Day 18

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Disaster strikes!
Today was going great. The day started dry, not even any condensation on the inside of my tent, what a result and I was off at a great pace. There was so much to see on the coast today that speed wasn't an issue. Everyone says that the coast of Oregon is spectacular and they weren't lying. Its epic.
The sea is full of sea stacks and the shoreline is so rugged, so different to the coast of south California.
Just as I was within 2 miles of my camp spot for the night disaster struck!

I was cruising downhill at around 45km/h I hear a loud "ping" and immediatley pull on the breaks to find that one of the spokes in my rear wheel has broken. And its on the driveside…meaning that I need to take apart my rear wheel to fix it and the closest bike shop was 60miles in each direction. The question was which way to go? North or South? Where is the biggest town? How will I get there?
I decided to keep going North and that travelling in a car for 60miles can still count as part of my journey.
So it was off with the gear, to make the bike as light as possible and minimise the damage, out with the thumb, and a big smile on my face.
After about a mile of walking a couple stopped and let me put my bike and all my stuff in the back of their 4x4 and took me to the closest town. After speaking to a few shops it was clear that I needed to head to the next town, North Bend, a full 50miles away.
Luckily for me, the lady Zutta that had taken me the first 10 miles came back to check on my progress and offered to take me the rest of the way. What a hero. It turns out she is German and has been living over here for the last 25 years.
So she took me to a Motel, opposite which is a bike shop that I can easily get to in the morning. I just hope that they will let me work on my bike and have the tools that I need to get me back on my way again.
The motel is ok, a bit like the movies, really. At least it’s a story right???

Never the less, here are today's stats:

Ride time - 4:01:47
Average speed - 19.8km/h
Max speed - 54.0km/h
Distance - 80.16k/ - 60miles by car
Trip distance - 1681.61km

Aly x

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Comments

[Dad]

Hi Aly, sounds like your bike wanted a day off! Hope you got it fixed - I had a feeling when you talked about getting your foot in the back wheel that you might well have stressed it. Watch out with Elk - they seem to have a bit more attitude than our Red Deer, also it is now 'the rut' so males get a bit 'nedish'. Love the pics - what a place. Have a great day.Dx

[angie]

bad luck
Gosh what bad luck about the spoke, but houw lucky you were to find a kind lady to help you. At least you had a bed for the night,must have been quite a treat. Angie

[Mum]

Mill and Frank
Aly Milly has phoned again tonight to say how she is enjoying reading your blog and the stories of your adventures. They send you their love