Just spent a week with sixteen cyclists between the ages of 55-67. They rode an average of 100k each day across the Oregon coast starting in Astoria and finishing in Brookings on the California border. Pretty cool to see folks still out there getting it at those ages. I had a wonderful time hearing their histories and helping facilitate their experiences. The two other guides I worked with were awesome. Ainaz and Guido. Exhausted after a full days work we'd decompress around the fire and talk about life, stories and the things we live for. I learned some awesome campfire cooking techniques from Guido, and some all around life lessons from Ainaz joon.
Coursing the curvature of the ocean were several cycle tourists. Their rhythms were unique as were the reasons they felt compelled to tour the coast. It was amazing to see how popular the coast route was, how young many of the cyclists were and the various levels of riders: those with support headed north to south, those self-contained headed north to south, and then those headed south to north against the relentless head winds. Each wore smiles of excitement and contentment.
What an amazing place the Oregon coast is for cycling. There are great campsites all along the way and breath taking geography to keep you motivated each day. Indeed, bicycling is the physical manifestation of freedom and what a feeling to be unanchored, and just focus on moving through each day. The ocean roaring at your side. It really puts things into perspective. I'm looking forward to doing my own tour to SF along the same route this September.
