Thursday, January 22, 2009

The Oregon Coast

October 15th to 25th

We leave Portland over the St John's Bridge and ride through freezing rain - reminding us of the need to head south.

The Oregon coast is a 370 mile ride along spectacular highway 101 beginning in Astoria and is famously part of the bi-centennial west coast cycling route. An excellent route map is available detailing places of interest, terrain detail and camp sites.

The ride is best done north-south for 2 reasons. 1) The wind follows you and I get my first tail winds since before South America. 2) You are on the right side of the road to use the pull outs... and you will be stopping regularly. There's not a lot to say that isn't said better in pictures.

Exit Astoria East on the Oregon Coast Highway bridge....



Sue enjoys the lazy hazy breakers just South of Cannon Beach....



Some parts of the route are fairly challenging, but then that just affords better vistas....



I take a day out and enjoy a sunset; thoughtfully provided for my birthday at Rockaway Beach.... The view from my tent pitch....



Cape Mears; with it's historic lighthouse, "stack and arch" rock formations and mighty spruce trees. This one bizarrely sprouts 6 huge horizontal limbs each 12 feet around....



Exclusive lunch spots....



Herons that chase the sunset....