Vol 17 No 6: August 2008
Click here for August 2008 articles
Welcome to another edition of Oregon Cycling! This issue, we escape from the sweltering inland heat and turn our attention to the coolest place around: the Oregon Coast! Late summer is arguably the best time to head to the coast, unless your argument for best time includes wind, rain, then more wind, followed by some rain. I exaggerate only a little.
This time of year, though, you’re more likely to encouter unbroken days of sunshine at the coast than at any other time. Of course, the fickle Pacific Northwest marine climate can always throw you some curves… but we’re talking statistics here. Statistically, you had better head out right now because time’s a-wasting!
Every year, it seems more and more people are getting into bike touring. Who can blame them, ask seasoned touring folk. After all, gas prices are changing so fast that there has recently been a run on (and consequent shortage of) plastic numeral 4’s for gas station price signs. I hope someone’s started in on manufacturing the 5’s and 6’s or we’re going to have some real problems. I guess you don’t have to be seasoned touring folk to understand that, but it’s fair to say that more people are getting on bikes, and when that many people get a taste for life in the saddle, it’s only a matter of time until they start thinking farther afield. Like, how far can this machine take me? The next question they usually ask is, “what’s the best way to get to the coast from here?”
This issue, we attempt to answer that question with some ideas on getting to the coast from the southern Willamette Valley. You’ll also find some ideas about what to do when you get there. Late summer is prime time for events at the coast, and this year’s Oregon Coast Cycling Festival in Curry County and Newport’s Yaquina Lighthouse Century will be sure to draw in the crowds looking to escape their landlubbin’ lives for a while and get a taste of some salty air.