A trip to Bend

A few folks from Sport-Touring.net were getting together in Bend, so I decided to head down for the weekend since it's so close. Something like 200 miles, I think. I left about 2 pm Saturday afternoon, after my HTML class. I was making good time until the road turned in gravel, so I turned around to make good time on the right road. It's a bit easier that way, or so I hear. I finally make it down there around 6 pm. Met a bunch of folks who I've seen their posts for a while, but never met. (The internet is like that.) About 30 bikes, and a few more people. VFRfan (Peter) was hosting the BBQ at his house. He, his wife, and his father all were gracious hosts, and I had a great time.

I crashed for the night in a bunk at McMenamins Old St. Francis School - http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=98&id=737 - For $30 it was a great place to stay. They've also got normal hotel rooms a a few guest cottages. Right in the heart of downtown Bend, too.

We had breakfast at the Blackbear Diner at 7:00 am, before scattering to the winds. I took a detour through the Willamette National Forest before heading over to Corvallis, and back to Portland. Great weather, and a wonderful ride.