Magnificent Manzanita
Back row (l to r): Kurt, Tom, Chip, Mandy, Dennis, Bud; Middle row: Barry, Marci, Karyn, John, Julia, Jan, Lynn, Denise, Scott, Dick, Kathleen; Front row: Karen, Ann, Martha, Michael. Not pictured: Arden (photographer), Jim, Glenice, Dee.
Thanks to venerable PBC member, Bud Rice, 25 members enjoyed a weekend of cycling segments of Oregon’s glorious Coastal Scenic Bikeway and nearby backroads.
After the requisite picture taking, we headed toward Highway 101 to trek south to Garibaldi and points beyond. While the hardiest souls followed a 70-mile route that took them to the Tillamook Air Museum, and some opted for the 53-mile route with a visit to the Tillamook Creamery, the majority of us settled for the 43-mile option, turning around at Garibaldi. Riding Hwy 101 between Manzanita and Garibaldi proved to be a surprise for several of us, yours truly included. I’ve always wanted to cycle at least some of the Oregon Coast, but was intimidated by the elevations, tight curves, never-ending traffic, and apparent lack of a sufficient shoulder. Bud’s route avoided those high-risk stretches and allowed us to feel unexpectedly comfortable. After lunch at the Garibaldi food carts, we returned to Manzanita via Miami River Road. This two-lane, moderately trafficked road offered miles of rollers and bucolic scenery. ✎
For his encore on Sunday, Bud had us exploring roads paralleling both banks of the North Fork of the Nehalem River. An out-and-back on verdant Foss Road included an eye-opener when a black bear cub scampered across the road possibly 20-30 feet in front of our intrepid leader. We enjoyed our rest break straddling a bridge crossing the river at the end of the paved road. A stint on Hwy 53 brought us rolling green hills on which to feast our eyes and occasional dairy farm “olfactory delights.” A final cruise along North Fork Road brought us to Nehalem and the steep climb back to Manzanita. Another 40-mile ride in the bag.
For those of you who have not had the pleasure of riding these scenic miles, you may want to make a point to do so before traffic makes it really impossible.
A massive thanks to Bud Rice for leading this exploration of some of Oregon’s most delightful byways!!
Julia Surtshin, Club Member