the trip,

We rode along the Coast for most of the ride,  At the top of the second long climb we had an incredible view of the rugged California Coastline and listened to a symphony of seals playing in the surf.

The highlight of yesterday's ride came when we entered the Redwood Forest.  The road was closed to traffic (road cleaning) but bikes were allowed.  We had the entire 10 mile route to ourselves except for the few trucks and dozers cleaning debris from the road.  The redwood trees are truly Giants.
It was quite chilly riding through the forest, hovering around 50 degrees..............50 degrees feels much colder when you're traveling 18 - 20 mph!

About 20 miles from Arcata we came across a wonderful sandwich / burger / Ice Cream shop.  We sat outside on the patio in the warm sunshine and enjoyed lunch before heading out on the final 20 miles.

We arrived at our second "lovely" Super 8 motel (bad) around 2:00 pm, showered and then set off to do laundry and scout out a dinner spot.  Laundry got done but dinner options were not good, McDonalds, Carl's Jr, China Buffet...........so Sherman, Tim, Michelle and I took a ten minute cab ride to a wonderful restaurant near the Humbolt University campus.

Bedtime continues to be no later than 9:00 pm.

More big trees tomorrow!

Best,

M and Big

Day 10, Gold Beach, Oregon to Crescent City, Ca

Day 10 took us into California.  The ride was a very reasonable 57 miles.  We continued along to Coast and then moved off RTE 101 to get on some less traveled back roads.

I continue to find it difficult to dress for the entire day.  The temperature this morning was 51 degrees and just a few hours later it was in the mid 70's.  Riding along the Coast through the early morning mist is quite cool but when the sun comes out it can get quite warm.

We started the ride with a several mile climb (my jersey was wet with sweat when I reached the summit and dry by the time I finished the decent.

The crossing into California was a non-event.  There's a "toll booth" that all cars need to pass through to make sure no fruits or vegetables are carried into the state.

Tomorrow brings us into the Redwood Forest.  I visited this area as a young boy and look forward to riding through the big sequoia trees.

Best to All,

M and Big

Day 9, Bandon to Gold Beach, Oregon

After a rest day we had a relatively short (60 mile) ride to Gold Beach.  The route took us inland until  we reached Port Orford and then continued along the Coast for the remainder of the ride.

The highlight of Gold Beach was our dinner at Spinners Restaurant.  I enjoyed a 16 oz Prime Rib (my red meat allowence for the month) and Michelle enjoyed Ribs,  We've been feasting on fresh local fish since we started the trip so having a good steak tasted great.

Tomorrow we cross into California.  We've completed approximately 1/3 of the total mileage.

Best,

M and Big

Day 8, Rest Day in Bandon, Oregon

The rest day is well deserved and welcomed by all the riders. Brandon is a coastal town on route 101 about 100 miles north of the California border.  Like many of the coastal towns, this is a Port filled with fishing boats, fudge factories, seafood shanties, tourist curios shops and questionable hotels.  Thankfully we are staying in one of the better ones in town.

We spent the day relaxing, doing laundry, cleaning bikes, watching football, napping and looking at what the next 1,200 miles look like as we make our way to San Diego.

More to come,

M and Big

Day 7, Florence to Bandon, Ore

Another 75 mile day but the weather has continued to be favorable.  We started the ride with a few big, long climbs and then the ride leveled out until we arrived at the "7 Devils Rd" about 20 miles from Bandon.  7 Devils Rd is a series of 7 climbs over a distance of 5-6 miles.  Having climbs at the end of the ride really beats you up.  Thankfully tomorrow is a rest day in Bandon.  We'll get to put our feet up and watch football (aka known as take a nap).  Everyone is looking forward to being off the bike for a day.

Erica, a gal from the UK finally went to the hospital to get checked out.  She's had a bad cough for the last 7 days.  Michelle played PA and stayed with her during the visit.  Turns out the doctor was moonlighting from Portland and more interestingly he grew up in Greenwich, Ct.  So Erica got a Z pack and an inhaler and is thankful for a day off.

The other injury of the day came when JP took a fall.  He doesn't know what happened but he wound up on the ground, his bike twisted up and blood / scrapes on his arms, legs and hands.  Thankfully no broken bones.

So tomorrow we rest and 2 days later we cross over into California.

Three weeks to go!

Best to all,

M and Big

DAY 6. Lincoln City to Florence, Or.

Day 6 was another long 80 mile day with some good "lumps".  We continued to ride along the coast for most of the day.  Our first stop came at 30 miles where we enjoyed an incredible cinnamon bun and tea.  Some of our group were able to spot sea lions and a few whales along the way.  Once again, there were spectacular views for most of the journey.  We stopped again, briefly, after 55 miles to get enough fuel (cookie / drink) to get us to the Dairy Queen that was located a block from the hotel.

The "Old Town" of Florence is quite cool, lots of great restaurants, coffee roasters, antique shops and art galleries.  After our "route rap" we ventured into town for dinner.  We ate at a wonderful cafe that set me back only $60.00 (encluding a $10.00 tip) for two fill meals.

We're off again tomorrow morning at 7:30 am to Bandon, Or a 75 mile ride, continuing along the coast.  They say there's a great steak house in this town of under 1,000.  I'm ready for some good protein!  Sunday is the first of 2 off days.  It will be nice getting a break from the bike saddle for a full day.  Monday will take us into California.

Falling asleep as I'm typing so I'll say good-night.

Best,

M and Big

DAY 5. Garabaldi to Lincoln City, Or

Today turned out to be our favorite ride of the trip to date.  We continued along the Oregon Coast through wonderful seaside towns and over some big climbs that gave us incredible views of the ragged coast.  Our first climb over Cape Mears was closed to cars and trucks because of a landslide that took out much of the road, leaving just enough for cyclists to get through.

We stopped for coffee in Netarts.  The owner of the cafe was telling us the area gets on average 12 FEET of rain each year.  That's a foot a month or almost 1 inch every day!!  I need to double check this statistic since it sounds like the town would have floated away by now under those conditions.  We have been so fortunate having spectacular weather so far.  We hope it lasts.

At mile 55 today we needed to decide on which route to take into Lincoln City; we could take old route 101 (the alternate route) or remain on RTE 101 which shortened the overall distance from 69 miles to 64 miles but had a BIG, LONG climb.  Tim and Michelle decided to take the alternate route and I decided to tackle the climb and shorten the distance.  (We were warned by a shop owner that the climb was steep and long, so much so, that there was a bus that transported cyclists and their bikes to the top of the climb).  Michelle and Tim remarked at how beautiful the alternate route was and, in fact, the shop owner was correct in his assessment of the climb, Steep and Long.  It was a 2 GU (Roctane) climb!

We arrived at the Hotel in Lincoln City around 3:00 pm.  Michelle's sister Marna made the trip from Hillsboro, Or to meet us......so kind of her to make the 2 hour car ride to check up on us.  

Tonight will be an early night, tomorrow is another 78 mile day.

Best to All,

M and Big

DAY 4. From Long Beach to Garbaldi, Or.

Sorry for the delay in updating the blog.  Yesterday, day 4 was a very tough ride, lots of logging trucks, RV's coming too close to us, the long (under construction 3.8 mile Astoria Bridge and big climbs that went on an on.  We finished the day around 3:30 pm, tired and physically drained.

Immediately after the ride we headed to the local DQ (Dairy Queen) for a recovery chocolate milkshake (listed as 1330 calories!).  We had an early dinner and then headed back to the hotel to meet up with our good friend Michael Cordisco.  I've know Michael C for over 20 years and it's always great to catch up on what's happening at his employer NIKE and more importantly what's going on in the busy Cordisco fanily.  It was great seeing Michael and really appreciated him making the 90 minute drive from Portland and hand delivering some new sneakers for Michelle and tyre tubes for me.

Best to all.

M and Big

Day 3 WESTPORT, WA TO LONG BEACH, WA

Day three took us from Westport to Long Beach, Wa a distance of 79.5 miles.  The terrain was mostly flat but certainly not without some good climbs and a few nice downhills.  We made good time, finishing the ride in under 5 hours at a pace of just under 17 mph.

Today was the first day we rode with Pacific Ocean on our right side.  We arrived in Long Beach, a touristy beach community with lots of tee shirt shops, RV parks, fried seafood restaurants, tattoo parlors and ice cream shops (the later being the only one of interest).

Our friend Sherman left us today to fly home for the opening of the new Stamford hospital.  We'll welcome him back on Friday.  So we're down to 9, JP and Allison (dr's from Scotland), Graham and Sue (our leaders from the UK, Richard (from Wales), Tim (from the UK), Erica (from the UK) and Michelle and me (the Americans).

Our good friend, Michael Cordisco will be joining us tomorrow and Michelle's sister Marna is making the trip from the Portland area to join us the following day.

We've enjoyed near perfect weather so far.  The only issue is figuring out how to dress with the mornings being in the 40's and daytime temperatures reaching in to the 80's........long sleeve, short sleeve, jacket, vest, pants or shorts????

We continue along the coast tomorrow (another 78 mile day) passing into Oregon.  The scenery should continue to be spectacular.

Legs are sore but otherwise we feel good after the first 275 miles..............another 1,500 to go!

Pictures are forthcoming, I promise.

Best to all,

M and Big

Day 2 SHELTON to WESTPORT

DAY 2 took us South and then West to the coast.  The ride of 68 miles took us just over 4 hours, riding at a 15 mph pace.  The ride was a little lumpy for the first 25 miles but then it flattened out for next 40+ miles.  The road surface was a little rough and looked like pebbles rolled into blacktop.  If someone were to fall on this surface, your skin would look like ground beef......thankfully no one confirmed my theory.

We stopped in Aberdeen and enjoyed lunch on an outdoor patio overlooking an inland waterway.  It was a wonderful small seafood restaurant serving all sorts of fresh seafood.  Being on the coast has it's advantages.  I'm looking forward to a wonderful seafood dinner.

As soon as I can figure out how to attach pictures to the blog you'll be able to see some of the beautiful scenery we've been viewing on our rides.

Best to all,

M and Big

DAY 1

Well day one is in the record book.  We rode 77.3 miles from Port Townsend to Shelton, Wa.  The ride took us just over 5 hours, traveling at 15+ mph.

We started out the day with our UK friend Tim breaking his derailleur hanger at mile 14.  Remarkably, he was carrying a spare but the failure cause his chain to get twisted. With the help of Graham (our leader) repairs were made and Tim made it to the hotel around 5:00 pm.

The ride was beautiful, traveling on route 101 through the OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK and then along the Puget Bay.  Lots of "lumps" today.........up and downs.

A couple of signs stuck in my mind (didn't stop to take pictures of them) one street sign "Never Give Up Street" and the other sign in a persons front yard saying "You're now in Range".

Last night and tonight's hotels are a little scary....,,,a less expensive version of Motel 6, not the Relaix and Chateau we're used to from our BackRoads cycling trips.

Tomorrow has us traveling west, back to the coast, a ride of just under 70 miles.

Everyone around here wears Seahawks garb and everyone is vey happy they pulled off a late game win  today.

Best to all our family and friends.

"M and Big"

Pre Ride

Dear family and friends,

In less tan one week Michelle and I will begin our next cycling adventure.  Our ride will take us from Port Towsend, Washington to the border of Mexico (just south of San Diego, Califonia.  We'll be joined by Richard Hedges and Tim Walmsley from the UK.  Richard and Tim were part of the group that rode across the US with us in 2014.  Our good friend (and trip physician) Sherman Bull (cross country 2013 and our riding partner on the LEJOG 2014 trip) will also be joining us.  Sherman just celebrated his 80th birthday.  I hope I'm able to sit on a bike at his age!

The ride will take 30 days and cover some 1,800 miles.  Most of the trip will have us traveling along the coast of Washington, Oregon and California, the scenery should be spectacular.  Our friends Stuart and Joanne Hamilton (2014 cross country riding mates) will join us in San Francisco and ride with us for a few days.  A reunion of sorts!  Stuart and Joanne just completed a ride that followed the Mississippi River (New Orleans to Minneapolis)!

We hope you'll join us as we make our way "down" the West Coast.  We'll do our best to post the highlights of each day.

Best regards,

Michael and Michelle (M and Big)