Ride Report : Cycle Oregon 2016 "Go for Gold"

September 25, 2016.  Windbreakers and friends have returned from Cycle Oregon #29, themed “Go For Gold”, a 7-day bicycling adventure held this year in southwestern Oregon www.cycleoregon.com.  

Every year, over 2,000 cyclists from far and wide gather at a starting point somewhere in Oregon (this year in Myrtle Creek, OR), to begin a weeklong adventure on two wheels.  Since signing up in mid-February, fellow Windbreakers John, Tom, Steve, Craig and Joe have looked forward to the day in September when they would gather their bikes, bags, tents, and chamois butter for this adventure.  On Friday September 9, these five stalwarts gathered at Steve’s house at high noon, to begin the road trip up Interstate 5.

The story of Cycle Oregon is a compelling one.  In 1987, Jim Beaver, an innkeeper from Ashland, OR, conceived the idea of Cycle Oregon.  Beaver contacted Jonathan Nicholas, then a columnist at the Oregonian newspaper, and together the two initiated the idea of a sister-city coast ride from Astoria to Ashland,  with the overreaching goal to bring tourism and generate income and economic benefit for Oregon’s rural communities. That first ride in 1988 included 1,006 cyclists.  Since then, the ride has grown to averaging over 2,000 cyclists per year, and has dispersed over $1.5 million in grants and generated millions in benefits to communities throughout the state. It has come to be known as “The Best Bike Ride in America”.

The Windbreaker caravan stopped for sleep on Friday night at the Hampton Inn in Redding, CA.  Rising the next morning, the lads continued across the state line arriving in Myrtle Creek about lunch time.  South Umpqua High School was the place, as cyclists gathered at the registration area, received their “Go for Gold” i.d. bracelets, and then dragged their bags to the grassy field that would be our campsite for night #1.  The new Windbreaker banner was unveiled here, courtesy of Joe (a tear was shed, courtesy of John). We then took a short ride into town for chips, salsa, tacos and some cold ones at El Azteca.  

The Windbreaker Banner, unveiled. Thanks to our
Ridemaster, Joe Rode.

Craig and Trail Angel Kathy arrived from visiting family in Portland - Back to camp before dark, then off to the tents.

Rolling Out

Excitement filled the air in camp as the riders gathered for breakfast.  Skies were cloudy and cool as we rolled out on Day 1 Sunday, a 53-mile ride from Myrtle Creek to Camas Valley.  As the sun broke through we followed beautiful rolling backcountry roads along the Umpqua River, through Lookinglass Valley and on the historic Coos Bay Wagon Road.  

The lads roll on through Lookinglass Valley

At Camas Valley we camped in a farmer’s field.  As we rose for Day 2 Monday (Camas Valley - Bandon; 75 miles) a cold fog filled the valley.  The buzz at breakfast was this was one of two big climbing days we were to encounter on the ride.  We met up with Steve’s brother Brian and friend Dave at the start, and headed out as the fog started to lift.  At mile 8, there it was…a steep, rutted road (Weaver-Sitkum Rd) with grades as much as 15%.  The pain and suffering was widespread, but we ventured ahead, eventually cresting at Myrtle Point with stunning views all around.  Then back down to the valley, through Dora, Fairview and Coquille, eventually arriving at the coast at Bandon.  Following camp set up, Craig and Kathy departed for a birthday celebration, and the other four grabbed dinner then to the Edgewaters Restaurant in town for calamari, clam chowder, and cold beers.  

Along the Coast

The weather was our friend as the sun rose on Day 3 Tuesday (Bandon-Gold Beach; 72 miles).  We rolled out with a spirited pace line south on U.S. 101, reaching the optional turn to Cape Blanco Lighthouse.  Following the out-back to the lighthouse we continued south on U.S. 101 and the weather cooled considerably.  We rolled up to a small cafe in Port Orford, T.J.’s Cafe, with an employee staffing an outside table selling hot coffee and donuts!

Coffee Break at T.J.s Cafe in Port Orford

 Following lunch at Humbug Mountain State Park, we continued south to our home for the next two nights: Gold Beach.  Day 4 Wednesday (Gold Beach-Brookings Loop) was another beautiful day, and we took advantage of the sunny weather continuing south on U.S. 101 with stops at Cape Sebastian, Pistol River, and Arch Rock viewpoints.  The views of the Pacific Ocean were stunning.  Happy to have a “loop” day returned to Gold Beach and lunch at Hunter Creek tavern, enjoying burgers and brews from neighboring Arch Rock Brewing Company, a local craft brewery.  Then back to the high school football field, our camp and dinner, enjoying some Widmer Ales and Eola Hills wine.  

To the Mountains.

The Bear Camp Coastal Route (Bear Camp Road) is a remote road connection traversing the Klamath and Siskiyou Mountain Ranges of the Rouge-Siskiyou National Forest.  It is closed for half the year due to weather and access, and was last used for Cycle Oregon in 1994. Day 5 Thursday (Gold Beach - Indian Mary Park; 73 miles) was the other big climbing day all were talking about.  Today’s climb was referred to by CO organizers as one of the toughest in the history of the ride.  As cyclists left the cool overcast of Gold Beach and began their day on Agness Road, anticipation filled the air.  After the first food stop at mile 30, the riders hit Bear Camp Road, a 16-mile ascent to lunch at Bear Camp Overlook.  The Windbreakers crested the overlook with panache, led by Craig, then down a long ascent to re-join the Rogue River at Galice and finish at Indian Mary Park. Following camp set up and showers, we celebrated a good, tough day in the beer garden

Raising a glass after a tough Day 6 in the saddle;
Indian Mary Park

.  Day 6 Friday (Indian Mary Park - Glendale; 67 miles) was a beautiful and challenging route through rolling countryside along Lower Grave Creek and Lower Wolf Creek Roads

Day 6 start - Indian Mary Park.  L to R: Dave, Joe
John, Tom, Steve, Brian, Craig

. Following a rest stop and the historic Wolf Creek Tavern/Inn, we rode up and over Stage Road Pass and along Cow Creek Road to lunch.  We then returned on the same roads to dinner and camp at Glendale HS.  We celebrated our final night together listening to stories from founder Jonathan Nicolas and tunes from the Tory Rose Band.

To the Finish

Day 7 Saturday (Glendale - Myrtle Creek; 44 miles) greeted all with sunshine and cool temps.  Following breakfast we rolled out at an easy pace on Cow Creek Road knowing this was the last day.  However, as we got closer to the “barn” the pace quickened, with a spirited pace line through Riddle and crossing I-5 in Tri-City then finishing at the high school. One last cold chocolate milk and the ride was done…approximately 430 miles and 30,000 ft. of climbing.  

At the finish! Ride On!

There we were re-joined by Trail Angel Kathy to organize gear and enjoy a celebration ale!  Following showers and hugs we caravaned home that afternoon/evening back to Windbreaker Country.  A great adventure! We missed our homies back in Windbreaker Country, but look forward to many more adventures.

Ride On!