Day 11 Recap: People's Coast Classic was Classic

I've been back in the saddle for seven days already, including six days with 40 other riders and a stellar staff at the People's Coast Classic.  It feels like I'm just getting to know some people, and haven't yet met others, and that it's too soon to say good-bye.

Me Beth, Steve

Steve and I were the last ones to arrive today, so I (regretfully) don't have many photos from the finish.  I really appreciate Steve stopping at just about every viewpoint, and at at top of every hill, to wait for me.  It was great to have a friendly face to share this magnificent part of the ride with.

Steve really took one for the team to hang with me

Every day through Oregon was fantastic.  We had sun for two of the first three days and that was perfect after my rainy start through Washington.  Although it was foggy the last three days, the vista were spectacular.  In fact, my favorite day was today.  Every view was over-the-top and fog was typically high enough that the views extended to the horizon.

It was this kind of day

Overcast skies almost seem appropriate.....almost

I wonder why some rocks have names and others don't?

A little bit o' blue

Physically, I felt a little better again today.  It will be new test starting tomorrow with panniers,  but I'm pretty confident the knee issue is not going to resurface.  The achilles seems to be getting better too, but it's still there and requires me to keep a very steady pedal stroke, with just the right amount of resistance.

Arch Rock

Finishing up the PCC also sucks some of the juice out of me.  I'm very sleepy right now, and I still need to go out and refuel and then come back and get set up for solo riding.  I have a 70-miler tomorrow and I think it's going to be tough, even though I'm feeling stronger every day. 

One item of note for those worried about me biking alone, another PCC rider, Kathy, is continuing to San Francisco, supported by a friend.  We exchanged numbers, so I will have help close by if needed.

That's Kathy, who's continuing to San Francisco, in front of me

Now I'm back to the solo routine - checking out local holes-in-wall.  Having dinner at Zola's Pizzaria.

Zola's

Wow, this place is killer. Awesome, loaded salad and vegetarian spaghetti.  Best I've ever had.  Pizza looks just as good but that's too much cheese for my heart.

Spaghetti was equally awesome

Day 11 Recap:  Arizona Beach, OR to Brookings, OR
Actual Miles:  50.0
Cumulative Miles:  693.5
Elevation Gain:  2,559'
Cumulative Elevation Gain:  25,422'
% Distance to Mexico:  36.8%