Now That's What I Call Music

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For my international readership I should explain:  in the UK there is a long-running compilation album, launched with Volume 1 in 1983, which features the greatest hits of the period.  It in now well past volume 100 and going strong.  I didn't blog yesterday, which my daughter has firmly pointed out is unacceptable, so I better catch up:

DAY 5 - With A Little Help From My Friends

Last night we were in Garibaldi, another small town devoted entirely to fishing.  The town was deserted; we had our harbourside diner to ourselves and even the hotel had only 1 guest other than our group.

Marlene was good to her word and rocked up at 7am with delicious breakfast burritos, muffins and coffee.  Marlene gave up her Sunday, drove 100 miles to stand beside the road all afternoon with a snack station, paid for overnight accommodation so she could be up delivering breakfast, then drove 100 miles home.  'Thank you' doesn't really suffice but it is all we have to offer!!!

This morning started poorly with 3 punctures to mend but we still got everyone on the road by 8am.  It was another long lumpy day but with 2 sneaky shortcuts that had the potential to save a weary cyclist 16 miles and 1000 feet of climb.  Several took the 1st shortcut but a good number did the full fat day - chapeau!   

That night I had friends of my own coming to meet us.  Lois, Jeff, Pam and Ken are Oregonians that I have travelled with several times in the past and we will all ride together on a Land's End to John O'Groats in September.  We had a great meal overlooking the Specific Ocean and some good conversation.  

DAY 6 - You've Got The Love*

Leaving Lincoln City it was wet.  Not 'pissing down' wet but not ideal cycling weather.  At about mile 15 we stopped at a good whale spotting site to watch Orcas in the bay and by mile 25, in Newport, the weather was looking up.  This is a particularly lovely stretch of coast and, with the sun on the ocean, all but the most miserable riders agreed it was a spiffing day.

We stopped in Florence where I was met by more friends - Marty and Marisa.  I lead 1-2 rides with them each year and they took time out from their other commitments to meet our group AND to buy everyone a drink with money contributed by Marty's spinning group.  I am always happy to receive a free beer...even better when it comes the company of good friends.

*you need the band

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