There and Back- My first publication

You can pick one up for free at the Auraria Campus, any Denver area REI, or visit www.thereandbackmagazine.com to learn how to order an inexpensive subscription. If you're outside of Colorado, e-mail me your address and I'll send you a copy.

Thursday, July 10- Ah! So this is life...

These past few days have been filled with the moments that I live for. After riding problem-free the rest of the way from Bandon to Humbug State Park, we all decided to pitch in and save some money on two tent sites as oppesed to the Hiker/Biker section of the park. On the way in, a spectacular view of the roxky Oregon coast glimmered with the sun. I almost hitched beck to Port Orford to buy the beer for the evening, but Chris decided to treat us to a 24 pack of Busch, as he was already there.

Christian, Matt, Kristen and I decided we'd go for a dip in the ocean (Katie said that the tempurature and humidity here reminded her of back home in Alabama) and we were all screaming our asses off as the frigid waves would crash over our tired bodies. After hugs and pictures, we went back to camp to eat and greet Christ who just showed up with the beer.

After getting drunk, Lee gave me a tall-boy as a thanks for the night before. I have a feeling he and I are going to be getting along just fine. I also helped Lee figure out his new simmer-lite stove.

Christian is a crack up: throughout the night, he continued to eminate his Swedish humour. Timo, of Amsterdam, is incredibly kind and proper, declining alcohol and going to bed early. Timo even apologized when Christian's drunk-ass tripped over his tent.

Lee, Chris, Matt and I decided to go for a late-night walk to the beach. The cliffs bordered the bay and framed the moon which was beginning to set on the midnight horizon. Black waves tumbled to our toes and I found my peace, there on the beach, with a group of beautiful strangers who I could forevermore call my friends. The others joined us, and we all sat against a log as the moon sank into the black ocean. Connor, a kid heading North who we had just met, pointed out several sparkling constelations andsattelites while the rest of us relaxed and tasted the sea salt on our lips. I walked back to camp early with Katie and immediately fell asleep.

This morning, we were all slow to awaken and get moving. After two cigarettes, Christian and I rolled out of camp together. He is much more fit than I, so within three miles, he was ahead of me. I met back up with him and Alan, a newbie to the group from Missoula, Montana. We had a big climb, which was rewarding, because I must have hit 40 mph while decending down the opposite side. There is nothing better than crying because of the wind in your face when you're splitting down a hill.

Wednesday, July 9-Rum and Riding

Last night was great. After leaving the Fox Hole, I rode the rest of the way to North Bend, passing by Susan and Eric and catching Katie and Kristen before the bridge that we had to walk over because of the strong wind. After breaking away from the girls, I hunted down the nearest liquor store, which was in Coos Bay, one mile south of North Bend, but 12 miles away from the night's campsite (Sunset Bay--which deserves it's name). I got a flat tire in Coos Bay, and am currently riding without any spare tubes (but with a patch kit that Matt gave me). I changed the flat, cleaned and greased my chain, and bought a handle of rum and 2 liters of coke that I hauled the remaining 12 miles to camp. We all had tons of fun; Hot showers, warm meals, a camp fire, and plenty of shots and cocktails. I smoked up with Matt and supplemented my state with plenty of rum.

We added two more to our number. Timo, from Amsterdam, and Lee from Vancouver. At camp, I learned that Chris got two flat tires and Shannon and Colleen had some problems and had to hitch hike to North Bend to fix their bikes.

This morning, I woke up hung-over to the sound of Jimi Hendrix and The Doors blaring from Shannon's tent across the site. It's hard to be annoyed when hanging out with such amazing people and being on such an incredible adventure. I rode with Matt most of the morning and I am now sitting in a Bakery/ Deli in Bandon, Oregon. Tomorrow, I should be crossing the border into California.

Tuesday, July 8- Tumbleweed

The further south down the coast I've come, the less touristy it has become. Lincoln City is more like a real town with real people than Cannon Beach and Astoria.

Everyone here is more or less separate but we are all following the same route and are sleeping at the same sites. We are all getting along great and are having an awesome time. I stayed with this group last night and will do so again tonight. We stayed up late, cooked together, and my tired body took a shower and fell asleep. When I woke up, we all cooked breakfast together and left individually, (this now being yesterday, the 7th) and we all went at our own pace the next 60 miles to the next decided camp area, Honeyman State Park. The ride yesterday was gorgeous. I took it slow because I was still recouperating from the 110 miles from the day before. I saw a beautiful lighthouse, took plenty of pictures, and rode easily, problem-free. The wind in many areas was strong behind my back. Trees on the coast line were bent naturally in the direction of the wind. When I got to Honeyman, Matt was already there and talking with Lupe and Michael, two room-mates who were walking the Oregon coast to raise funds for Oregon State Parks. Gereat people. Here, our group picked up a few more members: we met Chris from Connecticul and Richard from Arizona. In florence, before Honeyman, I treated myself to a seafood dinner in the local tourist trap. I paid 25 bucks for a bunch of fried seafood and french fries. I could've eaten better at a McDonalds.

Across the street was a bike shop where a group of kids from the east were on a Church trip, cycling down the coast. One of them got a gust of wind and blew over the guard rail--only the bike got hurt.

Anyhow, back at Honeyman, Matt, Shannon, Colleen, Christian and I went to look at the Dunes. Later, the Canadians and I smoked some green and had quite the relaxing night. We also ran into some dreadlock kids from Brooklyn who were heading to Virginia.

Right now, I'm writing this at 10 AM from a po-dunk bar on the side of the highway called "The Fox Hole", 20 miles south of Florence. All of us in the group met here for coffee and food. There's a vietnam vet here who is thumbing his way north to Astoria. Guy's name is 'Tumbleweed'. He keeps trying to talk to me as I'm trying to write this.

Today's destination is Sunset Bay, a little over 50 miles south of Honeyman. We're all taking it really easy today. We've got about 15 down, and 35 to go. The morning was calm; I was on the bike by 10, and have been happilly riding ever since. Can't wait for camp tonight--we're pitching on a bottle of whisky and are all ready for a rest and a good time.