Day 8 Recap: Beer, Bikes & Barb

.As far as the cycling goes, not much to report on Day 8.  It was an easy, 28-mile ride along the coast.  The sun was back today and that was a big bonus.  The coastline is amazing here.  The beaches are wide and clean.  They remind me of Manhattan Beach.... without the people.

Few people on the wide beaches

Since we didn't leave until afternoon, we had the morning free in Newport.  I hung out at the aquarium for awhile and then rode into town.  I didn't explore too much because I wanted to give my body as much rest as possible. When I returned, it was time to head over to Rogue Ales Brewery for appetizers, a tour led by Brewmaster (and PCC rider) John Maier, and lunch.

Today's Schedule: Beer, appetizers, beer, tour, beer, lunch, beer, ride bike

During lunch, we were introduced to Barbara, who is the Pacific Coast Classic Honoree.  Barb has arthritis......and she's a cancer survivor......and she's blind......AND she's doing the ride!  She's on a tandem with another rider.  My gosh - what an accomplishment!  She has also done triathlons, jumped out of airplanes, and who know what else. I talked to her after lunch and then again at dinner. Barb is quite an inspiration - a lady who will not accept the word "can't".  That's what it's all about, baby.

Pacific Coast Classic Honoree, Barb

I finally set out from the brewery alone for the short ride to Yachats. Although it was a short ride, there was some really great scenery that is probably shrouded in clouds or fog normally. Not today.

Coastline bathed in sun

Beaches bathed in sun

Lagoons bathed in sun

Yachats bathed in sun

Wilier bathed in sun

 Knee continues to get better, achilles is treading water.

Day 8 Recap:  Newport, OR to Yachats, OR
Actual Miles:  28.9
Cumulative Miles:  494.8
Elevation Gain:  840'
Cumulative Elevation Gain:  16,662'
% to Mexico:  26.3%