After completing the club tour in southwestern Oregon July 27 thru August 3, the Team headed northeast via Crater Lake, Bend, Mitchell, and Baker to the Oregon border. The riders were slowed by unseasonably hot weather, saddle sores, and consumption of mass quantities of food.

Spend a little, eat a lot has become the official team slogan, Ride and Pie the unofficial tour name. "We're enjoying all the berry pies along the way...even one called Marion Berry, honest", says Gene.

Having adjusted to the rigors of the road, the Gang of Six reached Idaho at last in week three (yes, they spent two full weeks in Oregon!). Their route through the north central part of the state included stays in Council, White Bird, and Lowell. With temps still in the 90's, they rode along the Salmon, Clearwater, Selway, and Lochsa Rivers. Gorgeous scenery, great riding, high spirits.....

On Friday, August 16, the Team arrived in Missoula, Montana, home of Adventure Cycling, mecca for cross-country cyclists. Although no one was there to take their group photo, they did pick up the latest 5-pound coffee shipment, compliments of sponsor Java City. Gene also mentioned something about drinking Moose Drool...beer.

As this is written, the riders are on their way to Glacier and Waterton National Parks, where they will climb the famed Going-to-the-Sun Road. They'll then take a few days off to enjoy the parks before heading on to the prairies of eastern Montana and North Dakota.

To date, they have ridden approximately 1,600 miles, including 400 (hope this is right) miles during the club tour, and are keeping fairly close to their projected 75-mile daily average. They quite literally are having the time of their lives on this Grand Adventure. If any of you would like to pass on messages/greetings to the Team, I'd be happy to serve as the conduit!

- - patti masuda