(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)
Today’s ride was all about what happened off Highway 101.
The 50 or so riders on the People’s Coast Classic woke up early from an RV Park campsite on the outskirts of Tillamook to tackle an 80+ mile route that took us all the way south to Newport. Along the way, we sampled some prime (as in, off the highway) sections of the Oregon Coast Bike Route. Even with one of the three capes of the legendary Three Capes Scenic Route closed due to a landslide (some chop-happy loggers clear-cutted a section of forest right above the road and there was a landslide as a result), the route was still something I won’t soon forget.
Netarts Bay Road was an early-morning treat. The pelicans and sea gulls far outnumbered the humans…
Then, as we approached and rolled past Cape Lookout State Park, we sampled some of the finest roads on the Oregon Coast Bike Route. I’m not sure who has jurisdiction over Cape Lookout Road (is it Tillamook County or ODOT?), but it was fantastic to ride on. It had a well-marked bike lane that averaged at least five feet wide and it led to a splendid 2.6 mile climb that was made even better by early morning mist and costumed cheerleaders at the top yelling, “We love you! You are awesome!”
Our descent to Sandlake Road opened up into a wide valley that reminded me of a, well, lake of sand. Dunes on both sides made for a breathtaking view. After the dunes, the Three Capes Scenic Route continued through a pastoral valley…
A few rolling hills later, with ocean waves breaking just off our handlebars, we rolled down into the sweet little surfing town of Cape Kiwanda. I usually get irked by debris in bike lanes, but in Cape Kiwanda the bike lanes are filled with sand and I didn’t mind it one bit…
After Cape Kiwanda we made our way back to Highway 101. I dreaded it; but when I got there I found a freshly paved road with a wide shoulder that was smooth and free of debris. Kudos to ODOT for this fantastic stretch of the highway. It makes a world of difference to those of us on bicycles…
Then came our first detour off Highway 101, and one of my favorite discoveries of the summer: Slab Creek Road (a.k.a. National Forest Road 12, a.k.a. Neskowin Scenic Drive). This 10 mile diversion is a relatively carfree, riding paradise. It follows Neskowin Creek through lush forests and it treated us to a grin-inducing descent after a good solid climb…
Back on Highway 101 was a definite buzz-kill. It’s amazing to me that ODOT allows such a contrast of facilities on the Oregon Coast Bike Route. Some parts are all but inhospitable to anyone not in a car or RV; while other sections are sublime. I wish they’d realize that the quality of a route is only as good as it weakest section. One of the biggest problems I see out here is how ODOT treats bridges. Most of the time, the shoulder (a rider’s refuge) vanishes. In Lincoln City I was on a small bridge, taking the lane as it was my only option, and a person drove mere inches from me. It was very scary…
As I rolled south, taking advantage of the very strong tailwinds, I spotted a trail leading into the woods near Boiler Bay. Luckily, I have a bike that is sure-footed off-road, so I did a bit of exploring and I found what looked like a brand new singletrack into the forest along the highway. It was only 3/4 of a mile or so, but is was so much fun!
The Otter Crest Loop was another memorable diversion we enjoyed today. The road begins near Rocky Creek State Park and continues for several miles, passing the iconic Ben Jones Bridge and the Cape Foulweather Lookout, a must-see tourist stop. What sets Otter Crest apart is its dedicated bike lane and one-way (southbound) for drivers…
As I rolled south for the final miles of today’s journey, I noticed some of the sharrows that the City of Newport recently laid down. They’re OK, but many of the places they put they put them seem unnecessary given the very low traffic volumes and ample width lane to work with…
The finale of the day was crossing the Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport. It’s another hair-raising bridge for those of us on bicycles. Some folks took the lane, but I opted for the sidewalk because it was there and I figured it’d be easier to stop and snap photos…
Tonight we’re sleeping in the shark tank of the Oregon Coast Aquarium (seriously).
Thanks for following along on my trip. You can view all my photos from day two in the gallery. And let’s give a big round of applause and thanks to our News Editor Michael Andersen for holding down the fort while I’m away. Thanks Michael!