Hi, Ray: Of course I remember you two. That was a great part of my tour. In fact, the whole Northeast remains my favorite aspect of the ride although there was a lot elsewhere that was wonderful.
I think my wife, Jodi, and I may do a big Oregon tour next year--but we'll avoid the coast. It's pretty, but we found the traffic in July to be unacceptable. Go in the fall if you can. If not, get up very early and try to finish each day's ride by noon. We just found the constant noise and high volume of the vehicles to be a huge turn off. We have a couple of possible routes in mind, maybe starting up through the eastern deserts, touring the Columbia River, then riding down the Willamette Valley, something like that. We're also thinking about doing a pavement version of the Continental Divide though we wouldn't do the whole thing.
Then there's rock climbing. We've really got the bug to get back into this sport, which has been a huge part of our lives in the past. So lots of irons in the fire, so to speak.
Oh, one note about the Pacific Coast. Jodi and I have ridden the central California coast a couple of times, and it remains one of our favorite rides. Beware, however, the run from Pacifica south of San Francisco to Half Moon Bay. There's a big climb right out of Pacifica called Slide Mtn., and it's a nasty stretch of road--narrow, tight, steep and packed with unhappy commuters. We were very spooked about that part of the ride. I'm pretty sure there's a transit bus that runs over the hill--with bike racks. Look into it, but I strongly suggest you do this if possible. Once at the bottom of Slide Mtn., the road opens up, a nice shoulder appears, and all is sweetness and light. The hiker/biker camp in Half Moon Bay is VERY nice!
Be well, ride safely, endure that long northern winter!
Scott
