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

The morning starts strong at Cape Lookout with perfect James and Tim weather, but what begins as a confident push toward Beverly Beach slowly unravels into mechanical mayhem and decision-making paralysis. But with the original plan officially in shambles and multiple escape routes beckoning, will we unleash a suffer fest or pivot to something unexpected?

Key Highlights

• Perfect weather conditions - cloudy and cool, exactly what Tim and James prefer for cycling
• Hydration revelation continues - Tim credits proper hydration for yesterday's success and focuses on "cameling up" each morning
• Pacific City pit stop - Tim's favorite Oregon coast town, featuring Stimulus Coffee House for snacks and wifi
• Mechanical troubles return - James's borrowed bike proves problematic again with rear tire issues
• Strategic retreat - Quick pivot from camping at Devil's Lake to a tiki-themed hotel in Lincoln City
• Planning paralysis - Original trip itinerary officially in question with multiple options on the table

Route Details

• Departed Cape Lookout State Park early morning
• Stopped at Stimulus Coffee House in Pacific City (quarter-way point)
• Break at Neskowin Market before the big Lincoln City climb
• Final destination: Lincoln City hotel instead of planned Devil's Lake camping

Bike Performance Notes

• Tim's bike performing excellently with great rolling and shifting
• Occasional gear hopping suggests minor tune-up needed
• Mostly riding in middle and first chainrings
• James's borrowed bike continuing to present challenges

Food & Fuel Strategy

• Morning: Hydration focus plus caffeine
• Pacific City: Egg burrito repeat from successful Day 3 strategy
• Mid-ride: Red Bull for energy boost
• Lincoln City: Local Mexican restaurant meal (lunch/dinner hybrid)

Decision Point Analysis

• Short day option: Devil's Lake camping (~40+ miles)
• Original plan: Beverly Beach (would have required 20 more miles plus significant climbing)
• Actual choice: Lincoln City hotel night for recovery and planning

Statistics

• Miles Biked: ~40+ miles (shorter day due to mechanical issues)
• Hotel theme: Tiki (delightfully not high-end but perfectly located)
• Bird species that defeat earplugs: 1 (mystery frequency specialist)

• • Flats: Zero

Mysterious James and I emerge from our three-night Cannon Beach odyssey to accidentally unlock our cycling superpowers, turning a modest Tillamook target into a shocking 52-mile triumph. It’s the usual stuff: ice cream as performance enhancer, and the stunning revelation that hydration might actually matter. But with tomorrow's weather turning and our schedule still behind, will this newfound confidence carry us forward or set us up for an epic crash?

Key Highlights

• Morning departure from Cannon Beach with sunny weather (rain expected tomorrow)
• Arch Cape Tunnel challenge - one of the less enjoyable parts of the Oregon coast, but navigated successfully with proper lighting and safety gear
• Strong riding performance despite variable winds - tailwinds providing good speed, headwinds creating challenges around rivers and inlets
• Confidence boost as both riders felt strong throughout the day, a marked improvement from their struggles the previous day leaving Beaverton
• Hydration success - Tim credits focused hydration efforts for dramatically improved performance
• Cape Lookout State Park arrival - described as potentially "the best camp on the coast" with individual pod-like clearings and ocean wave sounds

Route Details

• Departed Cannon Beach early morning
• Climbed through Arch Cape Tunnel to Manzanita (20-mile checkpoint)
• Continued south past Garibaldi and Bay City to Tillamook
• Extended ride from Tillamook to Cape Lookout State Park
• Riders met at Safeway in Tillamook for resupply (chicken strips and ice cream)

Camp Review: Cape Lookout State Park

Pros: - Excellent location directly on the coast - Individual pod-like campsites with perfect flat ground - Beautiful ocean wave sounds - Great overall facilities

Cons: - Long walk to bathhouse/showers - Charging stations only have USB-A ports (no USB-C or standard 110V outlets)

Tomorrow's Plan

• Targeting Beverly Beach as the main goal
• South Beach as potential stretch goal (though 70 miles seems too ambitious)
• Weather forecast: overcast and cool - ideal "James and Tim weather"
• Still working out end-of-week logistics due to being behind schedule

Technology MVP

Perplexity AI proving invaluable for route planning and logistics, including confirming their direct route choice over the longer ACA (Adventure Cycling Association) scenic route.

Statistics

• Miles Biked: 52
• Times Tim arrived before James: 2 (hmm… that’s not normal. Foreshadowing…)
• Power of James's insane phone charger: 100 watts
• Consecutive nights at Cannon Beach: 3 (do I need to declare it as a part time residence this year?)

• • Flats: Zero

Day two and three of the Oregon Coast tour evolve into an epic quest for an elusive bicycle part. Is this a mere repair mission or a saga worthy of Greek mythology with adaptive problem-solving, multiple contingency plans, long-distance bus adventures, heat stroke avoidance, and kind bike shop professionals who go above and beyond?

Day Two Morning - Plan Multiplication

• Late wake-up due to flexible schedule
• Pig and Pancake breakfast at classic Oregon Coast institution
• 10:30 AM: First Seaside shop call - negative result
• 12:00 PM: Multiple plan permutations discussed off-mic
• Decision to purchase additional campsite night for gear security

The Great Plan Cascade

• Plan A: Dead on arrival (Seaside shop #1)
• Plan B: Dead at noon (Seaside shop #2)
• Multiple Portland options considered and analyzed
• Ian consultation reveals Monday/Tuesday availability conflicts
• Plan F: Warrenton option with Ed the Legend emerges
• 50/50 assessment of success probability based on Ed's memory

Day Two Leisure Activities

• Haystack Rock exploration and beach time
• Two consecutive meals at Pelican Brewery
• Server confusion when Tim and James reversed their lunch/dinner orders
• Extended campsite stay and gear planning sessions

Day Three - The Portland Pivot

• Early morning departure preparation and coffee
• Bus route research reveals 2.8-inch tire compatibility issues
• Warrenton bus only runs twice daily, next departure at 5:50 PM
• Strategic decision: Portland certainty over Warrenton uncertainty
• Critical discovery: Portland bus stops in Beaverton near Universal Cycles

The Beaverton Solution

• Successful mid-route bus exit in Beaverton
• 12-18 minute walk to Universal Cycles in 90-degree heat
• Online inventory confirmation: 8 units in stock
• Successful charm deployment for installation service
• Same-day return bus to Cannon Beach secured

Statistics

• Plan iterations reached: 26 maybe 100
• Bus route options analyzed: 3
• Bike shops contacted/visited: 5
• Days with minimal cycling: 2
• Temperature differential: 30 From a chilly marine layer in Cannon Beach to 90°F blazing sun in Beaverton
• Flats: 0

Notable Quotes

• "Plan F. We think from plan double Z" - Tim on the ever-evolving situation
• "It's a coin flip" - James assessing Warrenton success probability
• "Don't let us down. Don't let us down." - High expectations for Universal Cycles
• "We need a win" - Emotional state after multiple plan failures

We are so back.... on the Oregon Coast with the Mysterious James for another round of two-wheeled mayhem. Ten days, 360 miles, zero expectations, and maximum potential for randomness. The Safari's ready, MJ is in, and we're about to find out if bike touring is really dying or just hiding. Spoiler alert: it's gonna be a wild ride.

Route Preview

•Start: Astoria, OR (mile marker 0 or 360, depending on your perspective)

•End: Crescent City, CA (for Tim); James continues on to the Bay Area

•Duration: 10 days with a flexible buffer day

•Notable overnight stops (planned or likely):

•Nehalem Bay State Park (newly renovated!)

•Pacific City (Webb Campground… maybe)

•South Beach State Park (for access to Newport breweries)

•Honeyman State Park (newer, flatter hiker/biker site)

•Humbug Mountain State Park

•Harris Beach State Park

•Potential zero day or break-up of the tough Humbug → Harris Beach stretch

•No planned fast-forwards, unless absolutely necessary.

Camping and Lodging Notes

•Prioritizing Oregon’s legendary hiker/biker campgrounds.

•Watching for options to split up tougher days if needed.

•No hotels booked mid-ride… but maybe one after.

Health & COVID Precautions

•Recent exposure to COVID before departure.

•Testing negative but traveling with:

•N95 masks

•At-home test kits

•A solid commitment to not being “that guy” on the coast

Gear and Bike Setup

•Bike: The classic Safari (not the e-bike — those batteries don’t fly)

•Derailleur hanger fixed after some Oregon baggage trauma last year

•Bags and Packing:

•Rear panniers only (probably no front rack)

•Dry bag strapped to handlebars

•Possibly a rack-top bag or extra dry bag for groceries

•Tent & Sleep Kit: Same trusty gear as usual

•Clothing:

•Two sun hoodies, maybe a few tees

•Minimal civilian clothes

•One pair of riding pants, maybe a second pair

•Hat, gloves (maybe), sleep clothes

•Kitchen:

•Might skip the stove — James likely bringing one

•Planning to mooch hot water as needed

•Hydration & Nutrition:

•Bringing water cube + personal bottle

•Salt/electrolyte tablets recommended by a listener

•Stroopwafels as ride fuel (solid choice)

Weather Forecast

•Classic Oregon coast summer: mid-60s highs, mid-50s lows, mostly dry

•Tailwinds expected

•Perfect conditions for coastal touring

The State of Touring

•Fewer cyclists seen in recent years — why?

•Aging of the boomer “bikecentennial” generation

•More folks opting for trail or gravel rides

•General safety concerns on roadways

•ACA is selling its HQ in Missoula and going fully remote — a sign of shifting tides?

•This ride may be another data point in the evolution of bike touring

What to Expect

•Conversations and stories with James

•Challenges, route decisions, campground reviews, and food stops

•A mix of reflective commentary and classic on-the-road storytelling

Coming Up…

•Next episode kicks off the Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 tour proper

•Get ready for on-the-ground updates, audio postcards, and the real-time unfolding of the adventure