Cottage Grove, OR

Sunday, June 26 2011. Left MAC at 10:45 AM heading south on Hwy 99. Passed through Amity. Rickreal, Monmouth, Corvallis, Junction City, Eugene and into Cottage Grove. Cottage Grove has a historical covered bridge route that runs near Dorena lake.
Had to get on I-5 south for a short distance as Hwy 99S runs through downtown Eugene, then heads out to the interstate to get to Cottage Grove. We experimented a little and actually found that we could follow 99 N back to MAC. Arrived home at 5:30 PM to enjoy burgers and brats and beer with the younger Mac Jenkins clan.
Total miles ridden were 245. P.S. Valley does not like to go real fast when passing slower vehicles. Only got to 90 MPH on a long stretch and she was clinching my hips with her knees. That means slow down!!

Just a ride

Finally a nice day to ride. Left Mac on 99W north to Newberg, over to Woodburn and then south to Silverton, OR. Pit stop at Oregon Gardens and then west to Salem. Still west to Rickreal, OR to let VJ taste the new chards at Eola Hills winery. After purchase, still west to Red Prairie road. This is a scenic , curvy and twisty ride. Promised VJ, I would not crash (MC driver lets no alcohol pass by his lips). Hooked in to Hwy 18 east and then to Roth's for some avocados. Back home, hot tub, wine and tasty burgers with fresh avocado blend smeared on top. Afternoon temps in low 80's.

Iron Butt ride

Valley off to Seattle to visit Seattle Jenkins, so I loaded Beemer up for an Iron Butt day trip. Left McMinnville,OR south on Hwy 99w/South to Eugene,OR. Hooked into Hwy 36 going west into Hwy 126 to arrive in Florence, OR. Weather in Valley was moderate. I had taken liners out of jacket and pants. Arrived in Florence and turned south on Hwy 101. Destination was Coos Bay, Or. Weather was normal on coast. overcast and cool. Tried to stop at state park sites to take pics but all had a day use fee. You would think that all the money Oregon makes with it's lotteries, some of the waysides would be available with out a fee. Wanted to take pics of all the sand dunes. Arrived in Coos Bay, fueled up, purchased some Snickers bars and Mountain Dew for return trip. Headed north on Hwy 101 to Lincoln City, OR. Stopped to stretch in Lincoln City and headed east on Hwy 18 back to MAC. Nice trip. After hot tub and a few home brews it was time for bed!!

Finally a real nice day. Loaded up Beemer and headed south on Hwy 233 to Amity. Turned south on 99W to Rickreal, OR. Turned west on Hwy22 towards coast and decided to explore Red Prairie road that ends up In Sheridan, OR. Sheridan, Or named for Phil Sheridan, famous civil war general. My favorite kind of peg dragging road. Hooked back into Hwy 18 back towards Mcminnville. Stopped on side of Oldsville road to take above pic as Mt. Hood was looming.
I'll try again for a better pic in future. VJ and I planning to ride somewhere tomorrow as it's predicted to sunny and +85F.
I'll update on Sunday if I don't go to Seattle with VJ.

Just for Ed

It has been the 4th wettest winter on record in NW Oregon. Not really any nice, warm weather yet. Weather dudes predicting +83 for Saturday. Minor flooding on Columbia river now and if it gets warm might have some major flooding.
Have had a few short rides just to get the 6,000 mile maintenance check-up for Beemer. Babysitting duties end this week, so I hope to get more rides in.
Valley and I traveling to northern Virginia to visit my MOM and sister, Then back to Oregon and a short MC trip to John Day, Oregon. We have a 2 up trip planned to Napa, CA. In mid July. Will leave Mac and go to Eugene and head west to Florence, OR and turn south on Hwy 101 and ride as far as weather holds. We are looking at wine tasting trips to Biale vineyards, etc. Might return through Reno, Nevada if weather is nice.
Just for ED!!! I will keep this site updated if he lets me know what he is doing!!!!

KJ