May 28 (Out to the Coast)

I rode from Eugene to Florence today because it wouldn't really be a TransAmerica bike trip if I didn't do the bike baptism in the Pacific. Though ... I might have given it a little more thought or talked myself out of it had I realized that there was a 600 foot climb in between them! But, as usual, lack of preparedness saved me from myself.

Before I left I got to chat some with other residents of the hostel, two of which were actually on a tour as well, and a few years back had actually completed the TransAm! Their current tour was cut short though, due to one if their bikes being nicked a few days earlier. Also, the guy whose bike was stolen is also going to work at Amazon, so maybe I'll see him again in a few months.

The ride to Florence itself was rough, especially being that it was my first ride with a laden pack. The worst of it was the road condition though. I am convinced that some toddler with way too much time on his hands spent weeks gluing large pebbles together, and later someone called it a road. Horrible. No shoulders on this road, and blind turns galore, but hey, at least there were almost no cars!

But to be fair, the road was extremely scenic and beautiful, and it was fun to see the lush countryside.

Also, if you ever wondered where Christmas trees come from...

Anyway, after far too many hours on the bike I finally arrived in Florence. There's a real bunch of nice people in this small town. A bike shopkeeper opened up for me even though it was an hour after closing, allowing me to get the arm warmers and booties I needed. Those will probably be a godsend, given how much it's looking like rain tomorrow... Oh yeah, and the gas station pump-operator was cool too, not only did he know the TransAm, he gave me a map so I could get to the campsite easier. Great people all around.

Anyway, I got to my campsite just as it started raining. Managed to get my tent set up without getting it too wet, but seriously, is there see trick I don't know to this? It seems like if you arrive and it's raining you're gonna have a bad time.

Given the rain, I cooked my soup under a tarp covered picnic table. Worked out pretty well, given the circumstances.

Anyway, I won't be able to get these out every day, (obviously given the date this is published) so if you want to follow my progress daily you can view my MapMyRide profile. I'll be uploading my rides every day to that. You can also text me if you know the number and I'll be sure to reply...eventually.