Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Had a pretty good spill

Have not had Internet connection the past two days. Have been in the coastal mountainess areas areas. I will bring you up-to- date: On Monday morning I was into my ride about an hor when it started to rain. I was on a rough , narrow shoulder going about 12 mph when the shoulder shifted to a different level. My front wheel caught the rise and with the slippery conditions, I went down hard on my left side into the traffic lane. I skidded several feet, hurried off the roadway and tried to collect myself. A motorist who witnesses the affair stopped and asked if I was Okay. I said I thought I was. I was just so grateful that it was early in the morning with little traffic on the roads. I got back on my bike, and after the adrenalin wore off, I noticed some pain down my left side. I pulled over and discovered that I had scraped up my left elbow, left knee, and left hip pretty good. I wrapped holes in my rain jacket and rain pants, and in my riding glove. I am sure without this layer of clothing, things could have been much worse. I am humbled about how vulnerable we all are each day. I thank the Lord every day for each breath of life that He sustains. Things have been fine since, except for some left shoulder pain, which is not severe, just nagging. I finally got a little sun on Tuesday, and more sun today. I have seen some incredible scenery, along with may sea lions. I have walked on the beach every night contemplating things of eternity, and missing family and friends. On Monday I biked 67 miles, on Tuesday I biked 79 miles, and today I left early and have biked 66 miles. The towns I have passed through are: Pacific City, Neskowin, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Waldport, Yachats, Glenada,Gardiner, Reedsport, Winchester Bay, Nort Bend, Coos Bay, Charlston, Bandon, and I presently in Port Orford. Tomorrow I will pass through Gold Beach and end in Brookings, the Southern most Oregon City. On Friday I will cross the California Border and continue my route down the Coast. Loving the sights and sounds and the smells. The campgrounds I have been staying in have been very nice, most havi g hot showers. I biked along with several otter bikers the last couple of days. One from Denver, two from Austria, one from Texas, one from Ohio, and one from Florida, all really nice people. Still haven't run into any old duffers like myself. It's good to be back in touch. Hope you are all well and happy. God bless. Jerry