Leaving 101 was an immediate, drastic change. In our last two hours of riding we saw one truck, and it's driver stopped to make sure we actually knew where we were going.
Oh yeah, that's how you know you're getting off the beaten path.
The climate changed immediately as soon as we turned off the coast- last night was our coldest night so far and required some intense snuggling, but following the Umpqua River east we felt temperatures climb into the mid 80s. This is my kind of weather, screw this jackets in August BS. The landscape became softer as we entered farm country. The forest had been cleared long ago to make way for homesteads, and these pastoral acres seemed to be epitome of what we imagine American rural life to be.
Travis is using an itinerary for this jaunt from www.crazymanonabike.com, so it's not too shocking that we encountered some surprises. We were on mile 55 or so when we got off the main road, thinking that it would be a quick 15 miles to the campsite. Well it was 15 miles, but it wasn't quick. What Crazy Man On A Bike described as a "2.5 mile big hill" turned out to be on gravel and the steepest climb we've conquered probably ever. Travis had to get off and walk his bike, and I have NEVER seen him do that.
It was all worth it though. This was some very pretty riding today, definitely the quietest, and we ended up at a sweet campground with a river that is actually swimming temperature, AND a kitten came to visit us while we were making dinner!!!!!!!!!!
Also, we arrived right at sunset.
So thanks for the route, www.crazymanonabike.com!