Road to Newport Map
This is one of the longer trips that I've done. If you leave early in the morning you should have plenty of time to explore quite a few places on the route. I've outlined a few on the map that are worth checking out.
For a reason unbeknownst to me, the coast is loaded with used book stores (if anyone knows why please fill me in!) My favorite place to stop and buy used books is called Robert's Bookshop. There are two locations, the one near the center of town sells mostly new books and the one outlined on the map sells all used. It is an absolute maze of books, thousands upon thousands stacked high to the ceiling.. A word of warning, you can get lost for hours among the aisles upon aisles of used books so keep an eye on the time. Reasonable prices and huge variety make this place a must stop for me every time I'm in Lincoln City, although I must exercise a modicum of restraint when I'm riding the V-Strom, not a lot of storage space...
Next is the small town of Depot Bay. Oregon is blessed with the fact that the grey whale migratory path takes them within miles of the coast. Here is a link for more information. If you are here at the right time of year you are very likely to see one pass by. You can also watch boats take the harrowing trip through the mouth of Depot Bay and if you are brave enough jump on a whale watching charter boat. There is a parking lot across from the main section of town where you can watch waves crash into the rocks, as well as watch boats enter and leave the bay. The endless crashing of waves against the rocks have formed a blowhole that shoots water up like a geyser during high tide.
Fun fact: Depot Bay is the world's smallest navigable harbor.
Right before the large bridge that crosses Newport Bay there is a road called SW Bay Blvd, a historic boardwalk. Rogue Brewery is right across the bay, and has a public house on SW Bay Blvd. Shops are countless, and you can watch fishermen unload the day's catch. Sea lions are aplenty on nearly every pier available and the crab at any restaurant of your choosing is fresh. My favorite place is called Local Ocean Seafoods near the end of the bay front.
Newport Historic Bayfront
Monday, April 27, 2015
Road To Cheese
Tillamook and Pacific City Loop Map
This route will take you through Tillamook, the home of the world famous cheese. Take a quick tour of the factory and enjoy the free samples of a large variety of cheeses. They also have a massive selection of ice cream. Tillamook Cheese Factory.
As you drive along you'll pass a wonderful hike to the end of a cape called Cape Lookout. Awesome panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, and if you're lucky you might spot a few passing whales. Once you come to Pacific City you can stop at Pelican Brewery. It gets pretty busy on the weekends and especially if it is nice. The food is fantastic and they feature a menu that pairs beers with the dish.
These recommendations are by no means a complete list, only places that I would personally recommend. If you see something that looks neat stop and take a look! There are many many places along this route that are worth exploring.
This route will take you through Tillamook, the home of the world famous cheese. Take a quick tour of the factory and enjoy the free samples of a large variety of cheeses. They also have a massive selection of ice cream. Tillamook Cheese Factory.
As you drive along you'll pass a wonderful hike to the end of a cape called Cape Lookout. Awesome panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, and if you're lucky you might spot a few passing whales. Once you come to Pacific City you can stop at Pelican Brewery. It gets pretty busy on the weekends and especially if it is nice. The food is fantastic and they feature a menu that pairs beers with the dish.
These recommendations are by no means a complete list, only places that I would personally recommend. If you see something that looks neat stop and take a look! There are many many places along this route that are worth exploring.
Mt. Hood Loop Via Highway 26-35 to I-84
Mt. Hood Loop Map
Distance is about 160 miles through Portland, Gresham, and Hood River via Highway 26, Highway 35, and I-84. The route I've created has you go onto the Historic Highway 30 driving past the many famous waterfalls that dot the landscape in the Columbia River Gorge. This is optional as you can simply stay on I-84 all the way back to Portland. However if you have the time the slight detour is something I highly recommend. Check road conditions as this is mostly only pleasurable during the spring and summer months.
Distance is about 160 miles through Portland, Gresham, and Hood River via Highway 26, Highway 35, and I-84. The route I've created has you go onto the Historic Highway 30 driving past the many famous waterfalls that dot the landscape in the Columbia River Gorge. This is optional as you can simply stay on I-84 all the way back to Portland. However if you have the time the slight detour is something I highly recommend. Check road conditions as this is mostly only pleasurable during the spring and summer months.
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| Hood River is famous for their many orchards. |
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| Fruit stands are prevelant in Hood River, Draper Girls is one of my favorites. Right off the road on Highway 35, can't miss it. |
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| This was taken at a place called Panorama Point County Park in Hood River. It is about a mile off of Highway 35 and is marked on the map provided above. |
Pictures below are of Timberline Lodge, another optional detour.
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| You can take a quick detour up to Timberline Lodge and enjoy some good views and reach right to the base of Mt. Hood |
The Long Way to Astoria
Astoria Route Map
I've done this trip many times on my motorcycle and I'll be the first to admit that it is a long one. You'll be primarily driving on twisty two lane highways, perfect for your sports car, motorcycle, or the fastest car in the world-the rental car. Be cautious on the road however, as Highway 47 is replete with logging trucks as the main economy of the area is logging. Highway 202 is especially righteous for the two wheeled mode of transport. This trip takes you through a few small towns on the coast range and I've put down a few recommendations of places to stop and check out and eat but as always, if it looks interesting park and check it out! Some points of interest are marked in Astoria.
Highway 103 is completely optional but if you are on a motorcycle it is well worth the detour. Nicely paved, twisty, and follows the crystal clear Nehalem River for more than half the road.
Below are some links to points of interest on the Google map above.
Camp 18
Blue House Cafe-Vernonia
Fort Stevens State Park
Astoria Column
I've done this trip many times on my motorcycle and I'll be the first to admit that it is a long one. You'll be primarily driving on twisty two lane highways, perfect for your sports car, motorcycle, or the fastest car in the world-the rental car. Be cautious on the road however, as Highway 47 is replete with logging trucks as the main economy of the area is logging. Highway 202 is especially righteous for the two wheeled mode of transport. This trip takes you through a few small towns on the coast range and I've put down a few recommendations of places to stop and check out and eat but as always, if it looks interesting park and check it out! Some points of interest are marked in Astoria.
Highway 103 is completely optional but if you are on a motorcycle it is well worth the detour. Nicely paved, twisty, and follows the crystal clear Nehalem River for more than half the road.
Below are some links to points of interest on the Google map above.
Camp 18
Blue House Cafe-Vernonia
Fort Stevens State Park
Astoria Column
This panoramic picture was taken off of Highway 202 near the Jewell Meadows State Wildlife Management Area. You'll commonly view herds of elk grazing in the area.
Seaside Oregon
Historic Highway 30 and Waterfall Tour
Historic Highway 30 Tour Map
The highway you'll be on was built long before I-84. It is a two lane highway with many hairpin turns and excellent vistas to stop and admire. You begin in the city of Tualatin and follow the Sandy river for several miles. Then you will pass through the small town of Corbet. The road is historic, thus you will see the magnificent stone architecture of the bridges and guard rails. The driving itself will probably take a little over 3 hours, but allow much more time than that to stop and explore the many falls that you'll pass along the way. You will return via I-84 back to Portland. The map on the link above includes a few places that I've pinned as worth a stop. For a place to eat I recommend Shirley's Tippy Canoe right along the banks of the Sandy River.
Some fantastic falls await you on this day drive and if you follow this link you'll find the list of falls that you can see on this beautiful road. The website has a plethora of information, and while some falls require you to hike, many are right off the road. My personal favorite waterfall on the list is Oneonta Falls. Wading up a creek is a necessary step to fully admire this waterfall, but well worth the cold feet and damp clothes. Prepare accordingly!
The highway you'll be on was built long before I-84. It is a two lane highway with many hairpin turns and excellent vistas to stop and admire. You begin in the city of Tualatin and follow the Sandy river for several miles. Then you will pass through the small town of Corbet. The road is historic, thus you will see the magnificent stone architecture of the bridges and guard rails. The driving itself will probably take a little over 3 hours, but allow much more time than that to stop and explore the many falls that you'll pass along the way. You will return via I-84 back to Portland. The map on the link above includes a few places that I've pinned as worth a stop. For a place to eat I recommend Shirley's Tippy Canoe right along the banks of the Sandy River.
Some fantastic falls await you on this day drive and if you follow this link you'll find the list of falls that you can see on this beautiful road. The website has a plethora of information, and while some falls require you to hike, many are right off the road. My personal favorite waterfall on the list is Oneonta Falls. Wading up a creek is a necessary step to fully admire this waterfall, but well worth the cold feet and damp clothes. Prepare accordingly!
Here are the first few stops, Portland Women's Forum and Vista House
Friday, April 3, 2015
The First Mile
I suppose it would be prudent to introduce myself. My name is Doug, I live in Oregon, and I love the sport of motorcycling. In fact, this blog will be about almost exclusively that hobby. Well, not exactly a hobby, as my V-Strom is my only mode of transportation besides the dreaded mass transit system. I'll be writing about my experiences as a rider, my trips, thoughts and observations, and perhaps a few gear reviews scattered throughout. That is basically the gist of what I intend this blog to be. Hell, maybe even some poetry and lyrics might pop in a time or two, who knows.
For those of us that don't ride here is something I wrote after one of my day rides. I hope that it explains the feeling of riding to someone who has never experienced the thrill.
For the Love of the Road
We all travel trapped in a bubble, where it is only ourselves. Surrounded by our own thoughts, dreams, and aspirations. Riding puts you out in the open, the bubble bursts, and you are out, out there in the open. A highway isn't just a path, it is an escape. From your job, your fears and doubts, you escape.
You peel off all those things, and its the closest many of us come to nirvana. It's you and the machine, the sound of the wind, the engine, the feel of every corner, the tires gripping the pavement. There is a level of camaraderie between motorcyclists, perhaps because each one knows that they are hanging their ass off the raged edge, closer to potential death than your average commuter. Or perhaps its a connection that forms between yourself and the machine, and through that you connect with a deeper part of yourself. This feeling is shared with everyone on two wheels.
I'm not a believer in the spirit in the traditional sense, but if there is one, riding a motorcycle feeds it. Your soul is fulfilled by riding. Maybe it starts sloppy, maybe you laid it down, but there will be those rides where everything comes together. You throttle at the right time, you shift perfectly, the apex of the corners are all kissed accurately. Everything comes together and you don't have to think about it, it just happens. The pieces all fit and there you are, you and your machine, harmoniously riding some stretch of highway, and nothing could be better. The frustrations and anxieties of modern life melt away and for that moment you are free.
I hope that explains some of the feelings that at least I get from motorcycling. I truly believe that it is something that everyone should experience.
As always, shiny side up, rubber side down. Ride safe.
Doug
For those of us that don't ride here is something I wrote after one of my day rides. I hope that it explains the feeling of riding to someone who has never experienced the thrill.
For the Love of the Road
We all travel trapped in a bubble, where it is only ourselves. Surrounded by our own thoughts, dreams, and aspirations. Riding puts you out in the open, the bubble bursts, and you are out, out there in the open. A highway isn't just a path, it is an escape. From your job, your fears and doubts, you escape.
You peel off all those things, and its the closest many of us come to nirvana. It's you and the machine, the sound of the wind, the engine, the feel of every corner, the tires gripping the pavement. There is a level of camaraderie between motorcyclists, perhaps because each one knows that they are hanging their ass off the raged edge, closer to potential death than your average commuter. Or perhaps its a connection that forms between yourself and the machine, and through that you connect with a deeper part of yourself. This feeling is shared with everyone on two wheels.
I'm not a believer in the spirit in the traditional sense, but if there is one, riding a motorcycle feeds it. Your soul is fulfilled by riding. Maybe it starts sloppy, maybe you laid it down, but there will be those rides where everything comes together. You throttle at the right time, you shift perfectly, the apex of the corners are all kissed accurately. Everything comes together and you don't have to think about it, it just happens. The pieces all fit and there you are, you and your machine, harmoniously riding some stretch of highway, and nothing could be better. The frustrations and anxieties of modern life melt away and for that moment you are free.
I hope that explains some of the feelings that at least I get from motorcycling. I truly believe that it is something that everyone should experience.
As always, shiny side up, rubber side down. Ride safe.
Doug
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