A Pleasure to Climb

Monday, October 6, 2014

We had a quiet night in the park last night 'rocked' to sleep by the sound of the ocean...okay it might have been the climbing!

We were on the road by 8:00...before the other tour cyclists I might add. We met a guy from Ottawa who left Vancouver about the same time as us. He had already been to Victoria, Seattle and Portland (do not understand why he likes cities) while we had come straight from Maple Ridge. I think he is faster! We also saw two other cyclists come in just before dark so we were not talking to them.

Our ride today was a nice easy (short) ride along the coast. And as today's blog title suggests, we actually enjoyed the major climb of the day...there is a first for everything. Both the ACA and Oregon Bike Route took us off 101 and since yesterday's experience of ignoring them was a bad decision, we decided to follow their advice and are we glad we did. The climb was great...yes you probably have never heard these words from us before or will you again...the climb was great! It was called the Otter Crest Loop. It was a 4 kilometer climb which started by crossing a really neat old bridge. Most of it was 'one way' with a bike lane and a vehicle lane. The views on the whole climb were spectacular. And then there was the descent. I am not sure I have had more fun on a bicycle than letting it ride going downhill around the curves at 40 to 45 kilometers per hour for 4 1/2 kilometers.

We arrived at our destination by 11:30. We had heard about the bike shop here called Bike Newport. They have a biker lounge with showers, laundry, and Wi fi. And oh yes as per usual I needed their services for my bike as I had developed a vibration when I was climbing in low gears. Sue's bike was also not shifting well. While they were doing the bike maintenance and replacing our chains, we took advantage of heir laundry facilities.

We are staying in the Shilo Inn in Newport. Our room has a 'million dollar' view of the ocean. I have taken Sue out for her 'birthday dinner'...finally...at a restaurant that also has the 'million dollar' view.

F.Y.I. Oregon continues to 'stun' us with its sand beaches. Newport's is 8 kilometers long. We will be put to sleep again with the sound of the crashing waves,

Life is good! Sorry Pat but I just had to plagiarize again. We are sitting here 'sipping wine' as the sun goes down over the ocean.

Trip Distance = 46.66 km. Time on the Bikes = 3 hours 9 minutes. Average Speed = 14.81 km. Maximum Speed = 45.05 km. Wildlife Sightings = Numerous whale sightings, Raccoons in the campground last night, Greater White Fronted Goose (finally confirmed as we got binoculars on them), Stellar Jays, Great Egret, Great Blue Herons.

McCullough Bridge on Old Highway 101

View From Motel in Newport

As We Sipped Wine Sitting in our Motel Room