Since we are not ever really in a hurry, we always always opt for the less busy roads. This often means more hills, less towns (so we need to carry more water and food), less cars and longer routes. Some people ride from point A to B with their miles per day preplanned because that is either just how they are or that is all the time allotted, therefore not giving them a choice. Riding as we have, I would definitely recommend going each day with how you feel. This leads to many experiences that may not have occurred otherwise when there are "have-to's" involved. Head down and pedaling to knock out miles to your destination rather than taking the time to explore or chat with the locals, I think you miss out.
The southern section of Oregon we were always 60 something miles from Klamath Falls. We would crack up at the mileage signs because even though we felt like we were making distance, we were still 67 or 65 or 64 miles from Klamath Falls. The less used roads do make for more miles. But again, we do not have anywhere we have to be, so for us it does not matter. Stopping to check out little towns, we will make short out and back detours for potential future living areas, like Ashland, OR. A beautiful, vibrant town with great access to the outdoors. The towns we saw in Oregon, Ashland and especially Bend would be definite places to land our feet when we are done riding. They both have great overall feels, great restaurants and shops, nice people, clean and outdoor accessibility. Maybe Oregon will be our home in the future. Who knows?
Taking the old highway 99 south of Ashland, we began our last climb in Oregon as the sun was setting, assuming we would find a flat spot to tuck our tent out of sight for the night. No luck and it was getting late. A man who slightly resembled Santa Claus was outside his house as we rode by and said hello with a nod. The nights were cold, this particular evening was predicted to be the coldest in the mid 20's. I would have given my pinky toe for a shower. While we were climbing, I kept thinking about some nice person opening their home to us for just that, a hot shower. So I said hello to this man and stopped to ask him if there was anywhere in the area where we could put our tent for the night. He offered his yard as his short, stocky wife came outside and said, "No, no. Stay in here. We have an extra bed. It's too cold out there and besides, we have a bear that has been making himself too friendly in our yard." And that was that. We had another night of fantastic company, dinner, a warm shower and a bed. As it turns out, this couple had recently purchased this old toll house that was once owned by the man who built the road from Redding to Medford and would charge the people and their animals that came through. This couple, Diane and Tom, were in the midst of remodeling and had quite the projects on their hands. Diane is the great great great great granddaughter of Crazyhorse, sharing stories that were a true treat to our ears. We laughed and talked like we had all known one another for years. I can imagine we will stop by in the future to say hello and see the changes they have made to their home.
Taking the 99 into California, the views of Mount Shasta were simply breath-taking. What a mountain! Blue skies and a 14,000 foot volcano to gaze at as we rode our way into another state. We did have a few miles on I-5 because there was not any other choice. Not fun. Huge semi's whizzing by along with cars and of course the oversized campers with car in tow. Luckily we had a wide shoulder to easily avoid the glass and the traffic. 10 miles later, we were back on highway 99, riding through the little hick towns where we turned heads to these people who have not probably travelled much themselves. Spending the night outside the fire station, we were up early and the on road, trying our best to make it to our friends Shane and Stacy's who live in Chico. Not make it there that day, but we wanted to make some miles to spend at least part of the weekend with them while they had time off. Opting to get off I-5, we headed toward McCloud outside of Mt. Shasta. Crossing over the bridge on I-5, we noticed there were not any cars in either direction on the highway. Odd. As it turns out, a few hours earlier someone had shot a police officer after being pulled over, and in return, the police officer shot the guy. The highway was closed for investigation and all of I-5 was being diverted onto our one lane road with no shoulder. It was absolutely awful. McCloud, a whopping 1,300 people town, were wide eyed with the number of cars pulling into the gas station for a fill-up, snacks and bathroom break. It was quite chaotic but the drivers seemed relatively calm even though they had a 3 hour detour. 15 miles of riding alongside semi's, cars and campers with logging trucks coming from the other direction, we were off the road as soon as possible for an early camp.
The southern section of Oregon we were always 60 something miles from Klamath Falls. We would crack up at the mileage signs because even though we felt like we were making distance, we were still 67 or 65 or 64 miles from Klamath Falls. The less used roads do make for more miles. But again, we do not have anywhere we have to be, so for us it does not matter. Stopping to check out little towns, we will make short out and back detours for potential future living areas, like Ashland, OR. A beautiful, vibrant town with great access to the outdoors. The towns we saw in Oregon, Ashland and especially Bend would be definite places to land our feet when we are done riding. They both have great overall feels, great restaurants and shops, nice people, clean and outdoor accessibility. Maybe Oregon will be our home in the future. Who knows?
Taking the old highway 99 south of Ashland, we began our last climb in Oregon as the sun was setting, assuming we would find a flat spot to tuck our tent out of sight for the night. No luck and it was getting late. A man who slightly resembled Santa Claus was outside his house as we rode by and said hello with a nod. The nights were cold, this particular evening was predicted to be the coldest in the mid 20's. I would have given my pinky toe for a shower. While we were climbing, I kept thinking about some nice person opening their home to us for just that, a hot shower. So I said hello to this man and stopped to ask him if there was anywhere in the area where we could put our tent for the night. He offered his yard as his short, stocky wife came outside and said, "No, no. Stay in here. We have an extra bed. It's too cold out there and besides, we have a bear that has been making himself too friendly in our yard." And that was that. We had another night of fantastic company, dinner, a warm shower and a bed. As it turns out, this couple had recently purchased this old toll house that was once owned by the man who built the road from Redding to Medford and would charge the people and their animals that came through. This couple, Diane and Tom, were in the midst of remodeling and had quite the projects on their hands. Diane is the great great great great granddaughter of Crazyhorse, sharing stories that were a true treat to our ears. We laughed and talked like we had all known one another for years. I can imagine we will stop by in the future to say hello and see the changes they have made to their home.
Taking the 99 into California, the views of Mount Shasta were simply breath-taking. What a mountain! Blue skies and a 14,000 foot volcano to gaze at as we rode our way into another state. We did have a few miles on I-5 because there was not any other choice. Not fun. Huge semi's whizzing by along with cars and of course the oversized campers with car in tow. Luckily we had a wide shoulder to easily avoid the glass and the traffic. 10 miles later, we were back on highway 99, riding through the little hick towns where we turned heads to these people who have not probably travelled much themselves. Spending the night outside the fire station, we were up early and the on road, trying our best to make it to our friends Shane and Stacy's who live in Chico. Not make it there that day, but we wanted to make some miles to spend at least part of the weekend with them while they had time off. Opting to get off I-5, we headed toward McCloud outside of Mt. Shasta. Crossing over the bridge on I-5, we noticed there were not any cars in either direction on the highway. Odd. As it turns out, a few hours earlier someone had shot a police officer after being pulled over, and in return, the police officer shot the guy. The highway was closed for investigation and all of I-5 was being diverted onto our one lane road with no shoulder. It was absolutely awful. McCloud, a whopping 1,300 people town, were wide eyed with the number of cars pulling into the gas station for a fill-up, snacks and bathroom break. It was quite chaotic but the drivers seemed relatively calm even though they had a 3 hour detour. 15 miles of riding alongside semi's, cars and campers with logging trucks coming from the other direction, we were off the road as soon as possible for an early camp.
Ryan and Lisa-
ReplyDeleteIf you need a rest stop in Santa Monica let me know... happy to provide showers, a home cooked meal and a bed if needed. We are blocks off highway 1 if your route takes you this way. Happy travels... super fun to follow your travels.
Best!- liz