Kobag

Willies Wine Tasting

2011-09-26T19:03:00.004-05:00

What better thing to do in Sonoma Valley than wine tasting and pairing. On our next to last night in CA, Sharon and I went to Willies Wine. Sharon had the red wine flight; I did the white wine flight consisting of the Ned from NZ; Hall from Napa Valley and Grey Stack of Bennett Valley (seem to be a lot of Bennetts in this trip --Beth, the park, and the wine (and of course, new nephew Bennett!).

Dog Day Afternoon

2011-09-26T18:57:00.003-05:00

At Bennett Park, we (Sharon and I) met up with childhood bud, Beth and her pup Romie,and took a 3+ mile hike. For the final event of the year, the park service had a dog day afternoon at the pond. There must have been 200 dogs chasing frisbees, tennis balls, sticks, etc. Little Romie hadn't quite passed his dolphin training so he stuck pretty close to the shore but that said, he seemed to really enjoy being in dog heaven.

Pre-Trip adventures with Katie

2011-09-25T18:33:00.000-05:00

Before heading up to Santa Rosa, we hooked up with KatieO who took us around SF including the Embarcarado Wharf area.

Redwood riders

2011-09-17T19:09:00.005-05:00

Sharon, Kitty, Susan pause among the redwoods of northern California

Sharon and I got Susan to the bus back to SF then do laundry. Later we headed over to Bodega Bay where Alfred Hitchcock filmed "The Birds" . Our last stop was Goat Rock beach where we had a sumptuous lunch of spicy peanuts, chips and cheese. Our route back to the hotel took us though Guernville, a wacky little town of baby-boomer hippies now trying to sell their priceless beads, Bob Dylan LPs, and tie-dye -shirts at a local yard sale.

- - Kitty

Lucy makes a friend

2011-09-16T19:47:00.002-05:00

Friday Sept 16

The Lost Coast

2011-09-16T04:52:00.002-05:00

We started in the redwoods for today's route and went to the largest redwood on the park( Rockefeller). After that I started a cat 1 climb of 7 miles , going at a blistering pace of 3 mph at times. The descent was very rough going due to the road surface-- a teeth chattering, bone jarring, and chilly downhill. I was very tired by the time I reached the lunch stop at milemarker 30. Following lunch, we had a couple more climbs and descents before reaching the Lost Coast, a largely undeveloped part of CA coastline. The headwinds were particularly strong so I tucked in behind Sharon for the last 5 miles, which worked out fine until she dropped her chain! I finished with 48 miles and 4273 feet of climbing. I was more wiped out today than any other day-there was no gas in the tank. 2 people in the group (Ross and Stan) completed the full ride which included an 8 miles climb at 18% followed by another 8 mile climb that looked pretty tough. I didn't try- knew I was too tired. Tomorrow is our last day-- I think I will elect to do a hike thru the redwoods.

- Baad Kitty

Giants

2011-09-15T00:29:00.003-05:00

These Redwoods are awesome -- 950+ years old, 50 ft circumference, over 300 ft tall. Think of the history that's happened during their lifetime!

It's hard to get the perspective on how massive the trees are. The tiny specks are Sharon and Susan.

It felt like being at the bottom of a green, living canyon.

In the redwoods....finally

2011-09-14T10:11:00.001-05:00

Day 3: 9 miles, 415 ft ascent for biking. Sharon joined the 'long hiker' group this morning. Susan and Kitty went on the waterfall hike. Don't have any stats for the hike. This was a transfer day to Garberville at the Benbow Inn.

Vichy Falls

2011-09-13T14:19:00.004-05:00

Had a short hike to the falls with Susan, Patrice and Brad. After lunch, we'll get transported to the next stop and do a ride thru the redwoods.

Redwoods archeology

2011-09-13T14:00:00.005-05:00

Mystery truck... found in middle of nowhere during our mid-day hike. Can't see how it got to this location.

- Kitty

Healdsburg to Ukiah

2011-09-13T02:48:00.009-05:00

We departed Healdsburg after a filling breakfast of eggs, croissants, yogurt and fruit. The route took us through lovely vineyards including Jimtown and Alexander Valley-- saw some recognizable brands like Fetzer, Simi, and others that I can no longer remember because I'm so tired.

Our lunch location was Cloverdale. At that point we had options for the afternoon ride. I decided to take the longer route with three early climbs and 2 later climbs (cat 3 and cat 5). It was a challenging climb but I actually felt pretty good. The final 16 miles were pretty flat until we turned the corner at mile 65 and had a steep stair-step climb that nearly killed me. It felt harder than the 5-mile climb from earlier in the afternoon -- maybe because I was tired.

We finished at Vichy Springs (total for the day--69 miles, about 3300 feet of climbing). The springs had tubs that could be filled with fizzy spring water with a slightly sulfur smell...but relaxing after the long day.

Had dinner in Ukiah's own brewpub and ice cream at Baskin-Robbins. No one was up for karaoke tonight!

In the picture are Stan, me, and Laurie (not pictured is Brad, our support person from BA). Laurie is part of the "biker chicks" group (their name, not mine) who do trips every year-- about 5 or 6 altogether and the rest of the time ride 3-4 times a week at home ( LA area)-- they're quite the lively group! The chicks now have 2 honorary guys-- Stan and the 78 year old father of one of the chicks.

-- Baad Kitty

2011-09-12T12:06:00.003-05:00

Day 2: Alexander Valley wineries

Wine tasting

2011-09-12T08:41:00.004-05:00

Today's ride was 46 miles and 1358 ft of climbing. Sweet ride of slightly rolling hills through wine country. We ended at the Hotel Healdsburg -- what I thought would be a historic hotel but was actually a quite modern place with a bathroom big enough to go bowling or ballroom dancing...take your choice. After cleaning up (a.k.a. a shower) we headed over to a wine-tasting establishment (safer since we were no longer on bikes) and did wine paired with food. All three of us spent an obscene amount on wine (but we saved 20%!!!) and had a blast doing it. Collectively, we're bailing CA out of its severe economic problems. Brian...you can thank us later!

- - Baad Kitty

Relaxing at Healdsburg

2011-09-11T21:34:00.008-05:00

Kitty and Susan relaxing at Healdsburg - overnight of day 1

after buying 3 cases of wine from Williamson winery, we walked away
with only 1 bottle!

- - Susan

Healdsburg lunch stop

2011-09-11T15:34:00.005-05:00

Hop Kiln winery near Healdsburg - lunch stop -- 23 miles. Heavy mist at the beginning, lighter at the end. Sampling a little bit of Hop Kiln's Thousand Flowers wine but not too much since we still have the afternoon ride ahead. Ride options include 84 mile loop to the coast, 6 mile shortcut to the hotel, or a 14 miler up one side of the valley and back the other side ( the likely option). Lunch is lox, salad, chocolate ( dark of course).

-- Baad Kitty

'California Redwoods' Bike Ride

2011-09-10T15:31:00.012-05:00

Susan, Sharon, and Kitty assembled at Union Square (San Francisco) before heading to the ride starting point at Santa Rosa.

What a great way to start a vacation- slept in to 6am (9am east coast time), met up with Katie O for breakfast on the Embarcadero (for our gastronomic experience--omelet with gruyere cheese and mushrooms and coffee; Sharon had a "just like a diet coke" that wasn't, but we give it points for being sustainably produced according to the wait staff), walked around a bit and landed at the SF Museum of Modern Art (for our cultural experience), checked out late from the hotel (thank you again, Katie), then started making our way down to the bus stop to head up to Santa Rosa. The Golden Gate bridge is still as impressive a structure as it was when built 75(?) years ago with views of a regatta with the balloon sails and Alcatraz below. Looking forward to the start of our ride in the am which promises to be great weather. Good friends, good biking and good wine, let the fun begin!
Entry by Susan, Sharon and Kitty

Prepping for CA Redwoods

2011-09-05T01:55:00.010-05:00

Whoohoo, it is T minus 5 days and counting before Susan, Kitty and I head out for our CA biking adventure amongst the CA redwoods and wine country. I am looking forward to another wonderful time with good friends and the excellent hospitality of Bicycle Adventures! Let the good times begin... see you in San Fran S and K!

--Sharon

Delicate Arch

2011-05-26T08:30:00.004-05:00

8 miles of hiking today thru Arches NP. I am just exhausted...but the views were wonderful. Saw Turret Arch, South Arch, North Arch, Cove Arch, and Delicate Arch. No rain today. The snow is on the La Salle mountains.

Dead Horse Point

2011-05-24T20:43:00.007-05:00

Wearing new shoes, Kitty hiked to the lookout at Dead Horse Pt in Canyonlands, Utah. The Colorado River flows from the right side of the photo, downstream towards the left. This wonderful viewpoint has been visited numerous times in the past by various Sibold groups, starting in the 1950s. If you have been here, please add a comment including the year that you visited DHP...

Moab / Arches NP

2011-05-24T09:39:00.004-05:00

Kitty is off on a multi-day, mountain bike trip in Canyonlands (Utah). As a warmup, her group took a hike in Arches NP, which destroyed her hiking shoes... This is a formation known as 'Devil's Garden'

zoobombers on Mt Hood

2010-08-11T19:49:00.003-05:00

link to zoobomber video on local station. This happened the day we arrived at Mt Hood. We saw them in their U-haul van with capes, caps, armor, and mini-kid bikes loading up to go to the top.

www.kgw.com/video/featured-videos/Hoodbomber-cyclist-hurt-in-mountain-wipeout-99913339.html

More pix on Facebook page

2010-08-10T19:59:00.003-05:00

My new boyfriend-- kinda on the dull side but he agrees with everything I say.

I put several pix of the trip on my facebook page. This has 2 eagles as seen from the kayaks on the Willamette River

July 30: Approaching Mt. Hood

2010-08-05T20:04:00.003-05:00

Following a pasta lunch (cheese ravioli with pesto, plus M&Ms), we continued our 52 mile ride to Timberline Lodge located on Mt. Hood.

I think this pic was taken by fellow rider Russell Ewers, near the start of the six mile long descent off Bennett Pass (elevation 4647 ft). We were entranced by the cloud formation off the peak.

It's about 4.30 pm and we still have about 14 miles of riding to reach the lodge - the last 6 miles are uphill (approx 2000+ feet).

Visiting Peg and John in Corvallis

2010-08-04T21:16:00.008-05:00

Following the end of the bike trip, Art and I got a car and drove down 99 west to visit Peg (an old bud from high school and UVa days) and her husband John in Corvallis. The views from some of the Willamette Valley wineries were so nice that we just stopped to take some pictures even though the wineries were closed.
We visited that night and traded stories of our bike trips (Peg and her daughter had just finished riding from Glacier NP to Jasper, BC). They elected to spend the night under the stars being saranaded by coyotes... it made me a little nervous so I elected for a bed.

Following a wholesome breakfast of buckwheat pancakes, hazelnuts (grown in OR) and their own blueberries, we set off for a little 15 mile kayaking adventure in the Willamette River. We passed the 2 bald eagles along with green and blue herrons. See pic of Art on John's tractor

Skamania Lodge to Mt Hood Timberline

2010-08-04T20:43:00.004-05:00

Skamania Lodge overlooks the Columbia River Gorge. From the sitting area, we enjoyed a glass of wine as the sun set with a gentle breeze. However, there was little rest for the wicked as we started the following day on the opposite side, first with a lovely ride on a 9 mile RT bike path overlooking the Gorge. A 12% and 14% rise out of town on 13th street got our hearts beating-- I think the city planners just liked to see consecutive numbers. At the top of the hill was a breathtaking view of Mt Adams behind us and Mt Hood ahead of us. From there, it was a set of gently rolling hills but accompanied by a headwind which might as well have been a climb as it took a commensurate number of calories to work through it. The day progressed and with it, the elevation continued as did the heat. At 4:30 we were at the bottom of the last climb of 6 miles to the lodge.We had climbed 5590 feet already. At 5 mph, head and cross winds, and a steep grade, it would have taken another 2 hours...I just didn't have it in me to do it so I took the van to the top.

We came across a group of "zoo bombers" from Portland getting ready for a race down from the lodge on kid's bikes. About 15 of them in a variety of clothing, including capes and body armor, were in a UHaul trailer going up the mountain as we were getting into the van. They get a bike selected at random and go down the hill for nothing more than bragging rights. as being the fastest. As we learned on Saturday from the paper, one kid crashed on the ride and was seriously hurt.

See the photo of our view from the top the following morning. We were above the clouds and only the other tall peaks (Mt Jefferson, Mt Batchelor, 3 Sisters) were visible.

We decended 6 miles at hand aching speed (hand aching from gripping the brakes). It was a good day to have brought all that extra gear along as the temps and the wind chill were pretty chilly. While we expected to have all downhill to Sandy, in fact there were a couple little 10% surprises mixed in. At the top of one of the hills was a pack of attack goats eyeing me as much as I was eyeing them.

We ended the trip with lunch in Sandy, a ballad from Mark the dentist, and a sigh of relief/sigh of wishful want of more.

Day 4: Climb to Paradise (Mt. Rainier)

2010-08-04T19:05:00.006-05:00

Today we made 3 climbs: Chinook Pass, Backbone Ridge, and Paradise, and two descents. Chinook Pass climb was 2900+ feet. The descent off Chinook was exhilarating and overwhelming....great fun! Following a nice lunch and rest near 'Grove of the Patriarchs', we climbed 1000+ feet up and over Backbone Ridge, then descended into Stevens Canyon. Photo shows the last climb of 2600+ feet - view is SSE down-canyon towards the lunch stop. Kitty and I had to rest before the final push up to Paradise Lodge (another 4+ miles), so we stopped on the switchbacks labelled as 'The Bench' on the NPS map. Today's ride started at Cliffdell, which was the last overnight lodge when approaching Mount Rainier from the Yakima valley. We covered 65 miles today. The most exhausting day I have ever had on a bicycle!!

Mt. Rainier to Mount St.Helens

2010-08-03T22:44:00.011-05:00

Descending from Paradise Lodge on Mt. Rainier, towards Longmire ... our guides advised us to dress for 50 F, but once we hit the valley road next to Rampart Ridge, we had a chance to heat up....latte break at Packwood (I liked the cookies so much that I got two)....by mid-day we were pedaling across rolling hills on the SE slope of Mt. St. Helens....today was a 56 mile ride.

Day 5

2010-07-29T23:59:00.002-05:00

Left next to heaven at Paradise (Mt. Rainier) for the 12 mile downhill ride, followed by another 11+ mile drop (of course, this is what we'd been doing the other direction for the last 2 days)-- (see the attached picture of the 3D of Mt Rainier, especially at the switchbacks) hands ached from braking, bone-chilling downhill ride but what a blast. Going up the road was the 150 miler RAMROD group which is the 150 mile ride around Mt. Rainier (Editor's note: we saw only 3 women of the 150 or so that we passed). It made me feel a bit like a wienie only doing 50 miles but we'd already paid our dues.

We continued pedalling through quiet backroads (Rt. 25) to lunch, which Art missed for the 4thday out of past 5). After another great lunch of blueberries, smoked salmon and salad, we loaded up the biles and proceeded to today's ending spot of Skamamia Lodge (Stevenson, WA). We didn't stop at Mt. St. Helens itself but had several viewing points, all of which were pretty spectacular. The Lodge is lovely-- golf course, lap pool, hot tub, view of the Columbia River Gorge, and wine.... and internet so we can catch up with all the lost days.

Dinner was fabulous (Art had beef with blue cheese and K of Kobag had little baby lamb chops(sorry, Susan), topped off with huckleberry creme brulee and cherry cobbler.

Yakima River

2010-07-29T20:38:00.002-05:00

Had a wonderful down-valley ride from Cle Elum to Yakima....approx 80 miles....tailwind much of the way. Beautiful, narrow canyon, RR tracks on the opposite side of the river. Mid afternoon we dipped our bike jerseys into the icy river to cool ourselves off

- Art3

Day 1: Iron Horse Inn

2010-07-29T20:25:00.005-05:00

We did a 40 mile out-and-back shakedown ride from South Cle Elum, located in upper Yakima Valley. Our lodging was in a RR bunkhouse....and I made a new friend, even though I had to do all the talking

- Art3 .... from Stevenson, WA

Day 2 cle elem to Yakima 80 miles in 101 temp

2010-07-25T23:12:00.003-05:00

Beastly day of 101 temperature but the views were fantastic. The terraine changed constantly from wooded forests to dry upland to desert. We took this picture just after climbing a long hill.

Day 2. Cle Elem to Yakima-80iles in 101 temps

2010-07-25T19:53:00.001-05:00

Ride leader looks like Justin bieber; stayed at iron horse inn complete with cabooses for rooms; town fundraiser was "pork in the pines"; 42 miles

2010-07-25T08:01:00.005-05:00

Seattle and Wine

2010-07-23T08:38:00.002-05:00

Met up with Carrie and Dan in the afternoon and saw their new pix of Italy--food, fountains, frivolity! As we sat salivating over the fabulous food, Carrie and Dan made us a lovely dinner of salmon over pea puree and mint with Reisling wine. Ahh!
For our evening adventure, we went to a Proseco wine tasting, featuring a real Italian wine salesman (blue eyes, curly hair, great shoes) who described the different selections that ranged from $16 to $60 (Jeio and Bistol). They even provided brochures for a Ralaix (sp?) and Chateau property outside of Venice where the grapes are grown--- good for our next visit.
K of Kobag

Volcano Training

2010-07-21T09:22:00.005-05:00

My training for 'Volcanoes of Washington' ride has consisted of a series of 30 mile rides, on mostly flat trails of Iowa. But I did find a couple of short, really steep hills so I can practice climbing...

Evidence of the forest fire in OR

2009-08-23T20:46:00.001-05:00

You can see the smoke from the still smoldering forest fire next to the Umpqua River in OR. This road had been closed the week before due to the fire. This was less than a 1/2 mile from our accommodations.

--K of Kobag

Burnt tree cut next to road

2009-08-23T20:45:00.001-05:00

This photo was taken on the road we were cycling on the last day of the bike trip. Trees had been cut by the firefighters and had landed on the road. Trucks subsequently came through and pushed them off to the side of the road... some were still smoldering.

--K of Kobag

Fly fishing in comfort

2009-08-18T19:38:00.000-05:00

What else can I say?

--K of Kobag

Personal bests

2009-08-18T19:35:00.001-05:00

Peg and Susan celebrate personal bests with 70 miles in one day. Woohoo!

--K of Kobag

Fire at steamboat

2009-08-18T19:32:00.000-05:00

This photo was taken less than 1/4 mile from the inn. This was part of a major backfire burn causing an evacuation the previous week. Smoke was evident in the canyons -- I expect the PM 2.5 levels were quite high.

--K of Kobag

Kobag minus Peg

2009-08-14T23:27:00.001-05:00

Friday night at the hotel, post-trip. Missing Peg, Art, and Sharon. Tomorrow we'll spend the day in Portland, then fly home.

Crater Lake at dusk from the lodge

2009-08-13T09:02:00.000-05:00

Had a grand day of climbing up to the crater and going 3/4 around, down to the pinnacles (like the hoodoos in Bryce canyon but ghostly gray). Rather than climb up again for 6 miles, we took a lift up and cycled our last 10 miles to the night's lodging at Mazama, this is where we had dinner at the lodge. There have been meteor showers for the last 2 nights but no one has seem them as we've been too tired to get up at midnight.

--K of Kobag

Voodoos of Crater Lake

2009-08-12T17:51:00.000-05:00

First touch

2009-08-12T14:22:00.000-05:00

Mt Washington and Mt Jefferson

2009-08-11T21:25:00.000-05:00

At the top of McKenzie pass -- after a 32 mile climb.

--K of Kobag

Bike Trip Maps

2009-08-11T19:43:00.001-05:00

Day 1 - Pinots and Pedals
Along the Aufderheide
High Desert Hop
Climb to the Crater
Delightful Downhill
Along the Umpqua

--Mark

Susan hits the links

2009-08-11T19:34:00.000-05:00

Susan spotting mule deer on the Meadows course.

Mark at the lava field

2009-08-11T19:30:00.000-05:00

Turned in the tandem, turned in the bike friday, borrowed the leader's bike and surged to the front.

Peg at the 32 mile point

2009-08-11T19:26:00.000-05:00

She did it!

Covered bridge

2009-08-11T16:46:00.000-05:00

On the way up McKenzie Pass -- we were the first bikers up the pass. It opened that morning!

--K of Kobag

Mark and stoker 3 -- Kitty

2009-08-09T22:06:00.000-05:00

--K of Kobag

Mark and stoker 2 -- Katie

2009-08-09T22:04:00.000-05:00

--K of Kobag

Mark and first stoker Susan

2009-08-09T22:03:00.000-05:00

--K of Kobag

Start of day two- Covered Bridge

2009-08-09T22:00:00.000-05:00

We started today at the lovely covered bridge at Westfir , complete with separate pedestrian walkway. From there it was a 60 mile ride with a 2500 ft climb at the 30 mile marker. At the top we had a great lunch which everyone just inhaled, followed by a 30 mile downhill to Mckenzie River. I'm sitting on the porch about 30 ft from the river with bull trout and a few salmon (according to resident flora/fauna expert Peg), sipping a beer before dinner. More pix to follow.

--K of Kobag

Shark bites

2009-08-09T21:53:00.000-05:00

Peg is asking how she is to get rid of shark bites -- see right calf.

--K of Kobag

King's Estate Vineyard

2009-08-09T02:02:00.000-05:00

Lunch and day 1 starting point. K of kobag buys a bottle of Pinot noir for later this week.

--K of Kobag

Day 1: Kings Estate

2009-08-09T01:37:00.000-05:00

Had a lovely 39 mile "shakedown" ride starting from King's Estate Vineyard, winding through some lovely less-traveled roads in the Willamette valley. The temps have dropped from the record-breaking 100's of last week to some very civilized 70's today. We have 4 doctors on this trip so any and all medical issues should be taken care of quickly and efficiently as long as they are anesthetic internal neurological pediatric in nature. Katie is riding with no training- hats off to being 20-something. Peg did the entire route on her new Jamis bike. Susan showed her multiple talents in riding 2 different bikes in one day. Mark burned thru 3 riding partners on the tandem-- and it's only the first day. At this rate, he'll have everyone on the bike by day 4. Tomorrow is a 60 miler. More photos to follow.

--K of Kobag

The trip begins

2009-08-08T01:22:00.000-05:00

The trip begins with kitty's early arrival in portland. She heads off to downtown and starts vacation with a leisurely cup of coffee, a side trip to Nordstrom's rack, and a nice stroll around town. After getting back to the hotel, by which time Katie has arrived, they meet up at the bar--kitty has a Blue Moon.Mark and Susan arrive, we have another Blue Moon and then a bite to eat. Both Bike Fridays get assembled in record time -- we're tired and everyone heads off to bed.

--K of Kobag

Arrived and chilling out

2009-08-07T22:59:00.000-05:00

--K of Kobag

Arrived and checking Portland out

2009-08-07T18:05:00.000-05:00

Am sitting at a little coffee shop at the heart of downtown and having a very civilized cup of coffee. Temps are quite comfortable unlike last week. Am thinking I could live here! Cyclists are everywhere.

--K of Kobag

Kobag Does the Crater Lake Tour

2009-08-07T08:32:00.000-05:00

2009 brings Team Kobag to the interior of Oregon - riding the Crater Lake Tour sans Art and Sharon but adding Katie and Mark Orndorff.

--Sharon

2008 - Kobag

2008-08-18T22:57:00.000-05:00

aka: Kitty, Art, Sharon, Susan, Peg and Aileen

Cape Mears Big Hill trumps Stone City Big Hill

2008-08-17T15:34:00.000-05:00

Kitty and Sharon and Art have all ridden up the "big hill" at Stone City, Iowa and we are obnoxiously proud of that fact. It is a short (maybe 0.5 miles) but steep hill. The hill is depicted in a Grant Wood painting that my bicycle club used as artwork for the club jersey. I wore the Stone City jersey on the third day of our Oregon adventure. And I have to admit that the Cape Mears hill that John MacIntyre convinced us to climb was longer and tougher than the Stone City hill. I was struggling to stay upright at 3 mph on the Cape Mears hill, and I have never pedaled so slow in Iowa. Good job, Oregon!!

--Art

Day 5: Perpetual Motion

2008-08-10T11:50:00.001-05:00

The day had lots of fog accompanied by a certain mystical feeling like being on the moors of England without the Hounds of the the Baskervilles. The route that day was fairly challenging and included an optional ride up Cape Perpetua, a serious climb of 1.8 miles and 900 ft. Our guides indicated that the view from the top was supposed to be spectacular. However, with all the fog, it was doubtful that we'd see much. So the question was, it you're not going for the view, what's the motivation? Matt of NY (who does triathlons in his spare time) was interested in doing it for the fun of it. I couldn't make up my mind and kept deferring the decision until the left turn was coming up fast. In a moment of gatorade-overload, I decided to join him and up we went. Up we went to the top, still shrouded in clouds, and took the short hike to the edge. In the distance, we could barely make out the highway below as well as the ocean. What we could see quite well was the the sheer drop off. Anyway, Matt was a fun climbing bud and we beat feet and met up with the others at the lighthouse. It turns out (we'd actually made this discovery a few days earlier) that I used to work with his father while we were both at ISU in Ames. It is indeed a small world.

--K of Kobag

Day 6: Newport to Swisshome - part II

2008-08-08T21:44:00.000-05:00

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

Day 6: Florence to Swisshome

2008-08-08T18:57:00.001-05:00

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	23 ft
Location:	Florence, OR	Elev. Gain:	+23 ft
Date:	08/08/08	Up/Downhill:	[+442/-419]
Time:	08:54 AM	Difficulty:	3.3 / 5.0

Weather:	Overcast
	57 F temp; 71% humidity
	57 F heat index; winds SW 6

Elevation (ft)

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	128 ft
Location:	Mapleton, OR	Elev. Gain:	+154 ft
Date:	08/08/08	Up/Downhill:	[+419/-265]
Time:	11:00 AM	Difficulty:	2.5 / 5.0

Weather:	Overcast
	61 F temp; 72% humidity
	61 F heat index; winds SW 9

Elevation (ft)

--Susan

Day 5: Newport to Florence

2008-08-08T18:56:00.000-05:00

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	50 ft
Location:	Newport, OR	Elev. Gain:	+154 ft
Date:	08/07/08	Up/Downhill:	[+1430/-1276]
Time:	08:45 AM	Difficulty:	4.1 / 5.0

Elevation (ft)

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	112 ft
Location:	Yachats, OR	Elev. Gain:	-62 ft
Date:	08/07/08	Up/Downhill:	[+2155/-2217]
Time:	12:35 PM	Difficulty:	4.2 / 5.0

Weather:	Fog And Mist
	57 F temp; 88%% humidity
	57 F heat index; winds W 3 MPH

Elevation (ft)

--Susan

Day 3: Tillamook to Lincoln City - part II

2008-08-08T10:50:00.001-05:00

Today was a challenging day with 3 major climbs and a bunch of just large hills. Team Kobag member Susan had a b-day and did well biking with her friend Friday. We were shrouded in fog for most of the day but were blessed with spectacular views along the way: blue herons, pelicans, serious sand dunes, estuaries (described by resident biologist Peg). We saw a lighthouse and an octopus tree-figure that one out.

We ate lunch at the Pelican Pub and Brewery in Cape Kiwanda. The ride was cut short for some members in order to meet a dinner appointment.

Wednesday is massage day-yippee.

---Sharon

Day 4: Cape Foulweather (that's right!!)

2008-08-07T10:23:00.001-05:00

Oregon coastal weather, and a wonderful day for riding! It was warm enough for biking shorts. The ride featured a 2 mile climb (through the fog) to Cape Foulweather, then a thrilling descent on a twisting, wet road (also through the fog) to Devil's Punchbowl.

We ended the day's ride at Newport. Newport features Yaquina (yah-queena) Bay Light, a beautiful arch bridge, and a noisy herd of sea lions to entertain visitors. A great day of bike riding.

--Art

Day 3 and 4:

2008-08-07T10:18:00.001-05:00

Cape Foulweather lived up to its name-- foggy, foggy, foggy but
we hear the views are great. It was still a lot of fun, especially on the one
quiet ride leading up to the top, especially because there were no cars at all. Some of the other highlights included massages for several-- Sharon, Kitty, Aileen (1.5 hours!) to work out all the tight spots. We topped it off with a fabulous dinner, probably the best one of the trip, at a tiny little spot recommended by Peg. We celebrated the birthday girls (Sharon, Susan, Aileen) with to-die-for desserts.

Earlier in the day, we met up with an old family friend, Beth B, whom Art and I had known since we were kids in USN/USL. It was just grand to visit and catch up on everybody and everything.

All for now.
--K of KOBAG

Our salmon dinner

2008-08-06T22:24:00.001-05:00

--Susan

Day 4: Lincoln City to Newport

2008-08-06T18:56:00.000-05:00

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	119 ft
Location:	Lincoln City, OR	Elev. Gain:	-66 ft
Date:	08/06/08	Up/Downhill:	[+1938/-2004]
Time:	09:21 AM	Difficulty:	4.2 / 5.0

Weather:	Overcast
	59 F temp; 94% humidity
	59 F heat index; winds W 3 MPH

Elevation (ft)

--Susan

Day 3: Tillamook to Lincoln City

2008-08-06T05:26:00.000-05:00

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	62 ft
Location:	Tillamook, OR	Elev. Gain:	+213 ft
Date:	08/05/08	Up/Downhill:	[+974/-761]
Time:	08:38 AM	Difficulty:	3.4 / 5.0

Elevation (ft)

--Susan

Peg's oatmeal - part II

2008-08-05T23:30:00.001-05:00

--?????

Day 2: Seaside to Tillamook

2008-08-05T06:28:00.000-05:00

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	1219 ft
Location:	Manzanita, OR	Elev. Gain:	-332 ft
Date:	08/04/08	Up/Downhill:	[+1656/-1988]
Time:	09:32 AM	Difficulty:	3.4 / 5.0

Weather:	Overcast
	61 F temp; 83% humidity
	61 F heat index; winds Vrbl 3

Elevation (ft)

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	103 ft
Location:	Manzanita, OR	Elev. Gain:	-92 ft
Date:	08/04/08	Up/Downhill:	[+2129/-2221]
Time:	12:40 PM	Difficulty:	4.2 / 5.0

Weather:	Fair
	69 F temp; 68% humidity
	69 F heat index; winds NW 8

Elevation (ft)

--Susan

Seaside to Tillamook

2008-08-04T20:15:00.001-05:00

Day 2 started with a rather interesting breakfast experience. While everyone else cooked waffles and boiled eggs, Peg had a hankering for a large bowl of oatmeal. She filled her bowl with oatmeal and searched high and low for raisins, finding none, she proceeded to eat the oatmeal plain. Her taste did not quite meet her expectations, but her palate begged for more - so down went the second spoonful. Mulling over the taste, she acknowledged that it was definitely NOT oatmeal. Once she gave up the hope that it was oatmeal, she realized that it was actually a bowl of sausage gravy. YUCK - especially from a near vegetarian.

Today we were treated to a 4 mile hike prior to riding (highest elevation 1659 feet) - arriving at the top just in time to see the fog burn off - revealing spectacular coastal views. During the hike down - the challenge was to stay on a very narrow descent trail. It was almost death defying as many of us encountered close calls by stepping off the trail into the thousand foot drop below. We arrived at the parking lot for lunch - our guides are not only great biking coordinators/leaders but also gourmet cooks.

Now for the 35 mile ride - including parts of Highway 101. Fortunately we got off of 101 which we thought would be a relief from the heavy traffic. However, we soon discovered that logging trucks, trucks with boats and other vehicles frequented the road - and at HIGH speeds. In particular, one truck pulling a boat seemed to make a point of coming very close to all of our group - very unnerving!

The highlight for the day was a visit to the Tillamook Cheese Factory - including cheese tasting. The consensus though was that the ice cream there was superb - especially the Tillamook Mudslide - how can anything beat chocolate on chocolate?

--Sharon

Afterthoughts

2008-08-04T10:16:00.001-05:00

A funny coincidence-- there is a person, female, over 40 but less than 60, works for a federal regulatory agency, favorite movie is Sound of Music followed closely Pride and Prejudice, is currently reading "Darcy's Story"... and it's not me. Have I just met my twin sister?

Peg and Sharon are leading our packs into town. They say they don't want to be holding the group back but I suspect it's because they want to have their choice of beer at the ending point.

Susan introduced me to Blue Moon with an orange slice. Very nice. She's also having a grand time on her Bike Friday. We're gonna have her racing soon!

Aileen says,"Fabulous first day... on to the hike (a 5 mile hike through a coastal forest)". She's pumped up.

Buzzy3 says, "Awesome first day, awesome traveling group"

--K of KOBAG

First day of riding

2008-08-04T00:17:00.001-05:00

We woke up to coolish temps (high 50's) and had a remote start in Ft Stevens State park. The bike company matched everyone up with bikes, except for those who brought their own, and we had a shake-down ride of 14 miles through the park. Had one minor collision between two riders, one of ours who will remain un-named, but otherwise, the shake down met its intended purpose.

If we eat the way we did for lunch today, I'm in trouble. Lunch was either veggie Asian or regular and quite tasty, especially with M&Ms on top.

In the afternoon, the full sun broke out and everyone was treated to a gorgeous day. The guide at Ft Clatsop made special mention that lest we think Lewis and Clark had today's weather during their over-winter time, they would be sorely mistaken. Apparently it was a miserable winter of wet and cold

We finished the day winding thru some backroads to Seaside. However to get to Seaside, we had a 2 mile climb through the forests. One noted feature was the destruction of some very large tracks of forest due to extreme wind conditions. Whole sections looked like broken matchsticks.

This was one of those days you live to bike for.
Cajun food for dinner -- now to bed.

--K of KOBAG

Arrival and Hook-up

2008-08-03T23:39:00.001-05:00

Susan and Sharon accidently found each other at the Portland airport on Saturday when Sharon saw someone with a big red suitcase at the Marriott pick-up point. As it turned out, it was Susan, and a friendship was formed. We were also delighted to have Carrie, Art's and Sherry's daughter, join us from Seattle (along with her little pup Frankie) for the afternoon and evening before she headed back to Seattle.

Having some light refreshments in the bar enabled us to chat with some other folks who had just finished bike trips with the same company-- one had 13 trips -- so we had good recommendations going into the trip. Susan and Kitty assembled their Bike Fridays with few problems other than k's chain was broken. After being reassured the tour leader had the right tool to fix it, she headed to bar.

--K of KOBAG

Day 1: Astoria to Seaside

2008-08-03T21:22:00.000-05:00

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	21 ft
Location:	Hammond, OR	Elev. Gain:	+0 ft
Date:	08/03/08	Up/Downhill:	[+236/-236]
Time:	11:44 AM	Difficulty:	2.8 / 5.0

Weather:	Fair
	61 F temp; 77% humidity
	61 F heat index; winds N 10

Elevation (ft)

Route:	--	Elev. Avg:	71 ft
Location:	Hammond, OR	Elev. Gain:	-17 ft
Date:	08/03/08	Up/Downhill:	[+1423/-1440]
Time:	02:19 PM	Difficulty:	4.3 / 5.0

Weather:	Fair
	62 F temp; 69% humidity
	62 F heat index; winds NW 15

Elevation (ft)

--Susan

Missing Bridge Span

2008-08-01T09:13:00.001-05:00

The closest I could get to training for the Oregon coast, is to ride on flat roads beside a river on an overcast day, in the Iowa countryside. The historic bridge (Sutliff Bridge) in the background lost a span to the recent floods.

--Art

KOBAG welcomes you to our great bicycle adventure in Oregon

2008-07-27T12:04:00.001-05:00

Susan Orndorff's NEW Bike Friday - of note is the fact that both Susan and Art have done a metric century in prep for the ride. That means both she and Art have done 60+ mile trips. Apparently they are well prepared for Kobag's adventures - stay tuned for more highlights and please send your thoughts our way. Wish you all could be with us on this trip.

--K of KOBAG