It has been almost a month since we got off our bikes in San Diego. Just like in 2010 at the end of our first big ride, we have mixed emotions about it ending. In some ways we are relieved but in many ways we are sad that the adventure has come to an end.
One of the things I would like to again do is a statistic page. So here goes.
State By State Statistics...
Washington = 602.46 km. in 10 days for 60.25 km. per day.
Oregon = 646.64 km. in 10 days for 64.66 km. per day.
California = 1817.94 km. in 30 days for 60.60 km. per day.
Overall Statistics...
# of Days Riding = 50 days.
Average Daily Distance = 61.34 km.
Days Off = 7 days.
Longest Day = 91.64 km.
Maximum Speed = 61.22 km. per hour.
Total Ride Distance = 3067.04 km.
Equipment Analysis...
Once again our Rocky Mountain bicycles were 'bullet proof'...they truly were work horses. We completed the whole journey without a flat...something that no-one else that we met could say. I suspect that we were lucky but the Schwalbe Marathon Plus tires we have are the 'Cadilacs' of bicycle touring tires. Our new MSR tent...I guess that I should quit calling it that, it is well broken in now...it worked flawlessly...well maybe it had some issues with the lakes underneath it in some of the torrential rains...but that was not the fault of the tent. Our Coleman stove 'bit the dust' but it was after all 'old'. Overall, our equipment again served us well.
Some Personal Observations...
The West Coast...Left Coast...is a world class cycling destination. It is a difficult ride...the hills just keep coming at you day after day...but the scenery is outstanding. I know that it is a cliché but it is true: words cannot describe the scenic beauty, only pictures can tell the true story. I hope some of our pictures do tell that story!
Oregon was our biggest surprise. Us 'Easterners' have been 'bombarded' with information and images of California...Oregon cannot take a 'back seat' in any way. Its beaches, it can be argued, are as nice as any in California, and a lot less 'disturbed' by human influence...truly amazing!
We were treated really well by everyone we encountered...with the exception of the San Diego Bike Shop owner...we will put that to rest! We also got to spend some time with other tour cyclists something that we had never experienced before. It was fun to spend time, swap stories, and realize that everyone has their own reasons for touring but that we all share an 'incredible' bond. We learned the term 'pay forward'...when someone helps you out...pass it on to the next person that is in need...a motto more people need to learn in the 'real' world.
Enough rambling...it is time to wrap this up! I would like to thank all of the people who have taken the time to follow the blog. It again has been fun to share our experiences with you.
I also would like to thank all of our friends and family who shared in and made our latest adventure possible. Without your help and support Sue and I would never be able to take on these journeys! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Our adventure is over...only the memories remain...but they are great memories! I have the feeling we are not finished with the bicycles yet...I suspect we will be back!!!
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