Cycle Oregon takes over the southern coast

Bonfire on Gold Beach to end day three.
(Photos: J. Maus/BikePortland)

We’re joining Cycle Oregon a bit late this year. The 2,500 or so people that make up this ride (about 2,000 or so riders and hundreds of volunteers, supporters, and staff) are now settled into a beachfront camp.

This is the closest to the coast Cycle Oregon has camped in the ride’s 29-year history. And from what I’ve seen so far, everyone’s taking full advantage.

After dinner the Bike Gallery put on their annual Bike Rodeo — a friendly competition aimed at entertaining a tired crowd and perhaps take their mind off muscles sore from recent climbs. Events included a slow race, foot down derby, bike limbo and jousting.

Many of the tents are set up with spectacular views of the water. And after most people had already snuggled into those tents for bed, a huge bonfire erupted out on the beach.

The crowd amassed around the fire was a jovial mix of local high schoolers and Cycle Oregon riders. And it happened under a big moon on a clear night.

This is Oregon at its best.

Stay tuned all week as we bring you more coverage from the road. Tomorrow we’ll ride down the coast to Brookings and then we head back inland toward Grants Pass over Bear Camp Road.

— Jonathan Maus, (503) 706-8804 – jonathan@bikeportland.org

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Cycle Oregon, Front Page
Cycle Oregon