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Oregon Coast Remix Takeaways

Don’t Rush Tent Setup: I experienced a rough night at Bastendorf Beach County Campground due to improper tent setup. I had to get out of the tent at 12:30 AM to stake it properly, improving airflow and reducing internal condensation, which kept me awake as large drops of water hit my forehead.

Every Trip Is Unique: James and I reflected on how each of our trips along the Oregon Coast differed. For example, I noted that every time I rode the coast, I used a different bike or setup, which made each journey distinct and memorable.

Critical Importance of Food and Hydration: I discovered that my difficulties during the ride were due to dehydration, which affected my overall well-being. I shifted my focus from electrolytes to drinking more regular water, especially after noticing that my urine color indicated dehydration. Also, snacks like frosted mini-wheats helped manage my energy levels.

Oregon Coast Weather’s Dual Role: The Oregon Coast’s weather was both a blessing and a challenge. For instance, while the cool, cloudy weather made for pleasant riding, the sudden appearance of the sun during our ride to Sunset Bay increased the difficulty, especially on long climbs.

Companionship on the Road: I noted that riding with James added a positive social element to the trip. Despite generally preferring to ride solo, I found it enjoyable to share the experience and have someone to talk to about various topics along the way.

Campground Upgrades: We stayed at a variety of campgrounds, each with different amenities. For instance, we found the new hiker-biker campsite at Jesse M. Honeyman State Park to be an improvement over previous experiences, with brand new facilities, flat tent sites, and a charging station.

The Value of Good Sleep: At Honeyman State Park, despite the riding challenges, I noted how a good night’s sleep helped me recover, emphasizing how crucial rest is for endurance on multi-day tours.

Adaptability to Changing Plans: The trip required constant adaptation, such as when we chose to stay at Bastendorf Beach County Park instead of Sunset Bay. This change was partly due to past negative experiences at Sunset Bay and partly because we discovered Bastendorf had amenities we preferred.

Maintaining a Positive Attitude: Despite the physical and logistical challenges, James and I remained positive, often joking about the difficulties and focusing on the highlights of the trip, such as the beautiful weather and the enjoyable ride through Bandon.

Where Are the Cyclists?: James and I are still pretty puzzled about the lack of cyclist encounters on the entire ride. We talked about some of the theories, but none of them alone explain it. Having the camps to ourselves was great but if there’s lower demand will the amenities go away?

Programming note!

Lael!

Next week we enter a new era in bike adventures… remember that ebike project? Let’s just say things escalated and you get to join me in the process!

Also… we have two more bicycle adventures left this year alone and planning for the winter trip in early 2025 is locked in. Lots more to come!

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 375: Oregon Coast Remix – Part 6.

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Oregon Coast Remix – Part 6

Segment 1: Departure from Bandon, Oregon

  – Early morning departure, catching the bus to Crescent City.

  – The stark contrast between cycling for days and the sudden speed of motorized transport.

  – Reflecting on the mixed feelings of leaving the Oregon coast but looking forward to more adventures.

Segment 2: Crescent City and Beyond

  – Arriving in Crescent City via bus and experiencing the rapid transition south.

  – The surreal feeling of covering in minutes what would have taken days by bike.

  – Exploration of Crescent City, a quiet yet interesting coastal town with a mix of old and new homes.

Segment 3: Journey to Medford, Oregon

  – Renting a Jeep for the drive to Medford, a stark contrast to the cycling experience.

  – The logistics of packing up the bike and the relief of having more freedom with a car.

  – Reflecting on the decision to spend extra money on a car rental instead of enduring a challenging bus experience.

  – Arriving in Medford and enjoying some downtime with a few beers and a simple hotel dinner.

Segment 4: The following week in Mendocino

  – Bonus content: Tim rides his Brompton to Mendocino, battling wind and heel strikes with his messenger bag.

  – The beautiful yet challenging coastal route, with reflections on the unique experience of riding the Brompton.

  – Meeting up with James in Mendocino for beers and conversation.

Segment 5: James’ Solo Journey

  – James shares his solo adventure from Bandon, Oregon, to Mendocino, California.

  – Highlights include staying at unique campsites like Florence Keller in Crescent City and Sue-Meg State Park.

  – Encountering heavy fog and low visibility while climbing out of Crescent City, but ultimately enjoying the beauty of the coast.

  – Discussion of the strange phenomenon of not encountering any other touring cyclists during the journey.

Segment 6: Reflections on the Pacific Coast Route

  – Tim and James reflect on the diminishing number of cyclists on the Pacific Coast route, speculating on reasons like the closure of Big Sur and the changing interests of the cycling community.

Statistics

• Miles Bussed from Bandon to Crescent City: 90 miles
• Miles Driven from Crescent City to Medford: 106 miles
• Miles Flown between segments: 5383
• Total Bicycle Tourists Encountered in Camps: 0
• Total Miles Cycled by James from Bandon to Mendocino: 412 miles
• Flats: 0

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 374: Oregon Coast Remix – Part 5.

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Oregon Coast Remix – Part 5

• Morning Update from Bastendorf Beach County Campground
  • Tim shares challenges with condensation and a disrupted night’s sleep.
  • Discussion on the overall rating of the campsite and amenities.
  • Plans for the day’s ride: Seven Devils Road to Bandon and finally to Bullards Beach State Park.
• On the Road to the Seven Devils
  • Decision to skip Sunset Bay and head straight to Seven Devils Road.
  • Overview of the route and expected challenges.
  • Reflections on the unique aspects of each trip and the enjoyment of new experiences.
• Riding the Seven Devils 
  • Tim describes the physical challenges of the ride, including dealing with humidity and climbs.
  • Frequent breaks and efforts to maintain hydration and energy levels.
• Arrival in Bandon
  • Arrival at Bandon Brewing Company for a well-deserved meal and beers.
  • Reflections on the ride, weather conditions, and experiences in Bandon.
  • Rating Bandon Brewing Company: 7.5/10
• Final Stretch to Bullards Beach State Park
  • The ride back to camp, facing headwinds and fatigue.
  • Comparison of Bullards Beach State Park to other campsites visited.
  • Rating Bullards Beach State Park: 8/10
  • Observations on the absence of other touring cyclists during this trip.
• Evening Reflections and Future Plans
  • Enjoying the final night of camping and discussing future adventures.
  • James plans to update his Adventure Cycling Association maps.
  • Teaser for upcoming adventure plans involving the ACA.

Statistics

• Miles biked 26.5
• Devils 7
• Beers 2
• Cyclists in camp 0
• Hikers in camp 1
• Flats 0

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 373: Oregon Coast Remix – Part 4.

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Oregon Coast Remix – Part 4

• Morning Update from Honeyman State Park

• On the Road to Reedsport
  • Riding along Highway 101
  • Hydration and appetite improving.
  • Reflecting on the camping experience and the tour’s challenges.
• Arrival in Reedsport
  • Successful lunch, hydration improved.
  • Decision to push for Sunset Bay, despite past unfavorable experiences.
• Journey to North Bend
  • Planning to reach North Bend, with a potential new campground option.
  • Discussions on the day’s remaining challenges and adjustments.
• Break at North Bend Safeway
  • Confirmed hiker/biker campsite at Coos County Park.
  • Reflecting on the tour’s modifications and feeling better health-wise.
  • Arrival at Bastendorf Beach County Park
• Recap of the day’s ride and the new campsite.
  • Comparison between Bastendorf Beach and Sunset Bay campsites.
  • Highlights include a large grassy area, numerous picnic tables, and decent amenities.
• Campground Rating Discussion
  • Tim and James rate Bastendorf Beach.
  • Considerations include amenities, location, and overall experience.
• Final Thoughts
  • Reflections on the day’s ride and feeling back to normal.
  • Plans for the following day: potentially tackling the seven devils and exploring Bandon or heading towards Port Orford.

Statistics

• Miles biked 55
• Elevation gain 3200 feet
• Appetite improvement 100%
• Meaningless hill climbs 1
• Buzzing lights at camp 0
• Wine cans imbibed 1
• Picnic tables available 40
• Flats 0

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 372: Oregon Coast Remix – Part 3.

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Oregon Coast Remix – Part 3

Morning at Beachside State Recreational Site

• Departure from Beachside around 8:30 AM.

• Planning to stop at Yachats, about 10 miles away.

• Encountered a group of young hikers.

Camp Experience

• Ratings for campsites along the way, with particular praise for South Beach and Cape Lookout.

• The soothing sound of crashing waves as a backdrop at Beachside.

Technical and Physical Challenges

• Tim’s battery anxiety despite having sufficient power.

• Horrific leg cramps and focusing on electrolytes.

• The impact of caffeine on appetite suppression and performance.

Journey Highlights

• Departure from Beachside towards Yachats and reminiscing about a previous mishap in Yachats.

• The importance of breakfast and managing indigestion during the ride.

• Discussion on the beauty and challenges of the Oregon Coast terrain.

Midday in Yachats

• James and Tim enjoyed a coffee break and discussed Lael Wilcox’s podcast.

• Description of the Oregon Coast’s scenic beauty, cool weather, and the joy of riding with a tailwind.

Mechanics and Adjustments

• Issues with bike gears and attempts at barrel adjustment.

• Reflecting on the bike’s performance and necessary future adjustments.

Arrival at Jesse M. Honeyman State Park

• Rating the new hiker/biker campsite at Honeyman State Park.

• Reflecting on the day’s ride and the impact of indigestion on performance.

Rider Reflections and Future Plans

• Tim and James discuss their potential next stops and the flexibility needed when plans go awry.

Statistics

Miles biked 35.3
Elevation gained 1427 ft
1472 ft – 435m
Calories eaten at lunch maybe 50
Bikers encountered at camp 0
Nephew post credit scenes 1
Flats 0

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 371: Oregon Coast Remix – Part 2.

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Oregon Coast Remix – Part 2

Morning in Camp

• Coffee experiment failure: James’ protein powder mishap.

• Chilly morning with heavy winds.

• Plans for the day: ride to Newport and Beachside.

Starting the Ride

•Update from Highway 101 near Depot Bay: favorable tailwinds.

•Tim’s new breakfast strategy: snacking on shredded wheat minis.

•Weather and clothing conditions: cool, foggy, perfect for cycling.

First Break

•Brief stop south of Lincoln Beach.

•Positive progress: good pace and energy levels.

•Hydration strategy with electrolyte juice.

Depot Bay Stop

•Stopping for coffee and a treat at Pirate Coffee Company.

•Reflections on past experiences and current ride satisfaction.

Cape Foulweather Climb

•Detailed description of the back road climb on Cape Foulweather.

•Scenic views and serene atmosphere.

•Comparison to previous rides and current weather benefits.

Lunch in Newport

•Meeting James for lunch in Newport.

•Longer than usual break, reflections on its impact.

•Post-lunch ride strategy and sunscreen mishap.

Riding to Waldport

•Update on the ride to Waldport after lunch.

•Grocery run and preparations for the evening.

•Anticipation for Beachside State Recreational Area.

Arrival at Beachside State Recreational Area

•Initial impressions of the campground: close beach access, sandy terrain.

•Comparisons to previous night’s campsite.

•Reflections on the ride and overall experience.

Evening Reflections

•Enjoying the evening with beverages.

•Discussion on the ride and campsite rating.

Statistics

Miles biked 50

Protein powder mishaps 1

Other cyclists in camp 0

Hikers in camp 5

Flats 0

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 370: Oregon Coast Remix – Part 1.

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Oregon Coast Remix – Part 1

Introduction

•Opening remarks from Tim in Washington D.C.

•Packing and preparation challenges.

•Importance of cable run for bike handlebars.

Travel Troubles and Adjustments

•Delayed flight and rebooking with Alaska Airlines.

•Adjusted travel plans leading to an early morning departure.

•Personal updates: spending extra night with family and dealing with remote family health issues.

The Journey Begins

•Revealing Mysterious James as a trip companion.

•Anticipation for the 10th-anniversary trip of the podcast.

•Details of the bike setup and packing.

•Weather conditions and impact on travel.

Flight to Portland

•Flight experience: busy airport and smooth connections.

•Challenges with TSA and bike packing.

•Arriving in Portland and rebuilding the bike.

Portland to Tillamook

•Riding through Portland to brother’s place.

•Adjusting the bike setup.

•Detailed plans for the next day’s travel to the coast.

•Reflections on using local transit systems.

Arrival in Tillamook

•Experience at Tillamook Safeway.

•Bus journey details and using transit apps.

•Mysterious James’s progress on the coast.

Lincoln City Campground

•Campground features and setup.

•Ratings and comparisons of the camping experience.

•Discussion on the evolution of cycling tourism post-COVID.

Wrapping Up

•Final thoughts on the day’s travel and setup.

•Looking forward to the ride through Newport to Beachside State Park.

Statistics

Miles Biked 2.5

Bike tourists in camp 0

Wine-based Choclotinis purchased 2

Mysterious Jameses encountered 1

Flats 0

Hey it’s the direct download link for The Pedalshift Project 369: Oregon Coast Remix Preview.

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Oregon Coast Remix Preview

The ride

Lincoln City – Crescent City

A couple of fast forwards (PDX-LC, Port Orford-Brookings)

Reasonable mileage

The remix – new to me campsites each night (except the last one – more in a moment)

Pros – even though this a familiar ride, the tick tock of it isn’t so it’s going to be totally different. New challenges, new rhythms. Ability to spend time in the coastal towns differently. No Sunset Bay!

Cons – I’ll miss out on some classic things like South Beach SP. Would have liked more time. Not in proper bike shape for the ride?

Unknowns – there are h/b campgrounds, but are they any good? 

Ride to Union Station, Portland

Bus to Tillamook

Ride to Pacific City?

Bus to Lincoln City

Ride hits so many new h/b campgrounds

Final night… wanted to do Cape Blanco, but in retrospect it’s just too much to get up there (steep and narrow road). Luckily, Humbug Mountain is close enough to Port Orford to bike back to grab the bus. Only campsite I’ll stay at that’s not new to me (barring disaster/change in plans)

Fast forward Port Orford to Brookings and then another bus to Crescent City airport for my car (puke avoidance tour 2024)

The gear

The Safari – same bike (well same frame and a few of the OG components) as the one that road the coast in 2014

Back from the shop and hopefully riding perfectly

Fully loaded, even bringing a stove

Flying with the Dogsbody bag (which has definitely paid for itself at this point)

Two rear panniers

Fork bags, but using the eVent bags instead of those skinny bags that came with them

Will be the closest to a “4 pannier” setup I’ve ever done

Handlebar roll (new bag)

Lots of capacity, but will try to keep amount of gear and clothing to a minimum. May look heavier than it is?

The challenges

Not in the best shape

My usual stops won’t make sense so I’ll be improvising a bit

The upsides

Brand new campgrounds – new sights to see and new perspectives of the coast

Different rhythm to the ride makes it closer to new

I’m in this for fun, not breaking speed records… hoping to stop at a few cool places I usually pass by

Might have some surprises. It’s the ten year anniversary adventure, after all!

Tour Journals start… next week!