Today dawned sunny but cool again, around 49 degrees. After our usual breakfast of oatmeal, eggs, and bagels; we bundled up and headed out. Hwy 126 followed the McKenzie River for a while and had a huge shoulder. That soon faded to a tiny shoulder and rough road with an increase in the traffic. At mile 21, we came upon a covered bridge. This particular area had several covered bridges. This seemed strange since I only think of covered bridges in New England!
At mile 35 we got off of Hwy 126 onto Camp Creek Rd. This was a nice country road with light traffic. This became the Old Mohawk Rd. which then became Hill Rd. Large beautiful homes dotted the area, probably people who worked in Eugene. We saw several groves of Filbert (Hazelnut) trees, but there wasn't any nuts on the trees that I could see.
We headed onto Coburg Rd., a very busy main drag into Eugene. It had a bike lane which helped. Our hotel, The Red Lion Inn, was on this road. Since we arrived at 10:30 AM, our rooms were not ready so we road the the REI store and looked around. There were four of us: Kathie, Anne, Elizabeth, and Mary. We found a local veggie place and had a nice breakfast again. Elizabeth and Mary went to see if their rooms wee ready and Anne and I found the "River Trail" and rode along the Willamette River for awhile before heading to our rooms. Tonight, Jackie, from Womantours, will be joining us for the remainder of the trip. Today's stats: 61.75 miles, 4hrs. 14min., fastest 30.8, avg. 14.5. We head north tomorrow and start our trek toward the coast. Only five riding days left!
Beautiful scenery! I love the vast, hilly horizons! REI stores are great, I wish we had one here. I'm not sure when the hazelnuts are ready to be harvested. Probably late in the season, judging by the fact that they flood the stores just in time for Christmas... I cann't believe only five riding days left! I got so addicted to your blog, what will I do without it? But never mind me; just have the most wonderful time while it lasts!
ReplyDeleteOK, the login prompt turned back to English from Polish! Maybe it's because I'm inside a Xerox location in Poland? Regardless, like Dana, I look forward to reading about your adventure each day. 61+ miles at 14.4 average is a great day of riding, congrats to you and your colleagues! How will I keep up with you when we get home? This scenery is so beautiful and I'm so glad that you get to share it with us each day. love, Ken
ReplyDeleteKen, you got it, keeping up with Kathie will be tough. Good luck! You have your job lined up! (though maybe she'll let you draft from time to time...)
ReplyDeleteAfter all these miles I am ready for a slow ride on the canal with dinner!
ReplyDeleteKathie, what a lovely idea! But, leave the bike home. Put on a skirt. Have a bubbly. Don't forget to call us. Will have more bubbly. And hear all about your escapades!
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