May
25
The Willamette Valley.
by Emily Tags: Hosts, Willamette Valley
Our route took a shift as we waited outside Portland’s REI last Thursday, and a local biker spawned some convo and encouraged us to head through the “Valley” vs. straight to the coast. On top of that advice were my mother’s concerns for Memorial Day traffic, then Pinot Noir tasting popped into my thoughts and so it was- the Willamette. The ride was peaceful, full of agriculture including hop vines and clover fields. Despite the initial day taking us up an unforgiving “hill” called Pete’s Mountain- where I nearly called it quits as I cursed myself up after toppling over because of the incline- it was worth the breathtaking countryside.
The third day we finally ran into some vineyards and decided to stroll into Witness Tree. There was a holiday special going on with cheese and music, so we got pretty cozy after tasting all the selections. A couple approached us to ask about our bikes, and then they offered a place to crash in Salem. We took them up on it. Turns out Amy is a musician, both her and Clifton love wine, and they had a lab named Bella. We hit it off. Here is a family pic below:
May
24
May
19
We heart Portland.
by Emily Tags: Add new tag, COYOD, Hosts, Portland
We arrived early in Portland, and are forcing ourselves to press south tomorrow. In two weeks we’ve stayed with 6 different hosts and really got around the town. The Oregon Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association’s staff is like our family now- Judy, Tracy, Melissa, Kate, etc. We got to attend both the HBO screening and Food for Thought, where we gave a little speech about our project, which naturally opened up more conversation with the people there. The connections are endless.
Speaking of connections- Rock Against Alzheimer’s crew is fabulous and we’re stoked we got to hang with them. Then there’s all the COYOD and people we’ve interviewed! We shot 4 stories, and yesterday interviewed specialists at the OHSU Alzheimer’s Center. While we were there, some guy approached us to ask about our bikes. Turns out he’s a COYOD. WTF? We’re going to hopefully connect with him today. We met a documentary filmmaker through a COYOD, and now she’s possibly down to join us for part of the trip…
Max and I are so grateful for all the people who let us bring our big loads into their homes. Our hosts deserve a very big shout out for enhancing our stay far beyond any expectations. Amy Dials- you brought us to pizza and the coolest McMenamin’s Kennedy elementary-school turned multi-pub and movie theater spot; Monica and Jeremy Sarant- thanks for connecting us with your friend at OHSU and taking us on a “little” joy ride of 40 miles; The Klitz’s- thank you for picking us up and making us instantly feel part of your amazing clan (see below for pic, Steve not pictured); The Dyer-Seeley’s- Kate, Gordy and Luke (and Dot and Sophie)- we love you!! As promised to Luke we will stop by 5-15 more times; Cassie and Omar- Stella, Petite Provencale and fun!; and our newest Portland friends Sam and Don- so happy we met Sam on the street, now we are in your home and we really dig you two.
We will miss Portland, but are getting excited for San Fran. And camping. A little time to digest it all and edit footage…
Max, Cyndi, Ryan and Sofi KlitzC
May
10
Meet Moejoe Rider and Jeremy
by Maxim Tags: Hosts
The man on the left wearing tie dye is named Steve aka Moe Joe Rider. He rode from Bainbridge Island (Seattle) to Portland. His route south was very similar to ours.
The man in the red is named Jeremy. He has opened up his house to us and we have been staying with him and his wife Monica.
Today Jeremy took us on a “short, maybe 30 mile ride” that lasted 40 miles. Along the route we came across Moe Joe. He seemed to be lost. So Jeremy went to help Moe Joe. Jeremy asked Moe Joe where he was coming from and the following conversation took place…
Jeremy: Where are you coming from?
Moe Joe: Seattle, specifically Bainbridge Island.
Jeremy: These guys (pointing to us) just rode down from Seattle too?
Moe Joe: Did they have BOB trailers?
Jeremy: Yeah!
Moe Joe: Whoa…I know them…I would stop in small towns on my way down from Seattle and the town folk would say that this couple was just here riding through town from Seattle pulling some trailers…
Jeremy: Well…come over and meet who you’ve been following.
May
5
Olympia Hospitality
by Emily Tags: Hosts
The trek from Tacoma to Olympia was less eventful than day one. But we experienced a drastic shift between tranquil Steilacoom to the practicing shooting brigade at Fort Lewis.
We were greeted by Max’s aunt and uncle Jane and John Wingfield, in Olympia last night with a van to carry our sloppy bob trailers and bikes to their warm home. Yes, we cheated for a few miles…
After cleaning up we ate more than our usual portions of chicken and pasta salad. Then around 7pm a group of about 10 lovely people showed up to hear about Spoke Your Mind and our endeavors. Max and I gave a presentation by walking through the website on a large monitor screen. After watching the SpokeTube video the group opened to discussion. It felt like a safe and welcoming environment for people to share input and ideas, and Max and I gained a lot from this small but powerful group. We hope to connect with them in the future.
Thank you Jane and John for organizing!!!
Now we must press on…