Saturday 23 June - Reaching the Pacific!!!

Eugene - Florence

79 miles
6 hours and 40 minutes in the saddle
31.1 mph max speed
11.8 mph average speed

Woo hoo we made it!!! We have reached the Pacific and have achieved the goal we originally set. In 55 days of cycling we have travelled 3819 miles. We have had 13 rest days, some because of bad weather, but mostly to rest sore muscles and also to visit friends along the way. We have seen spectacular scenery with completely unrestricted view from the saddle. We have smelt sweet honeysuckle, fresh pine needles, thousands of freshly mowed lawns and wildlife galore. We have climbed some excruciating hills, only to find our jaws drop when we reach the top and enjoy views for miles of hills, mountains and lakes. We have been flying down steep descents where our brakes and wheel rims have been red hot by the time we reach the bottom. It really has been an amazing trip and most of all lots of fun.

The weather has at times been interesting, mostly in Kansas. The bike provides no protection from the elements and in the case of lightning it is best to be off the bike.

We have been amazed at how friendly people along the way have been. Locals have been unfailingly enthusiastic about their home town and proud of their history. They have also been interested to hear about our journey.

We have only been lost once during our trip and that was in Kentucky on a day when it rained and we were chased by dogs. We have had no trouble finding a bed for the night, although some days it has meant that we have had to cycle a long way. Regardless, we think staying in motels is better than camping.

Our bike ride is not quite over. Tomorrow we head south along the Pacific coast . We expect to reach San Francisco in about 10 days.