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Another top 10 day! It was sunny and clear all day, cool in the morning so
I started out wearing my vest, arm warmers and long-fingered gloves. The route was
mostly flat with some rolling but not very steep hills. The day gradually
warmed (and the warm clothes came off) and the hills became more rolling,
with the occasional long descent to the water. The views over the water
were spectacular, with mist here and there and the sound of waves gently
hitting the shore. Each time we descended to the water the temperature
dropped about 15 degrees, but we then warmed up as we climbed the next hill.
We had been warned about logging trucks and RV's, but this turned out not to
be much
of a factor. Lunch was the usual sandwich/chips/cookies/juice, but we were
putting out enough energy that it was very satisfying. Unfortunately the
lunch stop was down a steep hill, which required a climb out with a full
stomach. Beyond the lunch stop the rolling hills continued, with one long
(approximately two mile) climb and some thrilling downhills that curved back and forth. The
last 12 miles was on busy US 101, but we rode on a wide shoulder all the way
into Forks. The staff was great today, water/snack stops were setup more
frequently than on past days and were there whether we needed them or not.
We arrived in camp around 1:30 pm, and were surprised by Jeff Schlieper, the
ride director for the 2004 Big Ride Across America. He had a couple of
days free so he drove to Forks and rode toward us, then back to Forks with Brian. We
were tipped off to his presence by a chalk welcome on one of the hills, and it was great to
see him again - what a surprise! Wonderful showers followed tent setup, then
Bruce and I walked into town where I got an iced latte and an ice cream cone. We sat around and
visited until dinner, which featured kielbasa and Tortellini Alfredo with
carrot cake for dessert. After dinner we walked into town for another ice
cream cone, to which Gerry treated us all (thanks Gerry!). The usual
mandatory rider meeting, a guest speaker, some Native American drummers,
then to bed in anticipation of our first of two centuries tomorrow.
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