The journey of 4000 miles had a pretty soft start. Linda drove us to Newport, we carried our bikes to the water and dipped the rear wheels in the Pacific. A quick photo op and we were off. We only went .1 mile when we saw a bakery so we stopped for a pastry and cup of coffee. Then we got down to business and rode the 60 miles to Corvallis. It was Danny's first time on a bike in several months, so we took it pretty easy. He felt strong by the end of the ride and his bike and my old Brooks saddle worked well. We overnighted in Corvallis, doing last minute packing and shopping. It was also a last chance for Linda's home cooking and to sleep in our own beds for a while. Today will be the first day loaded, and we'll have a flat 40 miles to Coburg. Tomorrow will be uphill river grade to McKenzie Bridge. The following day will be our first pass fully loaded, crossing the Cascades at McKenzie Pass. Beyond the pass we have a route, but no schedule. The time pressure will be supplied by trying to make it over the Rockies at Jackson Hole before the snow flies.