Cycle Oregon has gone coastal, arriving on the Oregon coast in Reedsport. The ride left from Cottage Grove early in the morning while it was overcast and after 7:00am the weather stayed about the same for the entire day. Mild temperatures, a subdued sun, and beautiful forests came together for a great day that was perfect for riding a bike to the beach.

An enjoyable and easy day of riding means that fewer cyclists needed a ride in the support van I volunteer in, which means I didn’t get to talk with many riders. However, I did enjoy handing out cupcakes at a stop sign early on the route, shortly after breakfast. Dick Schouten, Washington County Commissioner, stopped by to have a cupcake and mentioned how beautiful the previous day’s ride had been and how the current day was shaping up to be just as nice.

The cooler weather made the ascents of the ride easier to power through and the route of Day 2 was along roads mostly devoid of motor vehicle traffic (at least until the riders arrived at Highway 101 by the beach). It was such a pleasant day for riding, it’s no surprise that families were out to enjoying it on their bikes.

Day 3 of Cycle Oregon will keep the riders on the coast along a relatively level course, free of long climbs. There will be more about Cycle Oregon as the ride continues, here on The Prudent Cyclist.