As a former gap year leader and a current Gap Director with ARCC Gap, I am a big proponent of experiential learning, adventure, and pushing outside of one's comfort zone. I finally bought a good road bike last summer and have been inspired to test my mental and physical fitness by cycling the whole Oregon coast over 5 1/5 days! From Astoria to the California border, my partner and I will be cycling around 360miles along breathtaking views, giant trees, and a far amount of tractor trailers and logging trucks!
I have been training hard and am excited to push myself in a whole new way this summer - and to be able to support The Gap Year Association while doing it! If you would like to support me in the GYA Experiential Challenge Fundraiser, please consider donating to this great organization and towards a scholarship for students pursuing sustainability-related gap experiences!
UPDATE: JUNE 25, 2024
The Astoria sunset did not disappoint as we prepared to set off on our coast ride!
UPDATE: JUNE 26, 2024
ASTORIA to TILLAMOOK - 64 miles
Day 1 of the ride started off a bit rough with rain, wind, and two flat tires. Luckily we were just a mile from the rare bike store on the coast (shout-out to Prom Bike Shop in Seaside!) who gave my bike a once over and solved the issue. The rest of the day went smoothly despite a solid headwind and fog.
UPDATE: JUNE 27, 2024
TILLAMOOK to OTTER ROCK - 71 miles
We started in rain and fog again today but the sun emerged by mid-day and we spent the afternoon cycling through lush forests and along coastal cliffs - the views were incredible!
UPDATE: JUNE 28, 2024
OTTER ROCK to FLORENCE - 61.4 miles
Day 3 was sunny and beautiful! We had a good tail wind for much of the day and wound right along the coast for most of the day. We had a couple of climbs (curvy roads with narrow shoulders up to and past Heceta Head Lighthouse!) but nothing crazy and it was a solid day for views of the rocky coast and endless ocean!
UPDATE: JUNE 29, 2024
FLORENCE to BANDON - 76 miles
Day 4 was our longest and most challenging day. With two larger hills before lunch and the "Seven Devils" after lunch, we did some good climbing (I hate climbing!) but were rewarded with beautiful views and some fun, fast downhills! I didn't take a single photo...
UPDATE: JUNE 30, 2024
BANDON to GOLD BEACH - 56 miles
Day 5 was much easier than the day before for sure! We did some climbing but nothing too intense and like 20 less miles. The weather has been beautiful the last few days and views out over the water were incredible. It's amazing to get epic views and blue ocean and rocky coastline after climbing a hill with cars whizzing past. We enjoyed lunch at a wayside in Port Orford and we're in a hot tub in Gold Beach by 3:30pm!
UPDATE: JULY 1, 2024
GOLD BEACH to PELICAN STATE BEACH - 35 miles
Day 6 (or maybe 5 1/2) started with a big climb up Cape Sebastian right outside Gold Beach. My legs were just starting to loose up for the day so it was a little rough! But I made it up and was once again greeted by breathtaking views of the water. Such a great reward! The day was a decent mix of uphills and downs and before I knew it we were in Brookings and just a short distance from the California border - so strange to have the "finish line" so near. As we peddled across the stateline and down into Pelican State Beach, a part of me wished it could continue on a bit longer - part of me was ready to give me legs a day off!
Thank you to everyone who sent encouragement, love, funny memes, and contributed to the fundraiser! I have so much gratitude for you all
