It has been incredible getting to know the Oregon coast every day. The sea stacks and other rock formations that dominate the landscape create so many breathtaking views that some days we had to cut our ride short so we'd have time to take a stroll on the Beverly Beach, or take some time to watch the surfers at Devil's Punchbowl.
However, to be completely honest, the landscapes weren't the only things that took up our time. We had to do some carbo-loading too! How? You ask ? Well, a stop at both the Pelican Brewery in Pacific City, and the Rogue Brewery in Newport provided some of the most delicious carbs I'd had in a long time! We also stopped at Ben & Jeff's for their world famous fish tacos and shoestring fries...YUM!
We have realized that even with all of the incredible views we have every single day, many times, the highlights come from the time we get to share with friends we make along the way! There's Peter and Franziska from Zurich, Switzerland (check out their blog at: velotuur.blogspot.com -it's in German but pics are nice!), Marita and Reimev from outside Munich, Germany, Wayne from Vancouver Island, Canada, Rose from San Fran (apothocurious.com), Dana from BC, Canada, Antony from Manchester, England, Sarah and Donny from Portland (spoken2thepoint.tumblr.com), Jim and Sean from Minneapolis -yes, it is a small world (cyclingsimply.com), Chris from Portland, and many more. Morale of the story: we've made lots of new friends and we have a lot of places to stay wherever our future travels take us! Everyone's story is intriguing, but by far the most impressive bikers were a family of five: Ryan-dad, Alisha-mom, Jade-8, Eva-4, and Dillon-2. Ryan had two front panniers, two rear and a Burley trailer with Eva and Dillon in it. And Alisha was riding a loaded tandem with Jade. Twas quite impressive! Right now, they're just doing the Oregon coast, but two years ago, they did a 6 month trip around Asia! But at that time there were only two kids... ... wow.
Oregon has quite the reputation for being the bike-friendly place, and as we've found out, it's for good reason. There have been many stretches of the coast where the Oregon Coast Bike Route followed a separate, much quieter side road, off of Hwy 101. There are usually scenic bypass routes around busy cities, and very clear signage to direct you on your way. Plus, the Hiker/Biker sites at the gorgeous Oregon State Parks are usually separated from the cursed RV traffic that the bikers had already dealt with enough that day! There are literally hundreds of State Parks, scenic overlooks, and other great things to see along the coast, so if you are on the edge about whether or not to come out West and enjoy the Oregon coast...wait no longer! No offense Washington, but Oregon's coast really does make your coast look quite boring. Just being honest! :)
It's also come to our attention that just about everyone we run into is following Bicycling the Pacific Coast which turns out is essentially the Pacific Coast bike touring Bible. So we're running into a lot of the same people every few days as our paths cross yet again. There have even been times when we've rolled into camp and known every single person there. Kinda fun. But if you want to check the book out, it'll give you a more detailed idea of the kind of daily itinerary we have along this trip. Most libraries have it. Tis a fun read...at least for me it is! :)
Well, I think that'll do it for now, but as always, there will be more as the adventure continues, and our thunder thighs keep rollin' down this beautiful coast!
Enjoy the pictures!
A typical Hiker/Biker site: this one's at Cape Lookout State Park
One of the many winding mountain roads we 'enjoyed'
Look at that view! No wonder we're smiling!
Building those Thunder Thighs!
The view over Nehalem Bay State Park
The warmest day yet at Beverly Beach!
Someone was excited for some Rogue beer!
Carbo-loading...
Katie and our new friend Rose at Beachside State Park
$3.67?? Not for us!!!
Sunset on the dunes at Jesse M. Honeyman State Park
My mom always says I don't take enough pictures with people in them. Here you go, Ma!
Isn't that amazing!?!?
Sunset Bay State Park. It looked fake.
Local Dungeness Crab lunch at Tony's Crab Shack in Bandon, OR. Yummy in my tummy!
More sea stacks in the Pacific
Water break on a sunny summer day
Dinner time! Tonight? Gourmet mac n' cheese :)
Katie on one of those screaming descents. So much fun!
Just another day on the Oregon coast!
Much love from the Pacific Coast!
~B&K~
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