Mysterious James and I emerge from our three-night Cannon Beach odyssey to accidentally unlock our cycling superpowers, turning a modest Tillamook target into a shocking 52-mile triumph. It’s the usual stuff: ice cream as performance enhancer, and the stunning revelation that hydration might actually matter. But with tomorrow's weather turning and our schedule still behind, will this newfound confidence carry us forward or set us up for an epic crash?

Key Highlights

• Morning departure from Cannon Beach with sunny weather (rain expected tomorrow)
• Arch Cape Tunnel challenge - one of the less enjoyable parts of the Oregon coast, but navigated successfully with proper lighting and safety gear
• Strong riding performance despite variable winds - tailwinds providing good speed, headwinds creating challenges around rivers and inlets
• Confidence boost as both riders felt strong throughout the day, a marked improvement from their struggles the previous day leaving Beaverton
• Hydration success - Tim credits focused hydration efforts for dramatically improved performance
• Cape Lookout State Park arrival - described as potentially "the best camp on the coast" with individual pod-like clearings and ocean wave sounds

Route Details

• Departed Cannon Beach early morning
• Climbed through Arch Cape Tunnel to Manzanita (20-mile checkpoint)
• Continued south past Garibaldi and Bay City to Tillamook
• Extended ride from Tillamook to Cape Lookout State Park
• Riders met at Safeway in Tillamook for resupply (chicken strips and ice cream)

Camp Review: Cape Lookout State Park

Pros: - Excellent location directly on the coast - Individual pod-like campsites with perfect flat ground - Beautiful ocean wave sounds - Great overall facilities

Cons: - Long walk to bathhouse/showers - Charging stations only have USB-A ports (no USB-C or standard 110V outlets)

Tomorrow's Plan

• Targeting Beverly Beach as the main goal
• South Beach as potential stretch goal (though 70 miles seems too ambitious)
• Weather forecast: overcast and cool - ideal "James and Tim weather"
• Still working out end-of-week logistics due to being behind schedule

Technology MVP

Perplexity AI proving invaluable for route planning and logistics, including confirming their direct route choice over the longer ACA (Adventure Cycling Association) scenic route.

Statistics

• Miles Biked: 52
• Times Tim arrived before James: 2 (hmm… that’s not normal. Foreshadowing…)
• Power of James's insane phone charger: 100 watts
• Consecutive nights at Cannon Beach: 3 (do I need to declare it as a part time residence this year?)

• • Flats: Zero

Day two and three of the Oregon Coast tour evolve into an epic quest for an elusive bicycle part. Is this a mere repair mission or a saga worthy of Greek mythology with adaptive problem-solving, multiple contingency plans, long-distance bus adventures, heat stroke avoidance, and kind bike shop professionals who go above and beyond?

Day Two Morning - Plan Multiplication

• Late wake-up due to flexible schedule
• Pig and Pancake breakfast at classic Oregon Coast institution
• 10:30 AM: First Seaside shop call - negative result
• 12:00 PM: Multiple plan permutations discussed off-mic
• Decision to purchase additional campsite night for gear security

The Great Plan Cascade

• Plan A: Dead on arrival (Seaside shop #1)
• Plan B: Dead at noon (Seaside shop #2)
• Multiple Portland options considered and analyzed
• Ian consultation reveals Monday/Tuesday availability conflicts
• Plan F: Warrenton option with Ed the Legend emerges
• 50/50 assessment of success probability based on Ed's memory

Day Two Leisure Activities

• Haystack Rock exploration and beach time
• Two consecutive meals at Pelican Brewery
• Server confusion when Tim and James reversed their lunch/dinner orders
• Extended campsite stay and gear planning sessions

Day Three - The Portland Pivot

• Early morning departure preparation and coffee
• Bus route research reveals 2.8-inch tire compatibility issues
• Warrenton bus only runs twice daily, next departure at 5:50 PM
• Strategic decision: Portland certainty over Warrenton uncertainty
• Critical discovery: Portland bus stops in Beaverton near Universal Cycles

The Beaverton Solution

• Successful mid-route bus exit in Beaverton
• 12-18 minute walk to Universal Cycles in 90-degree heat
• Online inventory confirmation: 8 units in stock
• Successful charm deployment for installation service
• Same-day return bus to Cannon Beach secured

Statistics

• Plan iterations reached: 26 maybe 100
• Bus route options analyzed: 3
• Bike shops contacted/visited: 5
• Days with minimal cycling: 2
• Temperature differential: 30 From a chilly marine layer in Cannon Beach to 90°F blazing sun in Beaverton
• Flats: 0

Notable Quotes

• "Plan F. We think from plan double Z" - Tim on the ever-evolving situation
• "It's a coin flip" - James assessing Warrenton success probability
• "Don't let us down. Don't let us down." - High expectations for Universal Cycles
• "We need a win" - Emotional state after multiple plan failures

We are so back.... on the Oregon Coast with the Mysterious James for another round of two-wheeled mayhem. Ten days, 360 miles, zero expectations, and maximum potential for randomness. The Safari's ready, MJ is in, and we're about to find out if bike touring is really dying or just hiding. Spoiler alert: it's gonna be a wild ride.

Route Preview

•Start: Astoria, OR (mile marker 0 or 360, depending on your perspective)

•End: Crescent City, CA (for Tim); James continues on to the Bay Area

•Duration: 10 days with a flexible buffer day

•Notable overnight stops (planned or likely):

•Nehalem Bay State Park (newly renovated!)

•Pacific City (Webb Campground… maybe)

•South Beach State Park (for access to Newport breweries)

•Honeyman State Park (newer, flatter hiker/biker site)

•Humbug Mountain State Park

•Harris Beach State Park

•Potential zero day or break-up of the tough Humbug → Harris Beach stretch

•No planned fast-forwards, unless absolutely necessary.

Camping and Lodging Notes

•Prioritizing Oregon’s legendary hiker/biker campgrounds.

•Watching for options to split up tougher days if needed.

•No hotels booked mid-ride… but maybe one after.

Health & COVID Precautions

•Recent exposure to COVID before departure.

•Testing negative but traveling with:

•N95 masks

•At-home test kits

•A solid commitment to not being “that guy” on the coast

Gear and Bike Setup

•Bike: The classic Safari (not the e-bike — those batteries don’t fly)

•Derailleur hanger fixed after some Oregon baggage trauma last year

•Bags and Packing:

•Rear panniers only (probably no front rack)

•Dry bag strapped to handlebars

•Possibly a rack-top bag or extra dry bag for groceries

•Tent & Sleep Kit: Same trusty gear as usual

•Clothing:

•Two sun hoodies, maybe a few tees

•Minimal civilian clothes

•One pair of riding pants, maybe a second pair

•Hat, gloves (maybe), sleep clothes

•Kitchen:

•Might skip the stove — James likely bringing one

•Planning to mooch hot water as needed

•Hydration & Nutrition:

•Bringing water cube + personal bottle

•Salt/electrolyte tablets recommended by a listener

•Stroopwafels as ride fuel (solid choice)

Weather Forecast

•Classic Oregon coast summer: mid-60s highs, mid-50s lows, mostly dry

•Tailwinds expected

•Perfect conditions for coastal touring

The State of Touring

•Fewer cyclists seen in recent years — why?

•Aging of the boomer “bikecentennial” generation

•More folks opting for trail or gravel rides

•General safety concerns on roadways

•ACA is selling its HQ in Missoula and going fully remote — a sign of shifting tides?

•This ride may be another data point in the evolution of bike touring

What to Expect

•Conversations and stories with James

•Challenges, route decisions, campground reviews, and food stops

•A mix of reflective commentary and classic on-the-road storytelling

Coming Up…

•Next episode kicks off the Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 tour proper

•Get ready for on-the-ground updates, audio postcards, and the real-time unfolding of the adventure

Despite living on the east coast, we spend a whole heck of a lot of attention on bicycle adventures on the west coast, right? Well, it’s time we changed that! On this episode, we chat with Regina Yan about the East Coast Greenway, her epic trip and how she and the East Coast Greenway Alliance is making this route a contender for all of our future cycling adventures! Originally podcast April 28, 2023.

Six days, two countries, multiple ferries, and one very stubborn e-bike brake magnet later, the Lake Ontario circumnavigation attempt has wrapped up in ways both expected and completely unforeseen. What started as an ambitious 540-mile loop around one of the Great Lakes became a masterclass in adventure adaptation, international border logistics, and the reality of shoulder season touring. On this episode, takeaways from a trip that delivered lessons extending far beyond the original route plan.

Lake Ontario 2025 Takeaways

1. Plan for Ferry Contingencies Ferry schedules can be unreliable, especially early or late in the season. The US-Canada ferry that was supposed to be running for Memorial Day weekend simply wasn't operational, despite being a critical piece of the route. Always have backup plans for ferry-dependent routes and call ahead rather than assuming seasonal schedules are accurate.

2. E-bike Mechanical Knowledge is Essential This adventure nearly ended before it began due to a simple brake magnet issue that couldn't be initially diagnosed. If you're planning to tour with an e-bike, invest time in learning the electrical components and common failure points. Carry backup magnets, electrical tape, and basic electrical tools.

3. Weight Distribution Matters More on E-bikes The combination of heavy batteries, chargers, and touring gear created concerns about spoke and wheel integrity on a bike not designed for that load. Consider front panniers or other weight distribution solutions when carrying substantial battery backup systems for longer tours.

4. International Border Crossings Require Flexibility International bike touring adds layers of complexity that can derail plans. Without vehicle backup, a cyclist would have been stranded when the expected ferry crossing wasn't running. Research multiple crossing points and have contingency transportation options for international routes.

5. E-bikes Excel at "Twice the Speed, Half the Effort" Consistently maintaining 20+ mph with moderate effort effectively doubles your range compared to acoustic cycling. This opens up longer day rides and different touring philosophies - you can cover more ground in less time or take more time to explore without distance pressure.

6. Shoulder Season Has Trade-offs Riding in late May meant fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, but also meant many seasonal services weren't yet operational. Consider what matters more for your trip: solitude and cooler weather, or full service availability and guaranteed open businesses.

7. Battery Management is Both Psychological and Practical Having two batteries completely eliminated range anxiety and changed the entire riding approach. The faster-charging newer battery became primary, with the backup providing peace of mind. Invest in quality charging equipment and understand your system's charging capabilities and timing.

8. Vehicle-Supported Adventures Have Merit While purists might prefer self-supported touring, hybrid approaches can still deliver meaningful bike experiences while providing important safety nets. Sometimes adapting your adventure style is better than canceling entirely when plans go sideways.

9. Memorial or Meaningful Rides Can Evolve Despite not completing the original circumnavigation plan, the spiritual goal of honoring family through cycling around meaningful places was still achieved. The intention and connection to place often matters more than perfect execution of your original route.

10. Equipment Confidence Takes Time and Experience The relationship with the e-bike evolved from skeptical to confident over the course of the trip. Don't expect immediate comfort with new bike setups - allow for a learning curve and consider adventures like this as extended shakedown rides for future longer tours.

Bonus Insight: Toronto Island proved to be an unexpected highlight, demonstrating that some of the best bike touring moments come from unplanned discoveries when you maintain flexibility to explore interesting detours.

What was supposed to be a triumphant border crossing and final push from Niagara Falls back to the starting point became something entirely different when family health concerns required an immediate pivot. But sometimes the best laid plans need to be set aside for what actually matters, and day six became about completing the ride in the way it was always meant to end - with a proper beginning and a proper finish, both by bike, both connected to the places and people that made this whole adventure meaningful in the first place.

Lake Ontario 2025: Part 7

Statistics

Miles biked: 10.2

Number of times the difference between towns and villages in New York was explained: 1 (and hopefully that's enough)

Conversations with Good Samaritans about unconscious people on bike paths: 1

Root intrusions that could be classified as kidney shakers: 4

Battery anxiety level on a scale of 1-10: 0
Municipalities referenced 4
Flats: 0

Transitioning from from the peaceful Toronto Island back into the urban sprawl of southern Ontario is a bit of a record scratch I’ll more thoroughly experience when I eventually ride this ride, but a fast forward to a stunning Niagara Falls hotel leads to an extensive e-bike exploration of the Niagara River and Falls area. But plans always have a way of changing and this day was no different.

Toronto Island Farewell

• Final morning walk through the quiet island community
• Observations on the unique housing stock and lifestyle
• Discussion of waiting lists and the appeal of island living
• Apple tree sightings continuing the Lake Ontario apple theme

Hotel with a View

• Check-in at a dated but perfectly positioned Niagara Falls hotel
• Room with an "outrageous" view directly overlooking Horseshoe Falls
• Plans to bring dinner back to the room due to the unbeatable vista
• Discussion of off-season pricing and business travel perks

Vehicle Talk

• Introduction to the new Toyota RAV4 plugin hybrid
• Upcoming camping drawer system installation
• Comparison to previous vehicle setups
• Teasing of a major summer adventure

Navigation Adventures

• Challenges finding the proper cycling route to Niagara Parkway
• Discovery of abandoned rail right-of-way
• Multiple elevation changes due to the Niagara Escarpment
• Eventually finding the correct riverside path

Hydroelectric Discovery

• Learning about the Niagara Tunnel Project - 10.2 km underground tunnel
• Understanding how power generation works 40 meters below the river surface
• Observing the transformation from calm upstream waters to rushing rapids
• Multiple spillways and control structures

Falls Experience

• Cycling directly along the Niagara River as it approaches the falls
• Walking the bike through crowded tourist areas
• Experiencing mist from both American and Horseshoe Falls
• International tourism observations
• Discussion of why this isn't a national/provincial park

Family Matters

• Mid-episode phone call requiring attention to family health issues
• Decision to return home earlier than planned
• Reflection on how circumstances aligned properly for the situation

Looking Ahead

• Announcement of a "proper" Day 6 episode
• Plans to complete the original intended route from mother's former home to current home
• Postponement of international border crossing for future adventure

Miles biked 6

Number of Superman II references 3

Outrageous parking cost at the hotel 45 CAD

Length in seconds of the full color cycle of the falls lighting at night 69 (nice)

iPod dockable clock radios in the hotel that are so vintage as to be worth way more than the hotel probably thinks 1

Flats 0