On The Road Again

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After 3 days of sodding about we finally got on the road yesterday morning and the adventure is properly under way.  We rode along the side of the Suislaw River, which is very pretty and, once we turned off the main highway, very tranquil.  Florence had been windy and cool but as soon as we were inland it became calm but the temperatures climbed.            Highs were probably in the mid 30's.

We finished our day in Eugene, a large town based around the university which was quiet due to the summer recess.  We dined at a Chinese eat-all-you-can buffet......a cyclists favourite.  The trouble is that in Merica we are complete amateurs at eat-all-you-can-eat.  The place was full of 400lb veterans who REALLY know how to get value out of the $12.95 ticket price.

Today we rode along the valley that, tomorrow, will culminate in our first mountain pass.  It was a busy highway but with a good shoulder and the riding was fast and easy.  By 3pm it was 38 degrees and everyone was glad to finish.  We are staying in Belknap Springs, a small lodge/resort in the woods beside the McKenzie river.  It is splendid in every way.....except they have fired the subcontractors who run the restaurant.  Bugger.  

We have managed to find a place about 5 miles away that will make up a 'to go' order so everyone should get fed but it was a bit of end of day excitement we didn't need!

Tomorrow McKenzie Pass.

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