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