Up ahead: Coastal Pedaling 101; 2021

For those who are curious, here is my planned route down the coast. I’ll start in Washington State, hit every spot worth seeing along the Oregon coast, and finish amid the California Redwoods.

These maps don’t necessarily capture the exact route I’ll be taking, but they do capture my intended overnights. I’m allowing myself flexibility, with 3 days off the bike to spend wherever I want or need to, so I won’t put any goals for dates for any one overnight. I’ll have the freedom to push on and have fun, and have the freedom to bail anytime, should I be halted by fires, smoke from fires, rain, broken gear, COVID, or other apocalyptic scenarios that are the norm these days. This adventure is not about the destination. It’s entirely about the journey. Wish me luck!

Old West Scenic Bikeway

Ride Summary

Experience

* I didn’t feel much like riding, and worried I wouldn’t make it “all the way”. Like usual, I underestimated myself and did just fine. Eventually I relaxed enough to enjoy the scenery.

Weather

* W
arm and sunny

Spotted

* A few other cyclists on the road, all going the other way, all looking like they’ve been bikepacking for a very long time.

Roads

* Delightful. There could have been more shoulder considering this was a “scenic bikeway” with fast moving trucks, but it was fine.

Mechanicals

* None

Nothing but Tailwind

Ride Summary

Experience

• I felt so tired and out of shape. But the wind pushed me along this flat (downhill, actually!) one way track. I had to dig deep at the very end, repeating my pedal mantra for an hour. It hurt my ego and helped my ego all the same.
  

Weather

• Warm and sunny

• Wind at my back the whole time.

Spotted

• A new style or urban, secured sharps disposal container

Roads

• Wow- there are so many more bike paths in Salem than I imagined!

• Smooth, well maintained- Oregon still hasn’t let me down.

Mechanicals

• None