WHAT WORD HAS 5 LETTERS AND RHYMES WITH CHOKE

No link to my routes since I did not plan either course.

Yes, you guessed it.  The word is SPOKE.  Allow me to catch up from the first post.  On Day 1 I lost 3 spokes making my way from Florence-to-Eugene.  My back wheel behaved like a dice and not a wheel.  So...

A bike shop in Eugene does a great job replacing the broken spokes and making the wheel true.  I picked up the bike and started a new Day 2.  I made it 8 miles and broke 2 more spokes.  A younger Joe may have blown a gasket.  Not now, I'm running out of gaskets.  I simply rode back to Eugene. You must know you can/t swing a broken spoke without hitting a bike shop!!! The folks at Collins Bike Shop in Eugene are great.  We decided that the rims I have must have a factory defect and I replaced both rims.  Problem solved.  Jason from Collins will always be a fond memory. I was able to take in some of the sights of Eugene while my second round of repairs took place.

One flew East.  One flew West.  I didn't know that Eugene is home of a great American writer.

Ken Kesey Tribute Statue in Eugene

I did notice that Eugene is well stocked in the type of humans who prefer to live close to the land and keep their stuff handy.  They have awesome street light planter.

Every pole gets a wreath of flowers

So where am I.  After the new rims I left Eugene.  The goal was to make it to Belkan Springs Lodge at the foothills of the Willamette National Forest and the challenge of the McKenzie Pass.  The Pass climbs from approximately 1000 feet up to 5300 feet.  The ride from Eugene was hot.  Oh, and it had one big ass American Flag. I logged the 66 miles I planned.  Bang.

Big Ass Scary Stars & Stripes

Day 3 was a battle against me and the McKenzie Pass.  I'd be lying if I said it was easy.  It was a 5 hour slow slog up to the crest of the pass.  Yes, 5 hours of going about 3-4 miles an hour dragging about 70lbs of gear.  WHY AM I DOING THIS.  Here goes.

The Sisters (Patty on the LEFT and Kathy on the RIGHT)

I made the summit.  What a treat.  I met people all the way along.  A couple I met were living in Eugene but were originally from Center City Philly.  They invited me to dinner but I opted to not interfere on their evening.  A guy I met is planning to do a C-to-C (Coast-to-Coast) race.  Last year he made the transit in 30 days.  He was from South Bend Oregon and offered a place to stay when I get to Indiana.  On Thursday I met up with Janice from Quebec and we rode along for 10 miles before dropping her at a camp store.  She plans to do the McKenzie Pass tomorrow.  I owe her some helpful hints.

Your all caught up.  I just had an awesome dinner in a great little town. If you know me I am good at spotting neat towns.  You can add Sisters, Oregon to the list.  A slice of Oregon that is worth the effort.

I have a good video of the descent.   One hand was on the handle-bar and the other was taking a video.  It is too large for this blog.  I'll post it somewhere so you can get the full effect.

Finally, tomorrow, and I really mean this I plan to leave Sisters and get to Brothers OR.  The two places could not be more different.  All you need is a quck WIKI on Brothers to understand.

GOOD NIGHT AND
HAVE FUN!!!