A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING.  Started off great-temp in 50’s-made 1st climb-no wind-0h Oh-leader has 1st flat.  Oh Oh-leader has 2nd flat 5 min later.  Jean & Lynn pass us.  Took scenic backrd pass golf course in middle of no where-no one playing.  Starts to rain-U-hoo-Jean & Lynn are putting on rain gear.  Back on 101 & coast (rocks protruding from water)-climbing-getting further behind leader.  MEMORIES:  FRANCES (ID) & CAROL (IA)-affectionly called the TURTLES on our cross country.  Frances’ husband had died 8 months before-daughter worked for Women Tours-suggested bike trip.  Frances was NOT a biker & only biked a few 100 miles before the trip.  Was told if she was not a “changed” woman after the trip-she didn’t have to pay.  Had her 66 b-day on trip-changed forever as were we all.  CAROL had done some loaded tours in Alaska-peddling 90lbs up hills & done RAGBRAI (ride across IA) numerous times.  The 3rd TURTLE (Janet) was the only one of our group not to make the OR reunion.  I now am an official member of the TURTLES.  I am so far behind Armand- sometimes he comes back to check to see if I’m still going.  I’M PROUD TO BE A TURTLE.  Sun comes out-stop at store-30 m.  Have 2 delicious cream filled donuts & hot ch-need energy for another 30 m.  101 has good bike lanes most of the time-just a lot of traffic–18 wheelers passing are scary.  My bike feels weird-back is wobbly–cross Thomas Creek Bridge-highest bridge (345 ft) in OR.  Walk back-take pictures.  Leader is waiting ahead-check bike-back tire is almost flat.  U-HOO-it’s Jean’s voice this time.  See us later-have shopping to do in town.  Leader has trouble getting my tire on–can’t believe 3 flats in one day.  Go to bike store in Brookings-I’m airing my front tire up w/their pump-yank the stem of my front tire off.  Let them fix the 4th flat-buy 5 new tubes.  Now pouring down rain-Wild Rivers Motor Lodge ($70) is close.  Room is fantastic-soak in tub for 30 min.  Go to eat Mex food-clean our plates.  Set a record for sugar packets in glass of tea-20.  Have 2 glasses-20 more sugar packets.  Feel better-map rap meeting w/Jean.  Going to CALIFORNIA tomorrow.  OR is beautiful & very WET.

59 MILES 10 MPH (3-35MPH) 5 HRS 52 MIN B-TIME 3,500 FT OF ELEVATION