Oregon Coast Cycling Festival Festival Flyer May 12, 2004 As we get closer to the Oregon Coast Cycling Festival’s big day, things are happening at a quicker and quicker pace. Here’s just a glimpse at what’s been going on lately written by the Festival’s Main Sprocket. The Oregon Coast Cycling Festival is September 11th in Gold Beach, Oregon. There’s just so much to do and so many details that I barely have time to ride! But don’t worry; I get out there, occasionally in the name of research. Last weekend I rode in the Tour of the Unknown Coast http://www.tuccycle.org/index.html in Ferndale, CA. The weather was perfect and I rode in their new Metric Century. What a beautiful ride through the redwoods. I learned an awful lot, too. Some of the good things that their organizers were doing will be incorporated into the Festival. There were a couple minor glitches here and there that hopefully our organizing committee won’t let happen. I stopped in the Bookworm last week to pick up a copy of Oregon Cycling Magazine (nice article on the Festival in the April issue by the way) and was talking with one of the co-owners, Mike Norton. Besides offering books and magazines, the Bookworm also has an Art Gallery, public internet access, and very importantly, an Espresso Bar. The Bookworm is located right across the street from the Curry County Fairgrounds where all the Festival events are taking place. Mike says he’ll be opening up earlier than most Saturdays just for the cyclists. Speaking of research, I rode the second part of the Imperial Century a couple weeks back: that’s the loop that goes from Gold Beach to Brookings and back. It’s a challenge, especially after riding the first 40 miles of the century, but what an awesome ride! And if the prevailing northwest winds are blowing, it will be even more incredible. Highway 101 to Brookings is smooth with wide shoulders most of the way and offers some fantastic views of the coastline. Most of the 101 section is right through Cape Sebastian, Pistol River, and Samuel Boardman State Parks. No wonder so many car commercials are filmed here. And with a 20-mile an hour tailwind, it’ll be a scream. Then the return trip over Carpenterville Summit is really nice. Just over eleven miles of ups and downs eventually putting you at around 1700 feet above the ocean. Then it’s a fast nine-mile twisty-turny descent. I felt like Mario Andretti coming down that road I tell ya... 99% of the entire 20-mile stretch is smooth, relatively new pavement and, the Saturday that I rode it, I passed only six cars. Check out the map… http://www.oregoncoastcyclingfestival.com/imperial_map.htm Some of the details are in on one of the major raffle prizes. Bay Area Bike Center in North Bend, Oregon, is donating a new KHS A-Lite MTB. Owner James Gillson hasn’t yet given me all the facts about which model or what size, but it’s sure to sell quite a few tickets. Thanks James! Just talked with Dan Crumley, the Roadmaster of Curry County and he’s got great news. The County Road Department will be paving big sections of the Imperial and Metric Century Routes this summer. Fresh pavement should be in place on the southern half of Squaw Valley Road and all of Ophir road. I love the smell of fresh asphalt in the morning. While we’re talking Ophir, the Festival wants to thank David Hoenie for offering the Ophir School as the first rest stop. It’s the perfect place and a great set-up for a rest stop. David also has a few vacation rentals that you might consider if you’re coming over with a group. A lot of times renting a house can be more economical by spreading the lodging costs and cooking on your own. Check out http://www.breakerhouse.com Another major rest stop is at Tu Tu’ Tun Lodge, a four-diamond lodge nestled on the banks of the Rogue River seven miles upstream from the Pacific Ocean. This unique inn is rated as one of the best hotels in the world year in and year out by many national and international magazines. But it’s the people who make it great. I can’t thank Laurie and Dirk Van Zante and their creme de la creme staff enough for what they’ve helped the Festival with so far. For more information, go to http://www.tututun.com Speaking of sponsors, Jef Mallett, creator of the nationally syndicated comic, Frazz, is donating a signed original comic to enter into the Festival Raffle! According to Jef, “I only wish I could hand-deliver it. You live in one of the best spots in the world.” Subscribe to his comic. The title character “Frazz” is a worldly-wise school janitor who is also a cyclist. Here’s one that really describes being a cyclist in the Spring in the Northwest; http://www.comics.com/comics/frazz/archive/frazz-20040414.html Tidbits: * Early registration ends July 31. It sounds like a long way off, but then again it’s already mid-May! This year is flying by ... like Lance Armstrong in France in July. * Remember that the Entry Fee Discounts can be added up for big savings! * The Festival’s Main Sprocket and Chain Whip have been busy scouting out bands for the Spin-Down Spaghetti Feed, but are still looking. If you have any good suggestions, please contact the Festival office at (541) 251-0063 * Many more sponsors are needed if we’re going to meet our goals for the American Heart Association and the Curry Health Foundation. Pass the word. http://www.oregoncoastcyclingfestival.com/Sponsorship_info.htm Next issue of the Festival Flyer? * Details about the Spin-Down Spaghetti-Feed * What’s lined up for the non-riders in the group (you can’t come to the Coast alone!) * Mileage logs for all three routes * Siskiyou Velo’s Mountain Lakes Challenge anyone? * Sportsman and Sportswoman of the day announcement * BMX? MTB? * More rumors and hearsay Ride On! Main Sprocket (541) 251-0063