This is based on anecdotal evidence only so not really sure I'm picking up on a trend here: just a feeling based on a few things I've noticed and my own experience over the years having toured much of the Pacific Coast Bicentennial Bike route over the years since '79 and also having driven through this area many times via automobile.

Lots of potential bike tourists may be back in school which would make non-tourists 'stand' out. And, the country's lackluster economy over the last 8 years may be a factor.

As far as the territory goes, little has changed on the ground over the years in the area we covered in a car over a week period, traveling Routes 1 and 101 from So-Cal to Mendocino in prime bicycle touring weather -- so, nothing to say about Oregon: just Cal-coastal.

It seems to me that there are fewer tourists on the roads. Additionally, there seems to be a lot more 'town people' on bikes in cities like Carmel, Monterey, who seem to travel light on bikes like tourists but with a grunge-look that seems more like a lifestyle choice than a 2-week tour with a goal to cover 700 miles.

I wouldn't call 'them' counterfeit tourists as 'they' probably could care less about blending in and passing off as tourists. If they do care, it ain't workin' because real tourists ride in more specialized bike clothing and are clean -- very clean! And they're rigging is clean. And, there're movin' on...