A Chance Meeting

To Bandon, Oregon -- 27.2 miles, 12.4 mph, 1350 ft.

We don't seem to be in the mood for early starts these days. It was easier when riding with the rest of the group; once someone was up everyone else got going so as not to hold up the gang. Nevertheless, we were packed and ready by 8:30. It was overcast as we left the hotel and we almost immediately started climbing up the worrisome-named “Seven Devils Road.”  Despite the series of steep and short climbs, it was nice to be on a wooded back road and away from 101 for a little while. We only had 21 miles to Bandon where we’d be able to find a proper breakfast.

We settled on the Bandon Coffee Cafe and immediately met a lone cyclist, Matt, inside. He’d been riding since Portland heading to SF. As we were enjoying our breakfast sandwiches, another couple sitting at the window asked the usual questions, where were we going and where did we start. We immediately hit it off with Simon and Mary. They had lived outside Portland for years, but recently retired and now live on a hundred acre “ranch” five miles inland, which they bought from Mary’s mom, Caroline.

Impressed with our journey and with the fact that Dex and Kylie had put up with it, they kindly offered a place to stay if we wanted a rest day. I wasn't expecting "us" to be so enthusiastic since we had just taken a rest day two days ago in Eugene. However, Bandon was our favorite spots from our 2011 Cycle Oregon trip, and a rest day meant we could explore the beach without the need to continue south to Port Orford. We gladly accepted the offer to spend the night, exchanged contact info, and said goodbye until later in the afternoon.

By this time, the fog had cleared, so we took advantage of a couple hours at the beach. Kylie and I built a driftwood fort while Dex looked for sea life in the tide pools. Meg took the opportunity to call cousin Elle.

Back at the cafe where we’d left our bikes, we were surprised to find a third tandem outside --  a small-tired, foldable “Circe” brand bike similar to a Bike Friday. Inside were Emma and Andrew from England. It was a total blast to talk with them, and we were a little bummed to find out they were heading to Port Orford where we had planned to go. Oh well, hopefully our paths will cross again before San Francisco.

The short five mile ride inland to the Cooper's house consisted of a beautiful two lane road through forest and farmland. At Dogwood Ranch, llamas, and chickens are the only livestock, but there are plans to raise cattle on a few dozen acres across the road.

Simon and Caroline

Henry, the llama

Fresh eggs

We had a wonderful dinner and engaging conversation. We, of course, have no shortage of stories, and that's not even considering the 10,000 plus photos! As soon as Dex and Kylie were excused and raced outside again, they assured us we have wonderful kids whom they felt were very mature. I am always thankful to hear this, though I can't help but think it has something to do with the fact the observers have only a few minutes with them. For almost the entire time we were there, they were outside running around and investigating, their favorite thing to do. One of the hens in the barn had gone “broody” and had stopped eating or drinking. Seeing how comfortable the kids were with animals, Simon asked Dex to grab an old towel, wrap up the hen, and carry it out to the chicken coop behind the house. Challenge accepted.