Woke up and geared up to do the long day of 57miles. Turns out there was an alternative route that dropped 20 off that. Steve, Kim and Barry had decided that would be good considering the 90°+ temperatures. I certainly didn't object. Since we had been particularly unimpressed with the scenery along the "WVBikeway", I didn't feel like we'd be missing out. And the views were better today anyhow....still not a single winery or Vinyard along the route. We saw a sign for one though so that's an improvement. We saw many farms and orchards still....and more blueberries and blackberries than you can imagine. Kim feels we should nominate the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway Chamber of Commerce for an award in light of their exaggerated promotions for this ride. The pitch made us all think we'd be riding through an even more lush and prettier Napa-like Valley. I'd compare it closer to riding the backroads of Lincoln through farmland, pastures and orchards. Or say from Roseville out Baseline and Elverta with some small bits of the American River Parkway tossed in for interest and authenticity.
Now don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed this week immensely and the rides have been good..it's just not the bill.of goods we were sold originally.
We finished up with a total of 37miles, done in 3 hours. Our ride ended mid afternoon right in downtown Salem not far from the capitol building. We are at our first big hotel...the Phoenix Grand Hotel. It is very nice and has a pool and Jacuzzi! (Which I just used...hence why I'm falling asleep trying to write this.)
We played games,innoventions and pirate flux, for a while in the afternoon. Then walked a ways around the capital buildings and past the university, all while scoping out dinner options. We narrowed the choices down to Bistro, Korean and Middle Eastern. Korean won, and was awesome! Unfortunately I'm certain I consumed way more calories at dinner than I burned off during the ride. Ah vacation...always tough on the scale!
Thursday is our last ride...44mi Salem to just on the outskirts of Portland.
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