We have arrived in Portland, OR--our second last stop before we reach the Pacific! I remember dreaming about getting here at the beginning of the summer, never actually believing I'd make it--so hard to believe we're here!
From Boise, we headed to Ontario, OR--stopping for a slip 'n slide and water balloon fight at our lunch stop, and a jump into the river when we reached the Oregon border! Our last day in Boise had introduced the stomach flu that would soon wipe out almost the whole group...the third victim got hit in Ontario. From Ontario, we had a very tough ride into Unity, OR--it was an extremely hot day and the route provided very little shade; many people were dehydrated and the climbs were difficult, but we finally made it to the very small town and rewarded ourselves with hamburgers and milkshakes!
The next day we had a beautiful ride into John Day, OR; there were several long climbs, but they were heavily wooded and actually very pleasant. Our next ride was very short into Dayville, where the "plague" began to take its toll. We stayed in a very small church, so quarters were tight, and the flu began to wipe people out very quickly. Those of us who were still healthy had a great day swimming in the river and discussing the competitive grant applications given to our route; we had to determine how much money to allot each group that had applied for our fund raising money. It was an extremely rewarding experience once we finally all agreed on the amounts...amazing that we get such a direct say in where our money goes! Housing groups from the Virginia Beach area of Virginia, the University of Kentucky, Lawrence, KS, and Charleston, WV received most of our funds.
The next day's ride into Fossil, OR had only 17 of us finish, due to the stomach bug. People were dropping like flies! It was very hot, but a beautiful ride through fossil beds. We arrived at the church, where we had a pleasant surprise--we would be staying at families' homes for the night...meaning we got real showers and BEDS for once! I prayed the flu wouldn't hit me the next day, but unfortunately I felt awful the next morning, so I decided to ride in the van with the other sickies. Although I hated to not be riding, I loved being able to see everyone pressing on from inside the van and cheering them on! We arrived in Maupin and basically collapsed to sleep and watch movies all day...a pretty sad sight. Unfortunately, only 13 people finished riding that day--the plague really wiped us out.
We took that day to recover and then, miraculously, almost everyone was back on the bike for Friday, the 103 mile ride into Portland that we'd been preparing for for weeks. The morning was tough with a headwind and some climbs (over and around Mt. Hood in the Cascades!), but we had a fun descent after that and the second half of the ride was much easier. We rode into Portland on a smooth, flat bike trail that was GREAT after our other experiences with bike trails. It was a long, exhausting day, but it was so rewarding to see the river and the Portland skyline!
We had a great build day today with Rebuilding Together; we painted an entire house and kitchen for Roland, a very sweet older man with diabetes, who had trouble getting around to make repairs to his house. Then we explored our neighborhood of Portland (the southeast side)--can't believe we'll be back here in 3 days, after we've finished our ride!
On Monday we reach the Pacific! Thank you again, one last time, for all of your support this summer!
Vamos a la playa!
Love,
Beth
