Friday, August 8, 2008

Day 6: Newport to Swisshome - part II

Last night after dinner - Susan, Aileen, Sharon (b-days) and Tim & Diane (anniversary) - were quite surprised as a huge chocolate cake was rolled in to celebrate our respective events. Rumor has it that a certain KOBAG team member was behind the scheme. Very thoughtful - not to mention yummy.

Today was another cool day for the 31 mile ride from Newport to Swisshome. It was an almost flat ride - with one minor hill (interesting how perception changes from the beginning of the week). We ended at Schindler State Park and were welcomed with a wonderful lunch of burgers/chips/watermelon, etc. The ride took us along the Siuslaw River so very scenic - with majestic mountains in the background. We got to camp early and had to get our bikes broken down, assignments for the 22 people to determine who was in which van and going to which destination. It worked out fine although the ride back (about 5 hrs) to Portland started out chatty and ended by being fairly quiet.

What started out with a heart filled with excitement and anxiety, ended in a somewhat saddened state as for the brief time we were together - many fun times/friendships were forged amongst the riders. We represented a diverse, interesting group - all looking for challenges and fun. People were already making some preliminary arrangements to meet and get together as schedules could cross. Michael and Matthew may be visiting in Iowa and hook up with Sharon, while Diane and Kitty may cross paths professionally - and who knows who will see each other on the next Bicycle Adventure. If Pam and Ashlee go to an NCAA tourney - they better invite Sharon!

Team KOBAG traveled well together - whether biking, dining or just sitting around and reflecting the day's adventures - it was a genuinely fun time - I see some fun in the future for this group!! Team KOBAG would be remiss if it did not acknowledge the technical support of Mark (VA/PA) and Gil (IA) in helping maintain our blog site - it has received some comments - and everyone has loved the maps. We wish our comrades Aileen and Susan well on their upcoming bike trip to Europe - with the experience of this trip - they are poised to bike circles around their trip partners - yeah! Our Bicycle Adventure guides were superb! John, Wilder and Nate worked overtime to prepare meals, provide assistance and make our trip exceedingly comfortable and safe.

--Sharon

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Kobag, I have a picture taken of Art, Kitty and me in Newport.  Kitty, what's your mailing address?  I'll send it.  What a treat to see you and Art, and to meet Susan and Peg.  Have a smooth flight home...and may the wind be at your backs again.  Love, Beth

Anonymous said...

Wow...that was quick...just when Brian and I were logging on, the trip is over! How'd that happen? Ok...sounded great. Way to go team KitArt and Sharon and Susan and Aileen and Peg!

Anonymous said...

After reading about your adventure, I wish President Jefferson had authorized our Corps of Discovery to bring a couple of bike fridays (with mountain tires of course) instead of those useless fiddles. We could have explored more of the region and maybe found where the Clatsop Indians were bottling that fantastic pinot noir that your group was consuming each evening.

best wishes on your future bike trips - Meriwether Lewis

Anonymous said...

Anonymous Ann says Hi, guys, sorry I'm late, but it sounds like it was fantastic. We were at cabin last weekend, and lost track of you.