Map Boy joined Windbreaker buddies Brad ("Bell Boy") and Tom ("Bobby Goat") for a fantastic week of bicycling in southwest Oregon and across the border into California in an area known to locals as The State of Jefferson. That's right, back in 1941 people in these parts set out to secede from the neighboring states and establish a new state. For a number of reasons the effort died later that same year, however one still sees all sorts of evidence that many are still holding onto the dream (see pic of Jefferson "state" flag).
Cycle Oregon '09 included a total of 478 miles starting in Medford, with rides over the Siskiyou Mountains to Yreka; on the State of Jefferson Scenic Byway near the Klamath River to Happy Camp; back over the Siskiyous and Grayback Mountain to Lake Selmac; then along the wild and scenic Rogue River to Glendale; great climbs along Cow and Snow Creeks to Goolaway Gap; and along Jumpoff Joe Creek to Grants Pass; then finally closing the loop on the Applegate Trail through historic Jacksonville to the finish in Medford. The only unfortunate "bump" in the road was a rather aggressive stomach norovirus that found its way into the traveling camp, making approximately 200 riders/volunteers very ill and unable to continue. Fortunately though, we weren't affected. All in all, a great, great ride...Ride On!
