The Mysterious Oregon Coast adventure is in the rearview mirror, but we always like to peek back before moving on. On this edition we marvel at the fun we had on a fairly cursed tour of some of our favorite parts of the Pacific coast!

• Bike prep is key — but stuff still breaks. Even a tiny crank arm pin can end a day. Know shops and backup transport.
• Have Plans A–F ready. Flexibility and quick pivots kept the ride alive when mechanicals hit.
• Buses & rideshares save tours. Coastal transit and surprise Ubers kept us moving.
• Greatest hits still feel fresh. Cape Lookout, South Beach, Newport — new vibes, upgrades, and slower pacing.
• Weather’s shifting. Got one classic foggy Yachats day, but most were sunnier/warmer — pack for both.
• Shorter mileage = more joy. 30–40 mi days let us linger in towns and stay energized.
• Hydrate & fuel early/often. Morning “camel up,” steady snacks, and Red Bulls beat last year’s bonk.
• Hotel nights reset morale. Lincoln City, Yachats, Florence stays turned stress into mini-vacations.
• Logistics flexibility saves cash. Mid-trip flight/car/hotel changes avoided big losses.
• Ditch the perfect plan. Embracing detours and improvisation brought back the adventure and fun

A leisurely morning at South Beach State Park sets the stage for what should be the triumphant finale, but James's bike has one last surprise in store. Sometimes a cursed bike adventure is the best kind. But with tire splits threatening the final miles and Eugene's punishing heat waiting ahead, will we actually make it to the finish line or become stranded out on the coast?

Key Highlights

• South Beach State Park downgrade - Charging lockers removed, replaced with non-charging metal versions
• Classic Oregon coast weather returns - Fog, cool temperatures, and the riding conditions that originally attracted them
• Yachats exploration - First real visit to Tim's long-desired coast town (population: 800)
• Cape Perpetua finale - Tackling one of the coast's most challenging and scenic climbs
• Tire crisis intensifies - James's rear tire split worsens but limps to the finish
• Eugene revelation - $5 bus ride opens new coast access possibilities

Route Details

Day 1: South Beach to Yachats

• Short, rolling ride through Waldport and Seal Rock
• Classic foggy conditions with seagull air-surfing entertainment
• Hotel night in Yachats for town exploration

Day 2: Yachats to Florence

• 25-mile challenge over Cape Perpetua
• Multiple climbs through "the windiest part of the Oregon coast"
• Cape Creek Tunnel navigation
• Final descent to Florence via Sea Lion Caves

Yachats Assessment

• Population: 800 residents
• Vibe: Full spectrum from blue collar to "bougie-est of bougie"
• Tim's verdict: "Punches above its weight" for a small coastal town
• Accommodation: Ocean view hotel with perfect fog viewing

Mechanical Drama Final Act

• James's tubeless tire split progressively worsens
• Tube begins protruding through tire damage
• Bike shop in Florence (Bicycles 101) permanently closed
• Tire successfully limps final 52 miles to completion
• Post-ride tire replacement arranged in Eugene

Transportation Victory

• Florence to Eugene bus: Only $5 (compared to $17-20 Portland routes)
• Bus rack accommodates James's 29+ tire width with minor deflation
• Direct connection to Eugene's Amtrak station and airport
• Opens new coast access strategies for future tours

Cultural Observations

• South Beach platforms: Composite decking mystery continues
• Book club continuation: Tim's author criticism ongoing
• Charging infrastructure: State park downgrades noted
• Coast tourism patterns: More cyclists spotted this year vs. last

Food & Fuel Strategy

• Yachats: Fresh fish and chips (James's rare fish consumption)
• Cape Perpetua prep: High-calorie loading for big climbs
• Florence finale: Safeway provisions for final night
• Eugene heat preparation: Dramamine procurement

Eugene Transition

• 89-90°F heat shock after cool coast weather
• Travel Lodge fan so impressive Tim orders same model for cabin
• Cold Fire Brewing pit stop with brisket and low-alcohol beers
• Hotel early check-in for heat recovery

Statistics

• Miles Biked Day 1: 25
• Miles Biked Day 2: 25
• Total tour mileage: ~52% of original plan
• Florence to Eugene bus cost: $5
• Eugene temperature: 90°F
• Flats: Zero

A well-rested morning in Lincoln City spawns what seems like a reasonable plan to salvage the cursed tour, but James's borrowed bike has other ideas entirely. But with tubleless tire disasters forcing yet another major pivot, will this newly condensed coastal adventure finally find its groove or continue spiraling into beautiful chaos?

The New Plan (Before It All Changed Again)

• Today: Lincoln City to South Beach State Park via Newport
• Tomorrow: South Beach to Yachats for hotel exploration
• Final day: Yachats to Honeyman State Park near Florence
• Split: James continues south, Tim buses north to Eugene for flight home

The Reality Check

James's tubeless rear tire completely fails outside Bike Newport, requiring conversion to tube setup. Tire damage deemed too severe for continued long-distance touring, prompting complete itinerary overhaul.

Key Highlights

• 5 AM Red Bull run - James's thoughtful breakfast procurement while Tim sleeps in
• Equipment curse continues - Second bike, same problems for James's borrowed setup
• Bike Newport saves the day - Last major bike shop on coast provides crucial tire conversion
• Strategic retreat activated - Both riders pivot to Eugene ending for maximum certainty
• Financial silver lining - Trip changes actually save money on cancelled Medford logistics

Route Details

• Lincoln City to Newport: ~25 miles through official bike route (hilly and exhausting)
• Extended stop at Bike Newport for mechanical crisis management
• Final 4 miles to South Beach State Park
• Tomorrow: Abbreviated plan toward Florence before Eugene bus

Mechanical Drama Timeline

1. Morning discovery: Slow leak confirmed in James's tubeless rear tire
2. Newport arrival: Tire immediately starts "spitting sealant"
3. Shop diagnosis: Tire damage too severe for tubeless repair
4. Solution: Convert to tube in rear, maintain tubeless front ("mullet setup")
5. Reality check: Tube setup is temporary fix, not permanent solution

Cultural Observations

• Newport bike route: Scenic but punishing for loaded touring
• South Beach State Park: Tim's favorite coast campground (tied with Cape Lookout)
• Yachats mystique: Tim's long-desired exploration of this coast town finally abandoned
• Eugene adventure: First-time visit for longtime Portland resident Tim

Food & Beverage Strategy

• Breakfast: Red Bulls and bananas (James's 5 AM procurement mission)
• Newport: Extended hydration break during mechanical crisis
• Dinner: Beer One brewery (skipped lunch strategy)
• Evening: Junior Rangers fire ecology program spotted but not attended

The Ship of Theseus Situation

James notes he'll return a completely different bike to his friend after replacing virtually every component during the tour - a philosophical equipment conundrum.

Statistics

• Miles Biked: 25
• Original plan survival rate: 0%
• Hours spent at Bike Newport: 1.5
• Ounces of tubeless sealant sacrificed: 6
• Tubeless fails: yes
• Nontubeless flats: Zero