Here goes day # 2--actually nothing hurt when I got back on the bike so that is a good sign as we have 75 miles to do today. 

Up at 5 am again, breakfast at 6 and off we went about 6:45. 

 

Early morning group breakfast 6.22.04

We had a pretty complicated schedule today to get through Portland so I though I was real smart to follow the guy out of the parking lot that actually was in Portland.  However, plans to follow him changed as I got another flat after only two miles--a great big one inch staple.  Luckily, another rider came by to change it--the rear one and I can't handle the gears although I will have to learn as flat tires are a fact of life with all these miles.  On to Portland and except for detailed instructions, the ride was really good as we were on bike paths most of the time through the city and along the Columbia River  The weather is spectacular just like Santa Barbara so we are lucky so far.  We do hear that we are heading to 100 degree heat in a few days so we'll just have to deal with it.

It was so beautiful as we rolled through the highlands where it's all farm country and very large nurseries--so much beauty everywhere we look.  Then came the mountains again as we climbed up to Welches and the Lodge we are staying in is really beautiful.

We had our first casualty today--one of the gals got caught in her straps or cleats and went over and had a big gash on her leg so had to go for stitches so that was some un- planned excitement--no one wants to see someone down but the good thing is that no other vehicle was involved.  She has to ride the SAG wagon for a few days so I'm sure she was disappointed.

75 miles today and all is well.

Love, Patricia and Gabriel