Cycle Oregon I

Sept. 11-16, 1988—Salem to Brookings

Day One: Salem to Corvallis, 47 miles

Starting off with a bang, there’ll be the Capitol Kickoff at Salem.  Then, we’ll make a short sprint through farm country to Independence (21 miles), one of several cities claiming to be the end of the Oregon Trail.  Lunch there will be a Food Fair.  Revitalized, we’ll wheel our way to the heart of the Willamette Valley, Corvallis (30 miles), and an evening of Carbos and Comedy.

Day Two: Corvallis to Eugene, 47 miles

First, a morning ride to Harrisburg (22 miles) for a Barbecue Pit lunch.  Then we’ll cycle down to Eugene (25 miles), long-considered one of America’s most livable small cities.  There, we’ll enjoy tours of area wineries and other sights, and an Extravaganza Dance and Beer Garden at the Hilton.

Day Three: Eugene to Florence, 84 miles

Now we’ll cover some miles (75).  We’ll make stops for the Junction City Function breakfast and lunch at the Blachly Grange Hall, then proceed through the Siuslaw National Forest to Florence and the spectacular Oregon coast.  Just south of Florence is Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, home of some of the world’s most spectacular dune formations.

Day Four: Florence to Coos Bay, 58 miles

A morning jaunt will take us through scenic coastal forests to the fishing harbor of Reedsport (22 miles).  Then we’ll ride on to the Coos Bay area (48 miles), the largest natural harbor between San Francisco and Puget Sound.  There, you’ll have your choice of a number of special Discover the Bay activities, including a Salmon Bake.

Day Five: Coos Bay to Gold Beach, 81 miles

Another big day, taking in some of the most secluded beaches and ruggedly beautiful vistas the West Coast has to offer.  First, a ride to Bandon (24 miles) for the Bandon Cranberry Juice Break (cranberries are big here).  Then on to Port Orford (30 miles) for the Coast Around the Coast Lunch.  Humbug Mountain, the Oregon coast’s second highest peak will be our backdrop.  Finally, we’ll take off for Gold Beach (24 miles) to catch the Jet Boat Jubilee.

Day Six: Gold Beach to Brookings, 28 miles

Smooth sailing for the saddle sore.  The last day’s dash will be to Brookings (29 miles) for the Brookings or Bust Bash.  But be sure to take your time.  There’ll be excellent vantage points all along the way.  As you approach Harris Beach, look for the huge, offshore monoliths and beach rock formations.

Day Seven: Rest?

“and on the seventh day, they rested…” the first Cycle Oregon tradition that didn’t survive.