OREGON HAS BEEN GOOD TO US!

From forest to dry and hot on the way to Ashland

DATE:  Friday, Oct. 30, 2011
HOME: Siskiyou, Oregon  Callahan’s Resort
DISTANCE: 45 miles
ALTITUDE: 3730 ft
WEATHER: great, high of 83 – partial cloud cover
NARRATIVE:
Another great day of riding for our last day in Oregon. Most of the day was on quiet, small roads with no traffic.  The change in scenery as we plunged off Dead Indian Summit towards Ashland was dramatic – from douglas fir forest to oak woodland and hot, sunny slopes.  We were bundled up in windbreakers and legwarmers – I had to shed it all, put my arm coolers and white hat on.  Due to lack of use it was all at the bottom of my panniers.  The 3,000 ft descent made me think of Mt. Diablo.

The final 2300 ft. ascent up to our motel was a beautiful series of switchbacks shaded by oaks and manzanitas.  The last 300 ft of climbing the fir and pine forest emerged once again.

We’re due for a layover day, but we’re still trying to wait till we get caught by weather – seems the worst will be Tuesday and Wednesday, so we’ll keep going – tomorrow to Shasta and California!  Actially, our entire dinner was spent figuring out our options.  Seems as though all of next week will be bad, and that going around Lassen will be the best way to go - but we have found several 30 mile days if we really need to find a dry spot for the night.  And, we need that layover day, so the plan is two days in Shasta.