Jimmy and Leslie’s Mini-Adventure

Today’s Date: September 19, 2025

Today’s Start Point: Cannon Beach, Oregon

Today’s End Point: Pacific City, Oregon

Today’s Miles: 77 Miles

Cumulative Miles: 333.2 Miles

Today was perfect. The views along the coast were stunning, temperature in the 70’s, rolling terrain that at times were challenging, stopping for lunch with Les and a slight tailwind. Oh, and no flats.

Today was a straight shot south down the Oregon Coast, with not much flat and some tough climbs. Along the way I would be passing through the beachfront towns of Manzanita, Nehalen, Wheeler, Rockaway Beach, Garibaldi, Tillamook, and Oceanside. Our final destination was the small town of Pacific City, Oregon.

While I was riding, Leslie was going to follow the same route as me, either slightly in front or behind. The road had numerous scenic turnouts for the views, and she was also going to stop at some parks. We agreed to meet in Tillamook and go to the Tillamook Creamery for some grilled cheese sandwiches (wow we are a romantic couple).

I slept in a little later and as I was getting ready I realized I could not find my wallet. Interesting start to the day-I was not sure how I would fly home without an ID. We searched everywhere and we just couldn’t find it. I have no idea where Leslie could have put it (it can’t be my fault). I decided to get geared up and ride my bike to the restaurant that we ate at last night. The restaurant was not open but we had dinner on the deck out front so I figured I could look under the table. The good news is that I found it in the garden next to our table, problem solved. I am not sure why Leslie would put my wallet in a garden.

With my identity solidified, I headed South down the coast highway. It was fabulous, with the ocean on my right and the towering trees (whatever those that Mr. Duggan said). I could hear the waves crashing below, creating a meditative state while pedaling.

Whenever the road rose, there was a scenic overlook where I could see up and down the coast. When looking south, the fog still hugged the shore which created a wonderful backdrop for the flotilla of fishing boats off shore. The combination of rocks, beach, fog and water was both rough and inviting.

When I got to Manzanita, I saw a gentlemen (he appeared to be the same vintage as me) in cycling gear standing guard over three fully loaded bike tourers. I stopped to talk and find out what was up. He said his name was Dave and that he and his companions were from Bremerton, Washington (which is the city that I took the ferry to when leaving Seattle). He was riding a recumbent and the others were on standard bikes. They were biking to San Francisco and were doing a mix of camping and hotels, which almost (emphasis on almost) feels nostalgic. They were tackling 40-50 miles a day and heading to Tillamook for lunch. I told them I hoped to see them there and hit the road.

Les and I got to the Tillamook Creamery at about the same time. The Creamery is large and is in a campus of buildings which includes the Corporate Office, Factory and the Creamery. We compared notes and realized we had stopped at many of the same places.

I had been dreaming of a grilled cheese sandwich for the last few miles, thinking that it must be the most awesome grilled cheese since it is made right at the cheese factory of the famous Tillamook. We got our sandwiches and were filled with anticipation. The verdict-it was ok (cue the tears). I should have tried the ice cream but I didn’t think that would be the best thing to have with 35 miles to go.

I hit the road and Les stayed and did a self-guided tour to see how that cheese is made and packaged. She said it was interesting and amazing. Just as I was leaving the aforementioned Dave and his friends showed up at the creamery. We wished each other good luck and safe travels.

After leaving Tillamook, the route was going to take me up to the Cape Mears Loop, which would wind around a peninsula along the ocean. It was about a six mile road to the beginning of the loop. At the beginning of the six mile road, a sign said closed for construction. I have seen these signs before and most times I can walk my bike through the construction with no problem. After about five miles, there was another road closed sign with an addendum stating pedestrians and cyclists included. Now I was worried. When I arrived at the construction site, workers were doing road work and the road was torn up for about 100 yards. I asked one of the workers if I could carry my bike across but alas he said no. I retraced my six mile worth of steps and took a two way highway detour.

The detour was tough. No shoulder and the road had a one foot drop at the edge. I believe that the cars thought they were on the autobahn as they flew past. It was also uphill.

Eventually I was off the detour and headed to my final destination. Pacific City is a small beach town with a great brewpub, Pelican Brewery. Les and I went to dinner there and sat on their deck watching the sunset (although it was more of a fogset, as the sun dipped below the fog). They have their own version of Haystack Rock, with a huge rock offshore which is fascinating as the sun’s rays create new shadows and effects.

Looks like tomorrow morning has a chance of the fog sticking around, so I will have to play it by ear as to the start time.