Day 31 – Bicycle Touring Harris beach SP to Humbug SP. Hills but kind winds, Ocean rocks

I woke up to cooler temperatures and some dew, but overall still okay for shorts and light jacket at start of riding.

Before leaving, I talked a little with the couple that came into camp in the evening. They are doing a shorter loop tour in southern Oregon and northern California. They drove down from Portland, Oregon. There were two others in camp. One I didn’t get the chance to talk to and the other is touring down the coast to Southern California.

Weight and bulk (volume) when touring are what you have to balance with your needs and wants for gear. So you have to make trade-offs. Many people are minimalists and carry only bare necessities. Others like myself, carry necessities and some comfort or optional items. For example, a tent and comfort at night is a high priority for me. Others, just bring a tarp or bivy-sack for sleeping. One item I choose not to bring is my shaver. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a beard and I discovered something on this trip. I have mostly a grey beard now. How did that happen?

Todays ride was comfortable. It had its share amount of climbing. But for the most part not too steep. I wanted to keep it on the easy side, so this morning, I edited out about 4 miles and probably about 800 feet of climbing. I did this by removing some optional side roads and instead stayed on 101.

There are almost no stores or services on this section. Fortunately, I scoped this out last night. I ate pretty much all I had for breakfast in camp and that would have to tide me over until about 28 miles in the city of Gold beach. Once I got there, I ate lunch at a Thai food cart and went to the market to provisions dinner supplies and junk food for later. There was only one other small convenience store that I found after that and the camp. I stopped there too.

It is so nice not fighting headwinds by having no winds most of the day and a tailwind in the last 10 miles or so. I estimate I was going twice as fast in similar terrain as the previous two days.

Humbug state park where I’m staying tonight is a little away from the ocean in a forested valley by a creek. The hike/Bike sites are unique from what I’ve seen. They are separated sites in the trees and by a tinny brook. Only draw back is they are very far from the one central bathroom and there are no electrical outlets nearby There are two other bike campers here with me tonight.

Oregon state parks are far superior so far as compared California based on the two I’ve visited. The campgrounds overall are cleaner and better maintained, bathrooms have soap, showers and are cleaner. Hike/Bike have more amenities and just nice overall. It will be interesting to see if the other Oregon state parks have this standard as well. I’m impressed so far.

In more comparisons between Oregon and California. Gas prices along the coast are at least $1 cheaper per gallon in Oregon. Food is also much cheaper at the markets in Oregon. Almost half the cost for some items.

Starting tonight, and the next few days, it looks like rain is in the forecast. start getting rain. As per a good suggestion from my wife, I picked up a cheap lightweight tarp at harbor freight the other day. Tonight is the first time I’ve added it and I am interested how well it will work to address my leaking tent problem.

Ride summary: 4/10 difficulty, 51 miles with 3109 feet of climbing. Started partly cloudy then towards the end overcast with some raindrops. Mostly cooler temperature but warmer on occasional sun breaks. Calm most of ride with some mild tailwind towards the end. Today’s ride detailed GPS. Tour totals: 1492 miles (48 / day). 86,535 climbing feet.