Pacific Northwest - Astoria bridge

How bike friendly is the Astoria Bridge...i.e., metal gratings, narrow/no shoulder etc.? I'm considering spending a few days at Cannon Beach and thought I would include that in one day's ride. Any other suggestions for that area?

I toured the pacific coast, and we hit the bridge. The tunnels are a little scary before the bridge, as you put some lights on, hit a blinker, and ride as fast as you can through the tunnel.

We hit the bridge in the afternoon in drizzle. there is not much shoulder. it was pretty unnerving considering the traffic, height, lack of shoulder, and numerous dead seabirds on the side where we are riding. BUT, the drivers were very nice, waiting and giving ample room. I dont remember any metal grates.

pretty much the entire OR coast there is awesome, have fun!

I toured the pacific coast, and we hit the bridge. The tunnels are a little scary before the bridge, as you put some lights on, hit a blinker, and ride as fast as you can through the tunnel.

We hit the bridge in the afternoon in drizzle. there is not much shoulder. it was pretty unnerving considering the traffic, height, lack of shoulder, and numerous dead seabirds on the side where we are riding. BUT, the drivers were very nice, waiting and giving ample room. I dont remember any metal grates.

pretty much the entire OR coast there is awesome, have fun!

I've never ridden the Astoria-Megler bridge, but it is narrow with minimal shoulders. It sees plenty of bicycle tourists, so I'd assume drivers are used to sharing the road.

I attend an event near there every August based out of Fort Stevens State Park. We ride around there on various backroads. If you can, get away from Highway 101- it's a zoo. The backroads are just about empty. In particular, Lewis & Clark Road between Seaside and the Warrenton area is very, very nice. Here's our map:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Recumbent-Retreat-Lewis-Clark-to-Seaside
The "Waterfall" ride circle's Young's Bay near Astoria- also some very quiet back roads:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Recumbent-Retreat-Waterfall-Wanderer

What kind of whackdoodle bike are you riding in your avatar?

Thanks for the responses.

Jeff - it's a Rans Stratus LE

I've never ridden the Astoria-Megler bridge, but it is narrow with minimal shoulders. It sees plenty of bicycle tourists, so I'd assume drivers are used to sharing the road.

I attend an event near there every August based out of Fort Stevens State Park. We ride around there on various backroads. If you can, get away from Highway 101- it's a zoo. The backroads are just about empty. In particular, Lewis & Clark Road between Seaside and the Warrenton area is very, very nice. Here's our map:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Recumbent-Retreat-Lewis-Clark-to-Seaside
The "Waterfall" ride circle's Young's Bay near Astoria- also some very quiet back roads:
http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Recumbent-Retreat-Waterfall-Wanderer


Ditto on routes listed here - they are fantastic!

Thanks for the responses.

Jeff - it's a Rans Stratus LE

Then save the 3rd weekend of August- that's when we come home to roost!
http://www.recumbentretreat.org/

I toured the pacific coast, and we hit the bridge. The tunnels are a little scary before the bridge, as you put some lights on, hit a blinker, and ride as fast as you can through the tunnel.
AFAIK there are no tunnels between Cannon Beach and the Astoria Bridge. One thing for certain there is nothing on the other side of the bridge.

Then save the 3rd weekend of August- that's when we come home to roost!
http://www.recumbentretreat.org/

I'll keep it in mind however, I'm not a fan of group rides; I prefer riding at my pace and schedule.

I'll keep it in mind however, I'm not a fan of group rides; I prefer riding at my pace and schedule.

I've often said that leading recumbent bike rides is like herding cats. The rides at the Retreat are somewhat like that- you get a map, there'll be other people out there riding, but there's no "group" per se unless you create one. There's nothing "mandatory" about the weekend- a number of people show up and hang out in the campground, yakking about recumbent bikes. The potluck dinner Saturday night is awesome and a good reason to get as much riding in during the day.

More about herding cats:
YouTube- cowboys herding cats

I've ridden the bridge, coming from Washington to Oregon, it's not too bad. Like with so many things, timing is the key. I rode the bridge in the morning after camping at a State Park on the WA side. There was very little traffic on the bridge, and quite beautiful to ride. The little bit of traffic there was just pulled around me and went on, so no one was bothered from what I could tell. Another advantage to the morning ride was the wind, there was none.