Riding the Last Road

I honestly couldn't ask for a better last ride to finish the journey, or even a more wonderful week.  Before I get too far I forgot to mention in my last post that the night I camped in the canyon, the last night camping on my own, I got to watch a herd of wild horses work their way across the ridge opposite of the lake as the sun set behind them.  It has been years since I saw wild horses and was glad to see them in Oregon.  It truly has been a week of beautiful country, interesting people, friends new and old, and many wonderful sights and experiences. 

Matt Joseph and I finally got on the road about 11am by the time we made it out of the city.  We started off with some heavy traffic but still a beautiful ride through Oregon's wine country.  Blonde wheat fields in the valleys with vineyards contouring the hills graced the road for the first 20 miles till we started climbing the last edge of the Cascades.  We opted for the mountain route despite the 3000 feet of climb but it was well worth it.  Climbing the mountain we stopped to enjoy the beautiful view of the valley, towering pines, and delicious wild plums and raspberries. I ate probably 20 plums (about the size of large grapes) and picked a bunch to share with Dom and Stina, but the ensuing 60 miles kinda turned them to jelly.  Topping the mountain we rode next to a beautiful blue reservoir then descended through one of the most amazing forests I have ever been in.  Mountain pine gave way to ancient oak and sycamore trees while moss softened the hard granite canyon walls.   Passing waterfalls and elk and hardly any people made it one of the most beautiful rides of the trip so far.

We hit Hwy 101 and stopped for a snack before pedaling the last 10 miles to the salt.  Interesting little mountain town, the only place I know of where you can buy a gallon of milk, mac and cheese, and a .50 cal sniper rifle all in the same store.  I definitely made some jokes about the zombie apocalypse after leaving earshot of the owner.   We rode north on 101 till we saw a state park sign that proclaimed camping and whale watching and turned the last turn till water.  I spent the next 6 miles standing as tall as I could striving for that first glimpse of waves.  It was interesting riding that last stretch.  My legs pedaled faster than they had the whole trip but I was torn with emotions.  I wanted to see the water, to look at the edge where I could go no further, but I also didn't want it to end.  The ocean meant that I had accomplished what I had set out to do, but with it ended the freedom and adventure of the open road that I have enjoyed so much.  If I had to return to work on Monday and did not have Oz to look forward to I would have turned around and started pedaling back.

The last 3 miles softened the pedal strokes as the sound of waves hearkened the site that I had envisioned so often the last 2 months.  Topping a small hill the trees gave way to a sandy beach and a family playing in the sand and their puppy in the surf.  All thoughts and feeling and movement ceased as I just smiled at the soothing sight and sound of the waves.  That quiet smile stayed with me as Matt and I climbed the last hill into Pacific City and coasted down to the beach.  Christina joined us on the beach where I sat and enjoyed the beautiful view, fending off the inquisitive questions of various bystanders.  While sitting there a whale breached about 60ft from shore between a jagged rock island and a soft, almost feminine limestone ridge.  With the ensuing meal at the pub, first scotch I have had in 3 states, and arrival of my brother and nephew Dom made it almost a perfect day.  When we had finished the food and hellos we got my bike and followed the sound of the surf down through the dark sand and I truly finished the journey surrounded by many of the most important people in my life.  Dom even volunteered to jump in the water for me (that kid has no fear!)

The journey truly has been great for me.  I have gotten to reconnect with friends and family across the nation, saw so much of this beautiful country and met so many great people.  I learned a bit about myself and a lot of patience and persistence.  While it was much tougher than I let myself believe it would be I never questioned that I could do it and always believed it worth it.  Thank you Eddie for starting this journey with me, Jeff for your friendship and beer in the planning stages, Erin for your support and constantly good advice both in the beginning and throughout, Mom for driving support and sharing in the glory of the open road and self reliance, Eli for your company through Oregon, Matt and Christina for your friendship and support clear to the end, and to my brother and Dom for making the trip down to join me in the end of this epic journey.

And yes I would do it again.