A drive south though Washington State was a surprise. I’d never associated the state with growing fruit; in fact it was in these valleys that 67% of America’s apples were grown along with lots of cherries, apricots, pears and these strange things:

If that was surprising then as we continued the drive we found a place that looked like a Bavarian ski resort, quite Disney-esque in its construction. Leavenworth was a gateway to the nearby ski slopes and wineries. I celebrated this phenomena with a bratwurst in a bread roll with sauerkraut. Clearly, when in Rome do as my lederhosen clad friends would do.

Along the route was a small town, Shaniko, that time forgot. However it had some wonderful cars. If you’ve been reading my drivel long enough you’ll know I like the odd old car but usually in better condition than these.

The next morning it was onwards to Bend in Oregon. Dominating our drive were the Cascades, a range of mountains covering three States but as we drove south we could see the Three Sisters (South, Middle and North) and Mount Batchelor. The snowy peaks were in great contrast to our ambient temperature of 30°C.

On arrival we were greeted by a the large urban sprawl that gave way to an upmarket downtown close to the river Deschutes, it’s here we were billeted.

In the early evening Bob (Sanders) appeared. This was why we’d driven here: to genuflect at the altar of his magnificence. Bob despite a year on since his epic, record breaking, ride as the oldest man to cycle cross America was still trim and energetic and had lined us up for a busy time. This all started with a dinner and drinks with his wife, Kathryn, and some other close friends.

What struck you immediately was the bonhomie of the group and how they all seemed to thrive with this outdoor life of exercise and great summer weather. All the men were regular golfers and Kathryn was a keen tennis player. Some of the banter was hilarious, not least with the other Bob whose dry sense of humour made me wonder if he had British ancestry. In a discussion about people and places Bob commented on one passer-by that she reminded him of someone he couldn’t remember! Jack, Bob’s support on part of the World Record ride (Kathryn the rest) was there and it was clear to see how his positive and easy going nature was a vital asset in helping a probably very tired, hungry and occasionally irascible cyclist keep going for over 3,000 miles last Spring. 

Bob enquired as to what time we’d like to start the next day and we said early. We’re usually both awake at the crack of sparrows and whilst the day was cool it seemed best to get out there. So we were shown around on foot and in the car in central Bend before a brief drive up to Mount Batchelor. A cable lift took us up halfway on the mountain and afforded some inspiring and memorable views.

At this time of year it’s mountain bikers careering down the mountain side but in winter it’s a busy ski resort. Whilst Bob bought our passes we enjoyed embarrassing him by pointing out to the women on the desk of his world record. As is the way she pulled out a mobile/cell phone to verify our information. Surprisingly this released a 10% discount! I say surprisingly as our ascent demanded some lengthy form filling and as another member of staff took an age over this task Bob did provocatively enquire as to whether this was her first day on the job!

In our day together Bob talked a little of his military service: he was a Vietnam veteran. In the US they honour and seemingly support their former combatants so much better than the British do. Of course this war was decades ago yet the traumas still sit in the lives of its participants. A reason for Bob’s long distance cycling was as the result of finding a physical activity that attempted to manage these demons. 

Later we met Kathryn again at their lovely home. Stories flowed of their international travel and postings together and some hair raising stories of Bob’s career as a City Manager. (The UK equivalent would be as the CEO of a town council.) One town he managed had considerable embedded corruption and the vested interests had little enthusiasm for his overhaul and removal of the fraudulent parties. It got so fraught that the head of the local police offered him a firearm to keep Kathryn and himself safe. Of course Bob was no stranger to firearms but decided another job might be an even safer solution! 

We then dined out in the centre of town to complete a wonderful trip to Bend with dear friends.