While some students may have elected to spend spring break sipping Mai Tais by a swimming pool, 10 adventurous University of Oregon students took 10 days off to travel down one of the most popular bike touring routes on the West Coast – the Oregon Coast scenic bike route.
The cyclists loaded their bikes with camping gear and supplies before heading off during finals week on Wednesday, March 16. They returned a week and a half later on Sunday, March 27, just in time to start spring term.
The trip began from the UO Outdoor Program’s bike barn (at East 18th Avenue and University Street) and then ran down the scenic Smith River Road to Coos Bay, Oregon. From there, the group made its way down the coastline to San Francisco, where it crossed the Golden Gate Bridge eventually taking an Amtrak from Emeryville, California, back home.
During the tour, cyclists were treated to many stunning sights, from the towering trees of the Redwood forests to the expansive Pacific Ocean at the California coastline. A great sense of accomplishment washed over the entire group as they reached the end of the Golden Gate Bridge and concluded their 700-mile adventure.
“The highlight of the trip for me was biking through the Redwoods,” said UO student Katie Nock. “True bliss is riding down the hills through Redwood National Park and then stopping to eat a chocolate chip cookie at the bottom.”
The cyclists also met their fair share of challenges along the way, as they had to contend with numerous flat tires, unpredictable weather and steep hills. Through their own ingenuity and the help of several cyclist-friendly communities, the group was able to overcome every obstacle set before them. One clever solution involved several cyclists slipping their socked feet into plastic bags to stay a little dryer on days when the rain refused to let up.
Thanks to Warmshowers.org, a website devoted to helping wayfaring cyclists, the UO group was also able to get in contact with several gracious hosts who provided places to shower, wash clothes and rest after a long day on the road.
“The worst and best days of my life both happened on this 10-day journey,” said UO student Megan Brehm. “Coming out of it I feel crazy for making the decision to go on this trip, but I’m satisfied for having done it.”
Student and UO Bike Program employee Halley Anderson organized the trip to share her love of bike touring with others. She used the program’s resources to start networking and found several interested cyclists. Once she had a cohort assembled, they began to train for the trip by spending their weekends biking around Eugene and the surrounding area.
Each participant either rented a bike from the UO Outdoor Program or had their own bike inspected by one of the program’s mechanics to make sure it would be in acceptable condition for the trip.
Anderson was pleased with how the trip went and hopes that this will be the first of many tours she will initiate during her time as a student at UO.
“I’d say it was a raging success,” said Anderson. “Everyone fell in love with living on their bikes.”