The Gang of Nine

To Eugene, Oregon -- 57.9 miles, 14.3 mph, 675 ft -- Sun-Mon, July 9-10

Yippee. Yet another section of our bike journey is complete. In just two weeks we had completed 760 miles of the Trans America trail starting in Missoula, that after completing 500 miles of the Lewis and Clark bike route and 350 miles of the Northern Tier. It feels great to be one step closer to home and to have gotten there with a great group. Luckily, everyone had toured before and we all turned out to be well matched. Inevitably, we would spread out a bit during the climbs, but would group up again at the top. Interestingly, it was not always the same riders at the top first, depending on how we happened to be feeling that day. Bobby, was probably the one exception as he could easily out ride us with one foot behind his back.

The Gang of Nine, leaving McKenzie Bridge

At April's, Home Sweet Home

Yesterday, for the first time since we started in Missoula, we had no major climb. Hallelujah. Instead, we set our morning sights on the Vida Cafe twenty-two miles down the road. Everyone was in good spirits knowing we had a relatively easy day in front of us. Two hours after arriving, we finally left with bellies full of eggs, bacon, pancakes and hash browns.

Breakfast stop -- April, Sue, Kevin, and Bobby

The final push to Eugene was uneventful except for a drink stop in Amazon and popsicles at Laurie’s house. Eugene, home of the University of Oregon, has a large number of bike paths through the city and also on both sides of the lovely Willamette River.

Popsicles with Laurie's dog, Bandit

Given my flat the day before last, I once again made a quick stop at a bike shop (courtesy of Kevin) for a few items. My rear tire, practically new in Great Falls, was baring threads after only 940 miles. Based on our ride this summer, I really can't recommend Continental Touring Plus tires. Schwalbe Marathons seem to be the touring tire of choice, however, so I walked away with two 1.5 inch wide versions of those.

Worn Continental Touring Plus tires after 940 miles

It turns out that our Co-Motion Tandems were manufactured right here in Eugene. Co-Motion is a small bicycle builder specializing in steel framed touring bikes and tandems in particular -- hence the name, “Co-Motion.”  Unlike major manufacturers, Co-Motion builds to order and probably only produces a couple/three thousand bikes a year. Ethan, their marketing director, was great and showed us all the steps involved in making a bike. Since we are featured on the family page of their 2017 catalog, we felt like minor celebrities. Dwan, the owner, kindly posed with us outside the factory before we left.

Us with Dwan, the owner of Co-Motion

For two nights in a row, we enjoyed fantastic home cooked meals. Last night, Kirk and Sue invited everyone to their beautiful home on the outskirts of town. We finished off the evening with a rousing game of round-the-table, elimination Ping Pong. Then tonight, Laurie hosted a barbecue for the whole gang including April's brother and sister. Both my stomach and my heart are very thankful for such a fantastic group of friends.

The Anderson's -- Keeter (Wayne), Karen, and April sharing a laugh

Des and Kylie in the apple tree