Bob on Cycle Oregon 2009

Day 2 Route

“Biking the Byway”
"Today is a special ride, following the official State of Jefferson Scenic Byway along the Klamath River. Early on we cross over five Pioneer Bridges from the 1930s, and we spend the day spinning downhill alongside the Klamath, where herons observe us from atop logs and the river alternates between placid pools and roiling rapids. When we hit Happy Camp, you’ll know for sure you’re off the beaten path – you’re truly in the State of Jefferson".

If you can call a 75-mile ride easy, today's ride fit the description. It was downhill (or downhill rollers) most of the day except for a kicker near the end. We rode through the scenic Shasta and Klamath River canyons. Jeff and I rode together taking turns pulling. He mostly pulled on the flats while I pulled on the downhills. He tried to pull me up the hills, but he got in a groove from time-to-time and I couldn't stay with him. That was OK with me because I could test my lower gears.

Lunch was at the Klamath River Union Elementary School alongside the Klamath River. School was in session but we didn't see the students because they were in class. We did take over the schoolgounds, though. We caught up with our VS friends here. They were riding faster so we didn't see them much on the road. The temperature was getting warmer and the day was very pleasant.

We had a bit of a climb near the end of the route. This was OK because we had a nice downhill after it on our way into Happy Camp.

Our after-ride routine was abnormal because we went into town after our shower to look around for a Bigfoot sighting. We found him, as you can see.

Mark, Susan, Jim, Christy, Bob, Steve, Brahim and Bob in the Beer Graden in Happy Camp (Jeff was wandering)

Our camp was unusual because the beer garden, dining hall and entertainment area was a long walk from our tents. Jeff and I made the round trip a couple of times getting a ride from one of the sherpas once.

After dark when we got back to our tents, we could look up at the sky which was brilliant with stars. We could plainly see the Milky Way and several on the constellations. We also saw a few satellites streaming their way the the upper atmosphere.

Please visit Day 2 slide show from BikePortland.

You can take a simulated tour of today's route by clicking here.

windy