Cumulative Miles: 160
Overall Elevation Gain: 7,500 ft.
Will it work today? GPS tracker: Click HERE
Tomorrow's ride profile: Click HERE
Ok, let's start with the elephant in the room: the GPS tracker does not have a good track record (no pun intended). Today it didn't work from the beginning and that's too bad because we were really cooking along. We averaged 14 mph into a headwind vs. 12.5 mph the other days. Will try again tomorrow--still working the kinks out so thanks for the patience.
Today got us out of the Creekside Inn at 10:00. We had breakfast next door and started the ride into yet another headwind (getting old) down the 101S. A quick note on the 101. Some areas it has had a nice wide shoulder. In other areas, the shoulder is non-existent. I don't know why, but it seemed like there was a lot more traffic this morning and some drivers were definitely more courteous than others. It is definitely a danger if we aren't paying attention. We have taken out the rain tarps for the bike panniers and covered the bags so they are in bright yellow. Katelyn has also been wearing her bright yellow vest and I have mine as well. The best thing I brought with me on the trip was the mirror that attaches to my glasses so I can see the traffic coming and make sure we are to the side of the road.
Today's route kept us on the busy 101S for only 12 miles or so before we turned onto a more back country road. Happy for us, there was much less traffic, even though we still had the brutal headwind. We were traveling either flat or downhill roads and we were still only going 14-16mph. Super frustrating! Unfortunately, tomorrow still calls for more of the wind from the south. COME ON ALREADY!!! Halfway to Montesano, we pulled into the "General Store" in Matlock and got an ice cream. My favorite part was the wall of VHS tapes that were available to rent. I think I saw that same collection from when I was a kid! This was definitely back country!
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The last couple miles into Montesano were the worst. We were ready to end the day and the wind had other ideas. We finally made it into town and had a late lunch at "The Fishin' Hole Family Restaurant." We chose it mainly because of the name. After eating, we had three more miles to go to the Jones residence, some members of our church who graciously allowed us to stay with them for the night. 3 miles. Ok, into the wind but no big deal...until the end. We got to the last half mile and we turn the corner and the road looks like it is going straight up. 12% grade for a quarter mile. It was the first time using my granny gear on the entire trip. Katelyn powered up it though--panniers and everything. Have I said before that I am proud of that kid?
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The Jones family has 15 year old twins that Katelyn loved hanging out with. They played lacrosse, collected chicken eggs, played video games and seemed like they instantly became friends. They also let us do a load of laundry and made us an awesome dinner--really appreciate the hospitality!
Ok, that's it. Tomorrow: one of the hardest days we will face. Wish us luck and send us some prayers and positive vibes!
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| Who needs tourist spots like the Space Needle when you have gems like this! |
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| Katelyn "Danger" Cardoza geared up for action! |
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| We have had no problems when it comes to food on this trip |
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| These were some of Katelyns favorite wildflowers. They would line the road for miles |
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| The bikes reminded me of Forrest Gump and Bubba who leaned up against each other so neither of them had to sleep with their heads in the mud... |
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| This was for real. I just didn't ask if they also rented the VHS machines as well |
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| Finally out of the Danger Zone! This road belonged to just us. |
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| Katelyn, Logan and Ellie--our stop in Montesano |
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| Friends on the road make every ride better! |
Looks like fun! I love the trip to the 80’s video rental store!
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