Mtnbud & Doug: yes, I think it was the Juniper trees that got me since my eyes were back to normal the next day when I woke up in Ontario. While it's no way to meet people, I was so impressed by everyone I met. The folks of your state are simply awesome and I definitely want to go back to the John Day area (Picture Gorge, etc).
BigBlueToe: I had a bike shop raise the handlebars for me, but he was only able to raise them about an inch. I think I'm more comfortable in a more straight position on the saddle, but he said that the bars were up as far as they could go. Still, it's definitely better than before. Would you mind posting a picture of your bars and brakes? I'd like to see what worked for you. My problem right now is that I'm still having trouble with the left shifter. Part is that the strength isn't fully back, but a lot of it is that the left shifter is really tough to move. I asked the bike shop if they could make it like the right shifter and he said they couldn't because of the cables. I'm not sure why, but the mechanic seemed to know what he was doing. The right shifter is very smooth when I hit it but if I try to move the left, it takes the whole hand actually pulling it from the side, not a nice push with the fingers.
My current plans are to start taking some local trips. I didn't do that in the past because the area isn't exactly the best for a lone female, but it's either that or vegetate. The only other bikers I've seen around here are locals traveling to and from work on bikes that are held together by little more than a wing and a prayer and a group out of Guad who ride to here and back every weekend. I've thought about seeing if anyone would like to form an informal club to ride, but something seems to hold me back. I don't know if I just don't like losing the spontaneity of riding when I want or if I'm not really good in group environments...or both.
Hubby and I are going to drive around the lake (about 155 miles) to see if it can be done safely by bike. If so, it'll be a good route to follow every few months until I can start taking longer in-country trips. Then....another Xcountry try in the US.
