Day 38 – Bicycle Touring Nehalem Bay SP to Fort Stevens SP. The people, Cannon Beach and Seaside Oregon

I found out that meeting people is a big part of bicycle touring. I was somewhat expecting it, but since I’m an introvert, I figured it wouldn’t be that often. There is a common connection with people traveling the country by Bicycle. On the road, the typical is a friendly wave and a some kind of greeting like “safe travels”. At stops with other tourers, it’s very likely a conversation will start up.

The other place that drive a dialog are at the camps. Almost always there is some kind of talk about the challenges of the day or advice or any other subjects related to touring.

Campsites located near both bicycle touring routes and hiking trails, created a unique blend of bikers and hikers sharing their common challenges.

One of the people I was talking to this morning was Andrew. Andrew‘s been hiking various trails in the Rocky Mountains and now he’s moved to the Oregon coast trail. It sounded like he had already walked over 1000 miles of trails. That’s a lot of hiking! He was interested in how bicycle touring works because he was thinking about returning back on a bicycle.

One difference from heading north, like I am versus south, like every other bicyclists, is that each day I meet new people. I think southbound people do as well, but they also have the opportunity to meet the same people camp after camp. This enables them to get to know people better and have deeper conversations. At least that’s from my observation.

Other than bicycle tourers, everyday I meet people that just take an interest in what I’m doing on a loaded bicycle.

For example, yesterday I met Rick at a restaurant I was thinking about eating at. He was interested in where I was going to, where I came from and my bicycle. He gave me some tips on various restaurants and routes I could take.

I meet kind and friendly people daily, but today I met two really welcoming and kind people. I had finally found a pizza place that was open and that I could park my bike nearby.

At a table nearby, a gentleman (Jim) asked me about my tour and was extremely impressed when I gave him the details. After talking with him a bit, the lady (Dianne) that was with him returned and he shared some details along with me adding some information. She was impressed and inspired so much that she wanted to pay for my lunch. I tried to refuse but she insisted. I graciously accepted her offer. So many nice people I am meeting. It’s amazing how riding a loaded down bicycle inspires people to ask questions and start conversations.

I made it to Fort Stevens State Park early enough to get my tent set up and then explore the park before eating dinner. I rode my bike instead of walking. Which is a good thing because this park is big. It has quite a few paved multi use paths. Although they are a bit bumpy with root bulges and cracks. I actually put on 9 1/2 miles just riding around part of the park.

Tonight in camp, I met a father and son traveling from Vancouver BC to Fort Stevens State Park where I’m staying. They toured the Olympics and the Washington Coast. They will go to Portland the day after tomorrow and from there, they will return back to Vancouver BC.

I plan for this to be my last night before I finish my trip. I decided yesterday that I would attempt to do one big 105+ mile ride back home. I know it will be very hard, so I’m not sure how I will do. At least the weather in the wind will be in my favor to give me the best chance.

This has been a great and fantastic experience. I’m very thankful that I had the opportunity and that I’ve been able to make it this far. I would definitely like to do more long distance touring.

I will post another blog for tomorrow’s ride home as well as some summary and wrapup. But most likely, I will be too exhausted to complete it tomorrow.

Ride summary: 4/10 difficulty, 44 miles (plus 9.5 at Fort Stevens) with 2803 feet of climbing. Mostly overcast with minor mist at times. Temperature was cool at times, but warmed by end. Medium headwinds, but only a minor impact due to short ride and sheltered conditions. Today’s ride detailed GPS plus extra GPS. Tour totals: 1839 miles (48 / day). 104,865 climbing feet.