Day 7: Hills, hills and more hills
(Cape Overlook to Newport)
date: Sunday August 11, 2002
daily miles: 85 miles (137 km)
total miles: 620 miles (998 km)
My warm-up this morning before the big hill consisted of a quarter mile ride -- then it was 45 minutes of burning quads cranking up the hill at 4.6mph. Yes, the hill was steep! I was just pouring sweat like mad and entirely soaked by the time I finally reached the top. I bundled up then to keep warm. The highlight of going up big hills – going downhill after that -- it was fun!! (Yes Adam, I actually do sweat -- I know you will find that hard to believe at times)
Lots of great views like this today
Caught up with Rachel and Andrew from the campground last night – we talked for a minute before they headed off to the Rangers presentation. They are a nice couple from Wisconsin who had shipped their bikes out for a ride from Astoria, OR to Santa Cruz, CA. It sounded like they were having a good ride so far. Plus their priorities were right -- when they see glistening blackberries in the morning due alongside the road -- they stop and enjoy... that’s where I caught up with them this morning. Yes – I stocked up on my share of blackberries also!!
Maybe the best way to describe the riding today was hills, hill and more hills. I'm glad I put that extra large 32-tooth rear cog on the bike for days like today. Truthfully -- it was used quite a bit today – and I’m a pretty strong ride in comparison to most people. As for other sights along the coast today to mention? Nothing standing out much over one another -- but all were cool irregardless. This is GREAT country!
I wouldn't trade my bike for that boat
The route deviated off of highway 101 today in places -- one detour was to the old highway itself -- which was nice and quiet in comparison to the highway -- but boy was it steep. A very fit gal was unloading her son into a baby buggy to go for a walk. At least until she passed me running up the hill!! Two miles of hill in fact -- but I did catch up with her at the end.
Actually I was truly impressed by the athletic feat she accomplished in running up that hill. Most people wouldn't have made it 100 yards running. I proposed to her at the top -- yes marriage! -- but she laughed and said she was happily married with two kids already... but she thanked me for the compliment anyway. Darn, I missed out again.
At camp tonight, I ran into a great couple from Bainbridge Island (WA) who are touring on a tandem recumbent. Quite a few adventures and bike trips in their lives -- and I honestly hope that when I'm their age, I'm as enthusiastic for adventure and travel as they are – they are definitely enjoying life.
As for myself? Everything is good. A bit tired but not too fatigued. No new aches or pains to report so far on this trip. But I do see why my younger brother had problems with his Achilles tendon while making this same ride many years ago. Lots of hills and not a lot of time (as in days) to fully recuperate -- thus your body doesn't get a chance to recover -- a lessoned learned and I am very observant of. Good gear and good training before I did this is obviously helping me make this a very straightforward trip so far.
That's all for tonight!
Mark
