I nearly forgot that I also took a seminar on GPS routing and knew but was still disappointed to discover they my Garmin 276C is no longer being supported. They aren’t doing any more map upgrades for this unit, nor is it able to use the newest mapping system Basecamp. It’s looking more and more like Gary and I need to buy a new system.
Though I had my gps, I ended up on a road my friend John recommended, but somehow got lost and took a road that soon turned to gravel with a horrid circle at the end that either came back to my gravel path or went down a very steep road to pavement at the bottom. I opted for the steep road down. It was a bit challenging since it was on gravel, but I gritted my teeth and made it but then couldn’t find where I was heading so instead headed to Canby to ride the little Canby Ferry across the Willamette River. I had only taken the ferry once before and my effort to find the ferry went unrewarded. It was hot and I finally caved and just looked for Hwy 99 to take me back into Tigard. I arrived at my mom’s house hot and tired and ready for a Mint Julep.
The following day, I helped my mom around her place and we went to Broadway Rose’s production of Cats. It was very enjoyable. We had a nice dinner out and went home where I proceeded to do laundry and pack up the bike to leave for home the following day. I had chosen a fun route running to Philomath, OR via the Kings Valley Highway or 223. Then from Philomath to Waldport on the Alsea Highway or Hwy 34. WOW….I highly recommend that route! Once on the coast, the traffic swelled but the salty air was as welcomed as the sound of the seabirds.
The Kings Valley Highway
Made it to the coast.
I road behind a horrid line of traffic, several of which were motorhomes pulling 4wheel drive pickups, good lord, why not just stay home since all of home is traveling with you? There are few places to pass and when you finally reach one, there is always the lone vehicle that stays left and goes 55. AWKKKK, frustrated I gassed Hugo just a wee bit and was able easily to get around but sadly on the right…grrrrrr people. I finally got around the masses and then for several miles had to road to myself!
Elk…hmmmm never fun to see up close on a motorcycle.
Flowers were everywhere, but I should have stopped to actually get a shot in focus, but then i’d have to pass again…nope, I’m gonna keep going.
I love this bridge, but once again should have stopped for a better shot, but you get the idea.
I had intended to stay in Coos Bay, but the looks of most of the lodging was pretty seedy, so I choose to keep on moving. With every town, I found mostly “no vacancy” signs, but then it was nearing 7pm. I decided to call my concierge Gary and see if he could find a place in Gold Beach via the web. He did and I was thrilled to pull into the Wild Chinook Inn.
I got up early to the usual coastal fog and decided to work on some photos and cruise the internet to awail some lifting. By nine am I could see the beach and packed up to go. I should have waited longer! It was quite cold heading south and I went into and out of the fog all the way to Eureka, but it was absolutely gorgeous! The OR/CA coastline is well worth a yearly excursion!
Stopping in Crescent City at a Starbucks was my last stop for anything but gas. I planned on riding Hwy 299 and had no idea how much construction I would encounter, but for now coffee and a donut were required. When I pulled into the chain, there were three beautiful Ducatis already parked. It seemed appropriate for me to park in the middle. And I looked right at home with the Italians. 😉
When we began talking, I discovered they were heading home after attending MotoGP in Laguna Seca. I saw many motorcycles that day, probably doing the same.
The rest of my journey was simply foraging a way home, much of it being on larger highways or freeways. I rode from 50 degrees on the coast to 100 in Redding and by the time I got home, I was ready for a cooling swim and some cold libation.
It was all good.
Just over 1500 miles
To PDX
To Waldport
All the way back home…
2 responses to “BMWMOA Rally-Salem OR…the final chapter”
Hi Donna,
Quite a nice post, as usual. You do make some long trips girl. But of course, the U.S. is a mighty big country as I learned when we traveled together — 1500 miles in Thailand would take you all the way from top to bottom of the country.
I’m going to buy a new Honda CB 500 when I get back there next week. I’ll put out some sort of a ride report after I’ve had a chance to use it a bit.
Best to you, as always…
Btw, you can still access your old GPS unit with Garmin’s Mapsource program — you don’t need Basecamp, although it is a much better program for handling data. There is a bit of a learning curve to traverse as well before you’ll feel comfortable with it.
If you decide to buy a new unit and you want a Garmin, I would avoid the newer models (62s, Oregon, etc.) that have only a mini-USB port for power as those connectors are too fragile for use on a moto. I bought the Montana mostly because it has a solid, waterproof power connection. It has a huge screen too. Its main drawback is the cost, close to $500 bucks.