Touring - First mini-tour: Portland to Oceanside?

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gonesh9
05-13-04, 01:50 PM
I'm taking off the Thursday and Friday before Memorial Day for a solo ride wherever it takes me. Although I was planning on not planning much and letting destiny lead me, I've begun looking at a few options for a 3 day tour, maybe 4 if I can talk my girlfriend into letting me stay gone that long.

My first idea was to head north into the Gifford Pinchot National forest in Washington and camp out at Mt. St. Helens. Then I realized I've mountain biked up there before in the Spring, and there was still quite a bit of snow in a lot of the area.

So I'm thinking it would be cool to head west to Oceanside along HWY 6. Mapquest puts it at 82 miles, and it is through some minor (for NW standards) hills through the coast range. Would it be realistic to figure 1 day riding, 1 day hanging out/riding around the coast a bit, and 1 day riding back home? I'm fit, ride about 20 miles a day, play soccer, etc. I've ridden a few 70 mile rides before, but this will be my first tour with gear and multiple days. If I should plan on making it 4 days, I'd better start kissing up to the G/F soon! ;)

townandcountry
05-13-04, 02:00 PM
It doable. My club just did a two-day trip from Corvallis to Newport, 75 miles each way, stay overnight. Unless you stop at the Rogues Ales Brewery, then it's 72 there and 75 back. It took about 8 to 8.5 hours each day. Three days should do it. Have fun and happy trails.
pdx_gay_guy
05-13-04, 02:05 PM
Also, the Wheelmen of Portland www.pwtc.com is having their 4 day touring expedition Memorial Day weekend. Typically it starts in Vancouver, goes east for 2 days, then heads back west for 2 days. A nice round trip with some experienced tourer's.

gonesh9
05-13-04, 02:06 PM
Damn, wish I was closer to Newport so I could stop by the Rogue! :beer:
Kodama
05-13-04, 04:42 PM
Man I'd go out of my way for a trip to the Rogue Brewery :D

I've been training for my upcoming tour (only 9 days away) doing long weekend rides with my full kit. I've found that a fully loaded 50 miles feels like 70 and is about all I want to do. However, I imagine you'll have much less gear since you are just doing a few days. Are you planning on camping? cooking? These items are the bulk of my kit which along with clothes (which you'll def. have less of) weigh the most.

Have fun, I love Oregon and it is on my short list for upcoming tours.
gonesh9
05-13-04, 06:00 PM
Man I'd go out of my way for a trip to the Rogue Brewery :D

I've been training for my upcoming tour (only 9 days away) doing long weekend rides with my full kit. I've found that a fully loaded 50 miles feels like 70 and is about all I want to do. However, I imagine you'll have much less gear since you are just doing a few days. Are you planning on camping? cooking? These items are the bulk of my kit which along with clothes (which you'll def. have less of) weigh the most.

Have fun, I love Oregon and it is on my short list for upcoming tours.

Thanks for the tip-

I am planning on just bringing a sleeping bag to sleep in, and minimal clothes... so that should help. The only thing is that I'm on a raw kick lately, and a fruit and nuts gets heavy quickly. What I'm starting to think of doing is taking the Max (lighrail) out to Forest Grove and riding from there. It would cut it down to 60 miles each way that way.

Anyways, I'm looking forward to it!
gonesh9
05-16-04, 03:16 PM
O.K., change of plans....

I have a friend in Boise who wants to ride with me, and he suggested meeting somewhere halfway, which means the John Day Fossil Beds would be the best choice. I am really happy about the new change in plan, as it is an absolutely beautiful area. It is certainly worth driving the distance from Portland to start the tour, and it will be great sharing my tour with Michael.

I have driven through the area once before, but really have no clue as to which roads or route we should take. Does anyone have any experience in this area, or can recommend a book or website about a tour through there?