I started the day out taking it very easy...I had no idea how challenging the day would become! The first part of the ride was so relaxing, beautiful scenery and even ran into Karolina for the 3rd time on my trip. She is from Poland and believe it or not she is trying to cross the USA with NO money...WHAT??? Good luck Karolina! Continuing on, enjoying the smell of the occasional campfire and doing a lot of reflection. It was as if Bob and Nick were right there with me. Thinking about my friend Doug, praying he gets better soon. I wasn't planning on riding far today...plans were for a short, relaxing ride but with such beautiful scenery it was really hard to stop....wondering what was around the next corner. Then, before I knew it I was at the base of the McKenzie Pass! I thought about pitching my tent and tackling it the next day but decided to press on. I could tell immediately that this was going to be a rough afternoon. The uphill climbs were relentless...no breaks anywhere! About 7 miles in, the road was closed to all vehicles except bicycles so that was awesome! The miles went on ever so slowly...I was always looking ahead hoping there would be a downhill run just a little bit, but nothing! This was grueling, I didn't see anymore cyclists along the route until the end of the day so I out there alone to conquer this enormous challenge. The steep climbs seemed to never ever end! I have 2 water bottles and had only a 1/3 of one left so that was concerning to me. I did my best to ration what I had left as best I could. I got off my bike on more than one occasion and walked for a while. I remember sitting on a guardrail wondering how much further can this possibly go for? I noticed the height of the trees ahead seemed to lower and I could see a little open space. I was so hopeful that the summit was near and it was. I few more climbs and turns and there it was! I MADE IT!!!! I was totally wiped out but knowing I did it was a feeling I'll never forget. Then I look over to my left and there was Karolina again...we briefly celebrated our victory and got ready for the glorious descent into Sisters, Oregon. 15 miles of nothing but coasting (and fast!) aaaahhhh!!!! As demanding as today was, this was the reward at the top! McKenzie Pass was the toughest part of my ride by far but has helped prepare me for what still lies ahead.
Total miles today - 59.7 Elevation gain - 4,626 ft Cumulative miles - 172.5
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Yes, Nimrod is the actual name of the town :) I got started about 8:30 this morning. The weather had cleared and was in the mid 50s...perfect! My riding companion, Ryan was going to be getting started later as he was waiting for the local T-Mobile store to get his phone replacement in. I headed out on to the Mckenzie Scenic Highway and boy was it ever scenic! Beautiful...
Completed the first day from Florence to Eugene Oregon. 64.2 miles, 2213 ft elevation gain. Hadn't planned on going that far the first day. A lot of rain but beautiful! Met Ryan who was riding for his mother that died of breast cancer. We took several detours off the main route that went along the river on dirt roads. Except for one encounter with two very angry dogs,it was perfect! Found out just how fast I can ride and how loud I can scream! Got into Eugene about 8:45 and got a hotel room for the night. Awesome first day!
Today I was interviewed by Six On Your Side in Boise. Thank you Karen and Stephanie :)
Hard to believe but the moment is almost upon me! I know you'll be there helping me up those steep mountain passes and enjoying the exhilaration with me as we soar down the mountain on the other side. I love and miss you so much Bob...
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