The Breakfast Club: Oregon

Monday–Sunday, 14-20 May, 2018

Rob’s Oregon Motorcycle Adventure

Pictures start here

Monday – Depart San Francisco around 9:00AM.

I was supposed to go north with a few SMBC riders but as we all know, that does not always work out. Mike Geggie said he wanted to go to British Columbia and Russ Danielson said “Count me in” however that changed after falling off his fancy bike and injuring his shoulder. Randy Hendrix happened to call me prior to the trip and said he would be in the Bay Area last weekend with his BMW. I asked him if he wanted to ride north with me as he was headed to Seattle.

We left together on Monday morning from my house in S.F. The weather was cool around 55° and overcast and once we got across the Bay Bridge we were off to the races. My idea was to take a coffee break at the Black Oak at the 80 / 505 junction then go up 99 to Chico for a burger at the infamous Madison Bear Garden.

Along the route , we stopped in the fast growing town of Yuba City which now has a rather nice Harley dealership. We did not spend a nickle. Off we went to Chico up 99 and its many exits. After a great burger at “The Bear” we cruised up Bidwell Park for a scenic detour. Chico was my home in college way back in 1976 -1980.

Proceeded North past Red Bluff and Redding and headed West along 299 toward the Trinity Alps. Stopped at the very scenic rest area to enjoy the views at Whiskeytown Lake. Perhaps the best road of this trip came next from the lake to Weaverville. We practically owned the road, no traffic, perfect weather, no cops , and pure joy all the way to the 49er motel in Weaverville.

Dinner in town was ok and we saw the Warriors beat Houston. The music however was terrible. As we were leaving in the parking lot I commented that the music sucked and an employee of the establishment proceeded to tell me.” Why don’t you take your fuckin money and put it in the fuckin juke box. Next time you come to town, you better be on a Harley and not some fuckin BMW or Triumph”

I doubt if he was the president of the local chamber of commerce.

Tuesday

Depart 49er Motel in Weaverville and head west toward the coast. Gassed up in Arcata a quaint coastal community and headed north toward Humboldt county and Redwood National Park. There is a slight detour off 101 at the Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park. In this park was one of the most scenic 10 mile stretch of road I have ever been on a motorcycle. It is called the Newton P. Drury Scenic Parkway. I have dreamt about riding through the Redwoods and the dream came true on this road. Outstanding! Crossed the border into Oregon and noticed there are RV parks everywhere along the coast. Road past Brookings and into Gold Beach where the Rogue river empties into the Pacific. Everything was clean and we had no traffic to speak of. Stopped to find a motel in the old part of town in Bandon (Belt) Oregon. Dinner was fresh clam chowder at a shack right near the water. Randy on his 2001 GS BMW and I am on my 2017 Triumph Trophy and the bikes ran great. The weather today was mostly in the 50’s but no rain. A good room in a good location was about $100.00

Wednesday

Saddled up around 8:00AM after coffee and it was a cool 55°. Road up to Coos Bay and then Winchester Bay which I liked very much. There were many small R.V. parks and marinas and I suspect many people live in each. You don’t need a house to have a home in Oregon. Got lost trying to find the local light house but came upon the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. No we did not rent dune buggies but it was a thought.

The next leg was Florence east to Eugene along the very scenic 126. Pulled over near Eugene and that is where Randy split off from me as he headed North. We put on over 700 miles together and I enjoyed the company. I looked up my old friend Roy who had just moved to Eugene. Roy toured me around the University of Oregon where the filming took place for the movie “Animal House”. Rhododendons were in full bloom all over town. Stayed at the Valley River Inn ($119.00) and had nice dinner with Roy and his sons who also live there. Roy has been fighting cancer and is now doing immune therapy which seems to be working for now. We are all greatful for that.

Thursday

West along the McKenzie river toward the Cascades. Great scenic ride up to 4817 foot Santiam Pass. There were snow capped mountains and I took a few photos of Mt. Washington near Sisters Oregon. Destination tonight is Bend, Oregon and I went to visit my buddie Lance who is living there following a divorce over a year ago. Only 125 miles today but quite enjoyable!

Friday

South on 97 through Deschutes National Forest past Lava Lands and followed the signs to get to Crater Lake. North access road was closed and I came in from the south but I got to see lots of cows along the way up. See the photos . Crystal clear blue water with some snow around the crater. Back down the mountain past Klamath Lake and back into NorCal. Lots of riding today around 300 miles to the Cold Creek Inn located in Mount Shasta, Ca Pretty tired and I still had lots of miles to go the next day to rendezvous with the group meeting for the dirt track races at Sacramento state fair grounds.

Saturday

Up at 6:AM and on the road early to avoid heat at all costs. 46° in the morning leg. A bit cool but no traffic and I put on miles to Lake Shasta. Met up with Bob Burns, Alberto Sevilla, Chris, Neil, Brian, Carl, and leader Harry and we all went to the 1 mile flat track races that night. So glad I brought my new earplugs!

Sunday

The group of 8 went along the Sacramento Delta in a cool ride in the morning. Chris and I split up around Pittsburg and off I went back to SF. Overall a fantastic trip. I am glad to have a riding partner for some of the trip and it is a good idea to get in touch with old friends to see along the way. I think I could live in Oregon as it appeals to me. Very quiet , scenic, lots of coast line, clean and most importantly less traffic than in the Bay area. Total miles just under 1600.

P.S. 2 days after coming home I dropped the bike and hurt my leg in San Carlos Ca.

I’ll live.

Until the next journey!
Rob Hyman – 60 year old motorcycle rider. S.F. Ca