UPDATE, 22 October 2008

David and Chiva are taking a break from the Tour de Dog but are sure to plan another ride in the near future. A sincere thank you to all of you who helped David and Chiva in countless ways. The Tour de Dog would not be possible without your support. THANK YOU!

View a Photo Documentary of Tour de Dog by Jason Houge

Tour de Dog is past states: Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario, and New York.


Friday, April 4, 2008

Tour de Dog a la Costa


Instead of taking the well marked, heavy used route from Eugene to the Oregon coast (Route 126), I went with country logging roads. The decision was a great one and led to unspoiled forests (when they were not cut down), rushing streams, and few motorized vehicles. After a few climbs and a below-freezing night of camping, Chiva and I made it to the meandering Smith River which we followed to the Pacific.

Following a gusty night on sand dunes near Winchester Bay, I setoff on a marathon 80 mile day. At Mom’s Kitchen in North Bend, I ate a delicious and on-the-house breakfast and was informed I could “try the best hotdogs on the coast” if I made it to Langlois by 6:00p.m. I was immediately sold and jumped back on the saddle. Shortly after the town of Charleston came a section of road known as the seven devils. Unaware at the time, the name is for the seven steep and tortuous hills I was about to face. After expending all my energy on those downright wicked climbs, I lugged into the town of Bandon. It was now 5:15 and eleven miles of pedaling remained. I got some badly needed energy from my trusty Larabars and Ola Loa vitamin supplements and went for it. When I finally arrived it was 6:15, and the store door was locked. Fortunately for me and my voracious appetite, the owner and cashier showed mercy and fed me 5 hotdogs that were worth every mile! I also grabbed a bag of Doritos, a quart-sized container of whoppers (malted chocolate), and my usual milk. Never before had I faced such intense hunger!

Dealing with coastal Route 101 is rewarding yet dangerous at times. Many scenic beaches and vantage points are along the way but trucks are constantly zooming by on all too often narrow shoulder. The weather has been fantastic, and I am trying to cover many miles.

Chiva and I are currently in Gold Beach and taking the day off. Last night, Jean Stump, an 85 year old local great grandma, thought I needed a shower and bed and took us in for the night. It has been wonderful conversing with Grandma Stump, her two great grandsons, Kenny and Tyler, and her three cats. A day to recharge after three nights of cold camping and four days of biking was more than welcomed.

Special thanks to:
Beth Peterson, Eugene (fed me fish tacos multiple times)
Dan Wirth, Eugene (biked and conversed with Dan for 10 miles)
Brad and Bobbiy of Mom’s Kitchen, North Bend
Langlois Market Hotdog Team (fed the monster)
Port and Starboard Restaurant and Lounge, Port Orford
Port Hole Café, Gold Beach
Great Grandma Stump, Gold Beach (treating me like one her own grandsons)

Enough writing…here are the pictures of this stretch (pictures with Grandma Stump and Gold Beach to follow next post):

Old ship in Gold Beach with the Rogue River Bridge in background
An unfortunate site on the logging roads

The route is very well marked

This one has had a lot of beach time over the last few days

These loud friends always seem to be in such a hurry

Crossing a bridge into North Bend...was very narrow!

My favorite picture of this section

Just in time for a sunset

An excellent map I referred to several times on the backcountry roads

Camping along a fork of the Smith River

Somewhere back on the hilly logging roads

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hello to my HEROS! :-)
Looks like the leg of your journey was quite the adventure! You guys are doing well and I just love reading the updates! Keep up the inspiration!
I cant wait to meet up with guys in San Fran! Party time! LOL!

Anonymous said...

Dave,

Great photos. I'm glad you got some good weather for a change. The "Monster" probably will be with you for the rest of your ride. Be sure to hydrate well and have some cheese and tortillas snakcks handy. Take some shots of your campsite so we can see your bivouac.

Martin

Sang Koh said...

You guys are rockin' along. It sure is fun seeing your progress. It's funny how Chiva's facial expressions always look the same no matter where you seem to be.

Enjoy your day off. You sure earned it. :)

Steve Shay said...

Two reasons those trucks carrying logs are in such a hurry:

1) Diesel fuel is over $4 a gallon.
2) Everyone who is buying all those new Ballard townhomes are anxious to move in!

Best of luck- Steve

Renick said...

Dave!!!

Awesome to see the posts and progress!!! You're going through and coming into some of the best coastline!! Glad to know you're doing well. Tony was tripping when he heard what you were doing(I think he misses getting his shot blocked). Stay safe and can't wait to read more.

Anonymous said...

Hi David & Chiva,

I just stumbled across your site while looking for a pet carrier for my dogs. It is wonderful what you are doing, and really an inspiration. Keep up the good work. I have 7 dogs, and they are all either from the street, or a rescue. More people need to step up to the plate.
May God keep you and Chiva safe.
Nikki