Heading West to Find My Pot of Gold!

Well, it's official (registered official not just Facebook official). I am skipping Ride the Rockies this year to head west to Cycle Oregon and find my Pot of Gold! I am excited that my brother Jon is going to join me for this adventure -- his first week long ride and my first outside of Colorado. 

Riding with brother Jon last year in Sacramento.

The route looks amazing, starting on I-5 in Myrtle Creek and heading west through Camas Valley and over the coastal range to Bandon on the coast in the first two days. From there (on Day 3) we will turn south along the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway to Gold Beach, home of the largest Myrtlewood Tree in Oregon (and the sunniest spot on the coast!). 

Day four is an option rest day (hmmm) or loop south almost to the California state line and back (I bet we'll ride, it won't really be beach weather with highs in the 60s that time of year). On the fifth day we will follow the Rogue River inland from the coast climbing 5,000 feet up to Bear Camp and then back down to Indian Mary Park. 

The final two days will take us tot he lumber town of Glendale and along the original California and Oregon railroads back to Myrtle Creek. Seven days, between 365 and 457 miles and 25,853 to 33,689 ft. of elevation gain, depending on options.

Hiking with brother Jon in 2014.

The best part is Jon will be along for the ride and the September date gives me plenty of time to train and should be good motivation to ride all summer long. I usually lose motivation after RTR in June and really don't want to see my bike (or sit in the saddle) again for a long time! That, and the beer tent stays open until 10 every night (gotta have our liquid carbs!). Watch out, Oregon. Here come the Williams Brothers.

Ride On!

Daren