Day 19 – Humbug Mountain State Park to Harris Beach State Park (Brookings)

56 miles (90 km) – Total so far: 1,111 miles (1,788 km)

Distance 56 miles (90 km) Time riding 4 hours 32 minutes Max speed 40.4 mph Average speed 12 mph Left at 8:20 am Arrived at 2:10 pm

Two Friday’s ago I was on the big climb up Snoqualmie Pass out of Seattle. Not so ‘big’ as in height, but a really tough climb because of the gravel surface on this cyclocross bike. One Friday ago I was out of Hood River, also pretty much at sea level, up the Bennett Pass, then Barlow Pass, 1700 metres height gain. Today on the coast the reader may think it would be a much easier Friday. Easier yes, but not greatly so. This coastal route has considerable climbing. Riders in the site with altimeters say it is between 3,000 and 5,000 feet a day (1,000 to 1,600 metres). Today repeatedly went up from the ocean to above 100 metres and once to 200. The road surface was excellent so the downhills were very fast.

Today is a really good section of the Pacific Coast Trail, or Oregon Bike Route. The views of the ocean and it’s big rocks are excellent. The hills are a bit steeper also, which takes away any of the repetitiveness (even boredom) of the last two days through the forests and dunes.

I am first to arrive at the campsite hiker biker area again. Usually the case. I pass some of the other riders, some leave later. They are very laid back, stop at every viewpoint, and have long conversations with every passer by who isn’t a motorist. Don’t get me wrong, I also enjoy the view, and can be quite chatty, but not every time. I also like to arrive mid afternoon as opposed to early evening.

These days on the Oregon coast are cheap ones. The HB sites are $5. Add to that a couple of cold drinks or coffee on route, another $5. Most nights it’s cook from the supermarket, and granola for breakfast. Probably $30 a day, and that with the extravagance of a couple of bottled beers.

This site is only a couple of miles from Brookings, to the south. So today maybe a bit more expensive as could mean eating out. Luxury.