| Date: October 5, 1999 | | Location Canada to Mexico - #17 - Elkton to Tugman Park | | Where: William Tugman State Park | Tuesday - Jim writes
I write tonight snug & dry in our yurt here at Tugman State Park. And it's a good thing too, as it is raining. It rained last night while we were camped at Elkton RV Park, but stopped by morning, so we were able to ride in the dry all day. It started raining again this afternoon right after we settled into the yurt.
Our ride from Elkton to Reedsport along the Umpqua River is one I would recommend to other cyclists. Highway 38 is probably the easiest bicycle route over the coast range in Oregon. We enjoyed its wide shoulders, gentle grade, and scenic river views. Roadside views of several elk herds were a special treat.
In Reedsport we stopped at a cafe, the Sugar Shack, for lunch. We always get some interesting glances and comments. Next to us two men sat stuffing their faces with donuts. One, weighing about 300 lbs, shook his head and pronounced, "Riding bicycles is just too dangerous". Oh yeh, I thought, ever hear of a heart attack?
Heading south on 101 we climbed to a scenic viewpoint. We were met with smiles from two fellow travelers. With no bikes in view, but several bags and a backpack and a dog, I decided that they were on foot.
"Hey, how much did you pay for your bike?" blurted out the most coherent of the two.
I glanced at a nice Kelty back pack, which seemed a little out of place with their dirty faces and dread lock hair. Their pants had holes of every description and dirt in layers.
"Quite a bit", I said evasively.
"I was pretty sure it was a good bike the way it climbs the hills", he added
"Well, yes it is. Where you headed?", I asked, trying to change the subject.
"San Francisco" they said beaming.
"Really", I said, "where did you start?"
"Well the last place we stopped for any time was Montana. We were near Missoula a couple of weeks ago for a Rainbow gathering."
The more coherent one paused looking closely at me for a reaction. I gave none, only a blank reply, "I've heard of it."
Taking our leave as soon as possible I said to Jeanette once we were out of earshot, "Boy I sure don't want them to know where we are camping tonight."
"Are you locking the bikes?" she asked. "
Yes", I replied, "First time this trip."
|  | | Jeanette at our yurt Days Distance: 47.7 miles
Days Climb: 850 feet
Days Average Speed: 11.5 mph
Days Max Speed: 29.0 mph
Total Distance: 823.6 miles |
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