Monday, September 20, 2021

Oregon Coasr Bike Route

Sunday September 19 202 , Port Orford to Goldbeach Yesterday's storm had passed and we could see the sun throgh a thin fog.Had a real breakfast and decaf for Mac and got on the bikes. Right away we climbed to a view point, but the ocean was shrouded in fog. we continued on and soon reached Humbug Mountain, We cruised thruogh the very nice campground. The ride up Humbug was very gradual and we enjoyed a long down hill without any shoulder at all. It was Sunday and there were hardly any big riggs. For a long way we rode right along the sea. The surf waas big and wild. At noon we stopped at a picnic area and had some fruit. It was sunny and warm and we sat there for a bit and watched the big breakers. The route took us more inland. It was flat and boring. After several miles we could get onto an alernate road which took us through another posh neighberhood with beautiful housed facing the beach. At first it was sort of a roller coaster ride. This road took us to the Rogue River. There were many boat fishing for Salmon. We rode up a little hill to get to the long beautful bridge and crossed into Goldbeach. Tomorrow we will ride the last 50 miles to Crescent City and the end of our long distance Ride.
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Saturday, September 18, 2021

Oregon Coast Bike trai

september 18 2021 Thank you Paj we really appreciate all your comments.
9/18/21 Woke up to misting rain. Decided to go anyway because weather report said no rain for 7 hours. The route took us thru the posh neighborhoods of Bandon along the ocean passing Facerock named because you can see a face in the rock. There were lots rocky intertidal areas. After 6 miles we got back on hwy 101heading south into 15mph winds. we passed several cranberry bogs. Stopped at the market in Langois which advertises world reknown hot dogs. They looked just like normal hot dogs. we did buy a bag of gummy bears and sat on a bench while a squall came and went. We continued going into the headwind all the way to Port Orford. Port Orford is known as the oldest town on the Oregon coast established in 1851 and gateway to the Americas wild rivers coast. The dock is the only open water port on the Oregon coast and one of the dolly ports in the world where recreation and commericial boats are lifted out of the water daily. there's Battle Rock across the street from our motel. It was the site of a battle between the local native Americans and explorer. Our motel is called the Battle Rock and is one of last family owned motels left that was built in the 50's. its quaint but clean. I had made a reservation in the morning. At about 7 miles out the owner stopped us and said they had errands but had left the key under the mat. We were glad he did because we were cold and wet. It was nice and warm inside the room. We had dinner at the Crazy Norweigian restaurant. It advertises "best fish and chips on the Oregon coast". They did have good fish about as good as the Pacific City sleeze bar. The clam chowder was good too. It started raining again while we were eating and we walked to the motel in blowing rain.
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Oregon Coast Bike Route

FRiday SEptemer 7 2021 NOrth BEnd to Bandon We had a late start today and skipped breakfast because we wanted to have lunch in Charleston.CHarleston is a quait fishing village known for it's safe harbor. The route took us onto Oregon Highway 540 better known Cape Arago Hwy. We rode through some urban neighbor hoods and then along Coos bay. We stopped at an historical site which used to be an Native American vllage, later being takenover by white people. We rode with quiet a bit of traffic on very bad shoulder in places. Had fo be really careful Reached Charleston after 9 miles in time for lunch, rode down to the harbor and had Tuna chips. N ow the climb over the seven devils will start. Out of the harber a short flat for 1 mile, a sharp left turn onto the sevendevals road. Right away a ery steep bitch, had to shift into sport to get over it and so it went up and down until we were over the seven hills. Sometimes I thought I was in hell with the devils. It was't just the hills, there was more traffi, that me made to believe and there were some very angry drivers who did not like us slowing them down. There were no shoulders or bike lanes even
so the route send us there. But we preserverd and then there was a long down hill back to 101. We did have to cross another Bridge over the Coquille River, but we are used to them now. We rode into Bandon old town, people were sitting out doors enjoying the sun, food and drink. We checked into our hotel and walked to Face Rock Creamery for an ice cream. We passed the washed ashore sculptur a cumunity art project that uses plastic and such washed up on the beaches. We could see the Ccquille River Light House on the point across the river Saturday, Septemer 18 it was raining during the night We are going to wait till nine and decide weather to go on . We hesitate to ride 101 in the rain S

Friday, September 17, 2021

Oregon Coast Bike Route

FLorence to NOrth Bend THURSDAY September 16 2021 WE left FLorence fairly early because we had to cross the Siuslaw River on the beautful old bridge. There would not be a lot of traffic early. By now the bridges don't scare me much any more. After the bridge we climbed a bit and stopped at an overlook with a view of the south jetty, we passed the Oregon Dunes Recreation Area where poeple enjoy riding around in ATV things and dune buggies. we passed by several large lakes and eventually reached the town of GArdiner, which is on the es
tuary of the Umpqua RIver,the town was mnamed after a Boston MErchant, whose ship wrecked here in 1850. we reached Reedsport where MAc insiste to stop for pie. We crossed the UMpqua RIverr BRidge. It is the states largest swing span bridge. We passed through the small Fishing village of Winchester bay which is near the mouth of the Umpqua River. It also has the tallest dunes on the Oregon Coast. We kept riding with very heavy traffic. We stopped at a view point and met a young biker, who had started at the Canadien Border. WE discussed how best we would cross the longest bridge along the coast when it was built in 1936. it is 5,305 feet long and rises high over the water. should we ride on the side walk, too narrow for me so I would walk my bike and the guys would ride? However when we got to the bridge we decided just to ride, put the bikes in turbo and went for it. We got over it fairly fast.THe speed limit is 35 and my odometer read 28. We had a reservation at Quality INn in North Bend for the NIght, SHower felt great and we walked to CAptains CHoise for a wonderful dinner of Oysters and FIsh. Tomorrw we will ride to BAndon on an alternate route were we will have to get over the seven Devils. . .

Oregon Coast Bike Route

WEdnesday September 16 2021 Florence We woke up to another sunny morning. Went out looking for breakfast,but the little restaurant were Mac could get an American breakfast was closed.We did not want to ride on 101 to look for a place, so went back down into Old Town to the cofee shop by the wharf. The do not serve bacon and eggs and hash brown. We each had a bagle with cream cheese and Mac got some decaf. We had decided to spend the day at the beach.We rode along Harbor Road along the Siuslaw River to a little county park for lunch. It had become very windy and the gust almost through off the bike. We rode down to the jetty and on to Hecata Beach.there we watched a kite surfer being dragged long by thebwind and finally his kite crashed into the the beach. I think it broke. we could see the wind blowing the sand off the dunes, we decided it was not a good day for the beach. Rode the 10 miles back to our Light House Motel and hung out till dinner at the wharf.we have been eating Fish and choeder everybday. leraving Forence tomorrow.

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

Oregon coast bike route

Wednesday september 15 2021 Last night Mac wrote the blog and he did not mention some of the interesting sites we passed and stopped at. We left waldport and right away there was a small hill to climb from there we got wiews of the beautiful beaches below us. Passed through Yachats and crossed the Yachats river. Elks come down to the meadows early morning and late night.We did not see any. we stopped at Devils churn where basalt forms the shore and is penetrated by a split in the rock that narrows to a few feet before finally disappearing into the cliff We passed by Cape Perpetua, but did not ride the scenic loop where we would have had to climb 600, From the view point we could look down to the ocean where there were many blow holes and one had a spetecular view down to the coast. After leaving this view point we started climbing for a while to another view point, then a bit of down hill, sometimes you have to take the lane, when there is no shoulder it was easy going until we climbed up to the Tourist attraction Sealion Caves, another downhill with no shoulder a big Motor home had to stay behind me.We stopped at Heceta Lighthouse which was buit in 1894 and flashes every10 seconds we stopped for a little while on the beach and had a snack.From there it seemed a long boring ride to Florenc. The Motel looked pretty funky and I was wondering, but it is nice inside with friendy people and a couple of Parrots. They even did our Laundry, We had Fish taccos and clam chowder for dinner and BJ ice cream for dessert. ANother great day and ride. TOmorrow on to NOrt BEnd8 , ,

Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Sept 14, 2021 Had breakfast near our motel. It looked like a country weatern bar with a big dance floor. The were several that were drinking their breakfast. After leaving Waldport we got a good look at the bridge we crossed the previous day. It spans the Alsea river. We got to the cute little town of Yachats and stopped at the market to pick up some fruit for lunch. We had eaten here 2 months ago and got an ahi sanwhich that had what seemed like a pound ahi steak and reasonably priced. But this this time we had just had a meal 12 miles ago. This stretch of the coast is a lot like big Sur with nice beaches interpersed with high cliffs. At heceta head there is beautiful lighthouse and keepers house above a nice beach. We had a short tunnel to go thru but it wasn't that bad. Turned the flashing light on and put the bike in turbo and you're thru. There were some narrow stretches but for the most part people were careful except for some diesel pushers didnt want give up any lane. After the head there was about 10 miles of rolling boring road till we got to Florence which is4 a long drawn out town. Our lodging is a funky 50s motel but it's
near old town so we can walk to meals. When Johanna first saw it she was skeptical but she softened. It called the Lighthouse Motel if you want to google it. We are taking a zero day tomorrow and probably go beach walking. We started this venture wihout much distance base and our butts weren't really ready.
This is Mac. we are having trouble getting the pics in right order and can't put the captions on the pics. The last post was supposed to have a video and that didn't work out. I'll try the video again. it's a pan of the beac near Lost Creek rec site. Whoever said Apple was easier to use was mistaken.

Monday, September 13, 2021

Oregon Coast Bike Route

Hi all I am doing this blog on my I pad, which some times has it's own mind. So,please excuse the mistakes I hope you enjoy the photos Mac took

Oregon Coast Bike Route

Monday Sept 13 2022 Aga
in we woke up to blue skies. Went back to the Sea Hag for breakfast. It was hard to leave Dep ot Bay.It is a special place. This morning the sea was not as wild. We stopped for a while by the sea wall, but did not spot any whales. We rode for a while with heavy traffic butsoon were able to take an alternate route where we stopped and hiked to whale cove. Sometimes whales hang out there, but not today. This route took us to Cape Foulweather,so named by Captain cook. To the south we could see Otter Rock and Devils punch bowl an intriging basalt formation with facinating wave action. Too soon we were back on 101 with fast and loud cars zipping by us. We preseverd and made into Newprt on the signed bike routeand were able to stop for ice cream. We left Newport and crossed the Yaquina River on a long, long bridge were some one screamed "walk your bike". Mac pushed the button and we went for it. There was a lot of loud heavy traffic and after a while we fled into Lost Creek State park for a break. Traffic was heavy and loud all the way to Waldport were we spend the night. we are now 175 miles into the trip. Its been great so far Tomorrow to Florence and a lay over day. g les

Sunday, September 12, 2021

Oregon Coast Bike Route

September 12 2021 We left Pacific City and the route folllowd the Nestucca River. Fishermenn are drawn to this river by Steelhead and 50 lb Chinook Salmon. Eventually the road took us back to 101 and we followed it to the town of Neskowin. On one of the ovrooks we met another biker who had started in Canada. Surprisingly he was also riding a riese and mueller bike,and was very happy with it. After we passed the little town the route took us to old Highway 101. it was a delighfull ride through a the very quiet country side along a little river. Soon the 700 foot climb started, but it was a lot easier not as steep as the 900 ft one from the day before.It was a long downhill and finally the route took us back to a main highway which after a few miles spit us out onto 101. We rode in heavy traffic and missed the turnoff to the route with less traffic and rode into Lincoln City on main 101. The ride through town was not fun, Bike lanes non excisting, we made it ok and Found Mo's famous for clam chowder. It was delicious. It was only 15 more miles to Depot Bay, Found our motel. Rode down to the seawall to watch the wild Ocean and saw whales blowing in the distance, Had more clamchowder and a beer at the Sea Hag. Tomorrow to Waldport.

Saturday, September 11, 2021

Oregon Coast Bike Route

SAturday September 11th 20 We did not spend much time in Tillamook,There were crowds of people at the cheese factory, I guess thats what people do when they get to Tillemook Factory and cheese, I don't know, Anyway we went to Pelican Brewery and had a Beer and turned in, We did have real good Fish and chips from a food truck in Garibaldi. We left Tillamook fairly early, since the breakfast the Hotel served a burrito wrapped in paper, there was something really hot and I could not eat it. I remember the breakfasts on past rides, IT is what it is and we had some cheese and flatbread at abreak down the way, WE left Tillamook on a beautiful sunny day and the road took us through farmland untill we met a potholed gravel road with some cowfaced steep grade, I had to resort to turbo just once to get me over a hump,luckely we soon met the paved road along the mudflats of Netarts Bay, Many people were clamming,We stopped at whikey creek Fishhatchery for a break and a bite to eat, The long 900 ft. climb was coming up, we passed the trail to cape Lookaut, but did not feel like hiking the trail,There were beautiful views of the ocean below and and there will be photos posted, The down hill was long and very fast with no bike lane or shoulder, But drivers were polite and passed when safe. However when we got to the flat road two yokels in pickups reved their motors and spewed diesel fumes over us as they passed, We passed cape Kiwanda with big Hotels, tons of cars in the parking lot and lots of people, it was another 3 miles to P.C, which is not your typical Tourist town,checked into our cute motel, we were very hungry and went to a sleeze bar,because of the best oysters and dory caught cod and it was the best. Af
ter lunch we took a ride to Bob Straub state park. we stopped at the launch ramp aqnd watched guys in drift boats fishing for salmon. on the way back we ran into a place offering camel rides. Tomorrow on to Depo Bay