Cycling On The Oregon Coast
http://www.cityscene.tv/spanishhead1.htm
Phil and I escaped for a weekend at The Inn At Spanish Head, in Lincoln City, Oregon. Phil’s famiily took frequent trips to the Oregon coast, as a kid. Phil’s mom, Carrie, always wanted to go to The Inn At Spanish Head, which is kind of a swanky hotel, on top of a bluff with amazing views of the ocean. Stan and Carrie finally made it down here after Stan retired.
Originally, we were going to come down here on the motorcyle, but decided to bring our bikes instead. Our plan was to get in some serious cycling and have a relaxing weekend. I am really glad we didn’t take the Harley, because it’s been raining like crazy since we arrived!
We got up this morning and headed out the door at 7:30 am with the intension of putting in 50 miles. The ride started out bad and just got worse! We had a headwind all the way to Newport. Visibility was nil. We ended up riding about 45 miles and called it good. On the way back the rain mixed with sweat rolled into our eyes and fogged up our glasses. My clothes were soaked, because I forgot to bring my rain jacket. I had to layer up. We were like a couple of drowned rats out there!
It was hard to get into the spirit of the ride with all that rain. On the way back I felt like I was on automatic pilot. I just kept riding and actually rode a couple of miles per hour faster, than on the way out. I swear it took a good half hour and a hot bath to get my feet back to normal. They were frozen and tingly. We hit the hot tub and took a nice nap.
Somehow I don’t feel compelled to go out there and do it again tomorrow. I think I’ve had enough. A walk on the beach sounds like a better idea!
The view is beautiful here and the restaurant is great. They even have their own wine, a nice cabernet. It’s been nice to get away. I can see why Stan and Carrie loved this place. I’m sure we’ll visit again….
Although I got a late start, I’ve been a serious runner since 1994. I ran my first marathon in 1995 on my 30th Birthday. It’s been my goal to run the Boston Marathon since then. I missed qualifying by 12 minutes that year. I needed to run 3:40 and ran 3:52. Running in the most prestigious marathon, is the ultimate for most runners. The fact that you have to qualify, only fueled my competitive juices.
Over the next 9 years I ran 6 more marathons. I love running so much that I became a 