July 26 2025
Eugene, Oregon
Dear Family & Friends:
July 25. Yesterday was the longest day riding on my Yamaha XT 250 Workhorse. Today, I set a record for the most distance traveled-263 miles from Ontario, Oregon to Bend, Oregon. The first half of the day was glorious, with beautiful views of the painted mountains of Oregon. The second half was not so good as I stressed over whether my 2.3 gallon gas tank would take me from Burns, Oregon to Bend Oregon-a long stretch with no cities, no gas stations and no sign of life. I pondered over what I would do if I ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere. I arrived in Bend in the late afternoon. The engine was burning fumes.
July 26. My plan was to ride to Port Orford, Oregon today and finish my trip. But, my GPS told me that this would be a nearly six hour ride. So, I decided to stop in Eugene, Oregon, which is the midpoint between Bend, Oregon and Port Orford, Oregon. The ride took me into the mountains and through beautiful forested areas of Oregon. It was truly beautiful. I arrived in Eugene just before noon and spent part of the afternoon attending Eugene’s Saturday Outdoor Market.
Tomorrow, I will reach my final destination, Port Orford, Oregon where I hope to dip my toes in the Pacific Ocean.
Leaving Vale, Oregon
Saturday Outdoor Market in Eugene
You completed another adventure so Hooray for you. Recapture the adventure of being home with loved ones and just Rest!
How is your rear end after that long day? I did 300 miles, but it was on a KZ 900 and my rear end felt it. Enjoyed your trip.
Hey Bill,
Eugene, OR was the home of Harry & Bertha Holt, farmers who were moved to go to Korea and start an orphanage, after the Korean War. Grandpa Harry used to give us orphans rides in his Caterpillar bulldozer shovel. Once, he shared some of his lunch with me viz., cold green beans straight out of the can. To this day, I enjoy cold green beans!
Presumably, you’re in Port Orford today. Have fun dipping your toe in the Pacific. The water can’t be as cold as the Missouri River in November, when you disembarked from your canoe, at Miami, MO, with exposed feet (I recall the ambient afternoon temperature was 18F!).
Congratulations on the completion of the BTAT!
Once again Melissa and I have enjoyed following your adventures!! Congratulations
Congratulations