The best part of the trip so far is that everywhere we go there is something new and amazing. The first night was awesome (besides our stove blowing up, but we just talked about that). The beach was really beautiful, and there were big sand dunes and an old shipwreck.
The low of the trip so far has been the hills and the traffic. It is horrible. On the fourth
My favorite thing that I have seen so far is the wildlife and the many beautiful views. Most of the views are on top of the tallest mountains, so they are pretty hard to get to. I guess that makes me appreciate them more. So far, I am having a lot of fun on this trip, but I met a man who was finishing biking across America, going the opposite way as we are, and he said that I am going love it for a little bit, and then, for the next one thousand miles, I am going to want to quit. I’m pretty sure I didn’t want to hear that.
Let’s Not Talk About Who Killed Who: Leah’s Perspective
Okay, so maybe our stove did blow up on the first night, and maybe that was because partly due to the fact that the print on the directions was very tiny and complicated and required more attention than I am willing to give. Let’s focus instead on the fact that WHEN flames began to creep out from different parts of the stove, and then fully engulfed the stove, and then
First, two fellow cyclists who were staying in the “Biker/Hiker Only” camping area came running. They were so nice! One of them tried to help by taking his life in his hands and trying to UNSCREW the canister of white gas from the stove to stop the flow. Let’s just say he had good intentions. Oakley was very excited as the inferno grew considerably, and the flames crept into the gas canister. The other cyclist also helped: by shouting at just the right moment, “It’s going to blow!”, and giving us the opportunity to run for cover.
I ran. To the ranger station, and as luck would have it, they had a fire extinguisher. It worked. My stove was melted beyond repair, but I did not burn down the old-growth spruce forests of Northern Oregon. And I made my first friends.
It is true that our learning curve has been as steep as the roads we have traveled. Whether it is learning how to cook responsibly, or the importance of showering immediately after every long day’s ride to prevent saddle sores, or how hills in the morning are a lot less arduous than hills in the afternoon, we are learning every second. Our brains are turned on and so are our bodies. Oakley has not complained once.
Oakley and I have been cycling down the coast of Oregon for 5 days. It has been spectacular. The landscape is dazzling. We have hauled ourselves up through mountains of dense, misty forests with tremendous trees that drip with moss. We have raced down these same steep hills and been greeted by broad beaches, sand dunes and wind- and water
The people we have met along the way have been incredibly kind. There was Anthony, who was cycling from Washington to Mexico with his
I think we may be having the time of our lives.
Beautiful. You are not crazy. Or if you are, that’s a good thing.
Wow! Amazing! Glad y’all are ok after the stove incident. Very cool to hear of the people y’all are meeting along the way. Keep those stories coming. Go Leah and Oakley! You’re doing great!
It’s GREAT that you’re enjoying it! Remember that as bicyclists, we ride up hills so that we can go down them😉
Awesome! So psyched for you both! Great writing Oakley! Love to hear the details! Love Shanna
Amazing, very glad nobody was hurt by the stove blowing up. You are certainly making memories and living your dream. You both do a wonderful job writing and keeping us informed. Looking forward to reading more about your adventures. Safe travels and I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Dee
Hooray! Good for you guys! One mile at a time! We’re with you. Be safe!
I am so envious!!!
You always survive, somehow. It is reassuring to read your posts. Keep them coming!
As you pedal and the wheels turn and the miles add up behind you, you are only going to want to pedal and turn those wheels more for the next adventure that awaits around the next corner or over the next hill!!! I am so enjoying reading of Oakley and your adventure. What a great idea to connect with your son and to make memories that will stay with you both forever. In the future when your ride is over, and you’re back at home, there will be a tough day and you or Oakley will remember your ride and say, “You know we can handle this…remember that day our stove blew up and we almost burnt down the forest…..BUT we handled it!!! May your fun and experiences continue to build as you pedal.. Congratulations!!!
Glad to hear you’re all right. I had a MSR-XGK white gas stove similar to the one in your picture. I found that it burned a mark into any wooden picnic table I set it on, so took to setting it up either on the grill, if there was one, or on concrete/asphalt. I’m sure you’re managing well, but am curious as to what you will do going forward. Mini-propane stove? No-cook food? Restaurants?
So glad for you two! Sounds amazing!
I love reading your posts! Keep up the great work! I admire what you both are doing so much!
Very cool stuff here. Enjoying it. Love the photo of Oaks in the air.
Good on ya.
For my trips, the get up, get out and ride; yes, Oakley -5 am and then breakfast at 8 (maybe a good diner every few days) and then a siesta at 2 pm worked well, avoided heat, made you feel good to crack off early miles while still semi sleepy-
Go go go
Awesome-ness! Praying this trip changes you both for eternity!!!!
Been thinking about you both all week. There is always shakeout when you undertake a big adventure – hopefully this bodes well for the rest of the trip in that you’ve got it all sorted early. Ride safe and I can’t wait to hear more.
Amazing! Kudos for pulling it together to do your trip. Keep writing it all down. If you bike thru NH and need a place to stay…
Ok good. Got the stove incident out of the way on the 1st night. Already having an epic adventure! I’m imagining your sparkling blue eyes and your enormous smile. Sending you love across a due easterly breezes💗
great read. sorry your journey started so rough, but years down the road you will both tell the story over and over (and smile). enjoy the quiet that finds you on each long days ride.
Love it! Thanks for sharing through your writing. I feel like I’m there with you both! ….Without the pain….or the saddle sores…Keep pedaling and enjoy the ride!
We love you guys!
Keep on truckin’!
Oakley and Leah, loved reading your two perspectives about your first days out. Sounds like you’re going mostly along the Oregon coast so that you can go east. Did I get that right? Hey, the stove and gas were too heavy anyway. Oakley, I think you’re going to like the biking and the scenery even more as the trek continues. Looking forward to the next updates. Buen Camino! (Good traveling!)…Steve Schuit
Hello, Leah! It was so nice to meet you & Twain earlier this summer in Greenport. Just wanted to cheer you & Oakley on as you cross America. I’m in awe reading your posts. Your courage and determination are so inspiring! 🙂
I’ve done that route twice ( once in the transam bike race) . That guy who said it’s going to get tougher was right, BUT, as you ride so you also get tougher and there is nothing on this route you cannot deal with so long as you take it at your own pace and stay positive. One day at a time and you will surely get there , have no doubt. Kudos.