Day 7-Blue Skies

Bandon, OR. to Brookings, OR.
85 Miles, 10.8mph average speed. 3,760' elevation gain

The day began cool and cloudy, but soon we saw blue skies for the first time in days. Heck, we haven't had weather this good since Washington! The views along the coast were spectacular. We weren't expecting the day to be as hilly as it turned out to be, but most of the climbs were moderate-in the 6% range.

Our strategy for the day was to take frequent, but short stops instead of a few long ones. It worked pretty well, with stops including the store in Langlois, and at a golfcourse on the Cedar Creek road. The Cedar Creek road is on the ACA route, and the few extra miles added were well worth it-almost completely car-free. And, the run down to the Rogue River was really fun on really nice pavement.

After Gold Beach there is a big long 6% climb gaining 700 feet or so, and then a pretty hilly road all the way to Brookings, with several climbs of 6-7%, with one that maxed out at 12% for a short distance. Highlights of this section were great scenery, a downhill where we hit nearly 38mph, and a several mile flat section where we traded pulls at 18 to 20mph.

Perhaps the most wierd thing we have seen all trip was the guy who is riding a BMX bike backwards across the country. Definitely someone who has more time than good sense. He has a web site-you could probably use the Google and find him if so inclined.

We are now relaxing in Brookings, and Alan is stinking up the room with some strange smelling lintiment that he has applied to his creaky old knees. Smells like grandpa in here!