Day two and three of the Oregon Coast tour evolve into an epic quest for an elusive bicycle part. Is this a mere repair mission or a saga worthy of Greek mythology with adaptive problem-solving, multiple contingency plans, long-distance bus adventures, heat stroke avoidance, and kind bike shop professionals who go above and beyond?
Day Two Morning - Plan Multiplication
- Late wake-up due to flexible schedule
- Pig and Pancake breakfast at classic Oregon Coast institution
- 10:30 AM: First Seaside shop call - negative result
- 12:00 PM: Multiple plan permutations discussed off-mic
- Decision to purchase additional campsite night for gear security
The Great Plan Cascade
- Plan A: Dead on arrival (Seaside shop #1)
- Plan B: Dead at noon (Seaside shop #2)
- Multiple Portland options considered and analyzed
- Ian consultation reveals Monday/Tuesday availability conflicts
- Plan F: Warrenton option with Ed the Legend emerges
- 50/50 assessment of success probability based on Ed's memory
Day Two Leisure Activities
- Haystack Rock exploration and beach time
- Two consecutive meals at Pelican Brewery
- Server confusion when Tim and James reversed their lunch/dinner orders
- Extended campsite stay and gear planning sessions
Day Three - The Portland Pivot
- Early morning departure preparation and coffee
- Bus route research reveals 2.8-inch tire compatibility issues
- Warrenton bus only runs twice daily, next departure at 5:50 PM
- Strategic decision: Portland certainty over Warrenton uncertainty
- Critical discovery: Portland bus stops in Beaverton near Universal Cycles
The Beaverton Solution
- Successful mid-route bus exit in Beaverton
- 12-18 minute walk to Universal Cycles in 90-degree heat
- Online inventory confirmation: 8 units in stock
- Successful charm deployment for installation service
- Same-day return bus to Cannon Beach secured
Statistics
- Plan iterations reached: 26 maybe 100
- Bus route options analyzed: 3
- Bike shops contacted/visited: 5
- Days with minimal cycling: 2
- Temperature differential: 30 From a chilly marine layer in Cannon Beach to 90°F blazing sun in Beaverton
- Flats: 0
Notable Quotes
- "Plan F. We think from plan double Z" - Tim on the ever-evolving situation
- "It's a coin flip" - James assessing Warrenton success probability
- "Don't let us down. Don't let us down." - High expectations for Universal Cycles
- "We need a win" - Emotional state after multiple plan failures
