6/25/20 Herding Kittens Dualsport Ride Through Southern Oregon

[Tawmass]

DAY ONE

After the prior night's lunacy, we (Scott Wilson, Kerry Owen, Doug White, Dave Klug, John Kaufman, Rod Nordstrom & I) left 'kickstands up' at 8AM (and Danno was even ready!). We of course had to do the obligatory group before photo.





Day 1's route would take us almost 200 miles to Crescent City, CA, so it was imperative we got out early. Some people had moteled it the night prior.


We started out going by the Rogue River and then up to Timber Mountain (MRA Property) and hit the Couch Trail, Nissan Trail, Boundary Trail and a piece of the Ditch Trail. We then descended to Bunny Meadows Staging Area and rode up to an overlook of the Applegate Valley.


From there, the route went over the Applegate River, Cantrall-Buckley Park and descended to Williams, then over Deer Creek Road, where we met a friend Joe Fort shortly afterwards! [small world!]


Afterwards we came to Thompson Road then rode to Cave Junction to Taylor's Meat Shop for lunch. It was starting to get hot already.


We then headed back up into the mountains and slightly cooler weather! After a long descent into Gasquet, CA, we went through The Redwoods Park and Stout's Grove.






We then headed into Crescent City and the Motel 6 (now dubbed the Motel 5) and dinner. A long, but fun day with no accidents or injuries.


Day1 animated GPS Route: https://ayvri.com/scene/e9k4pev9ko/ckc0 ... 69xovvakxp (be patent, it will start)

Day 1 video: https://vimeo.com/434072882

-Tom

[Tawmass]

DAY TWO

We started out with fog from Crescent City, CA. Ugh. Couldn't see the famous lighthouse, etc., but when we hit the Redwoods, things opened up! We crossed the Smith River and headed up Low-Divide Road. This would be a short day at 103 miles.





We eventually made our way to Lee Riddle's house (which JohnK lost his muffler baffle somewhere close to Lee's) and Lee was gracious enough to have pizza and sodas for us. Thanks Lee!



Then it was off into upper Gold Beach! Things were going way too good, so Scott had to break things up by crashing in a bad spot. We later found out he fractured three ribs!



We then descended into Gold Beach and while Dugly and I were going across the street for beer, he noticed a KTM 690 that had a new rack. He commented, "Nice rack!" and the two girls standing in front of the bike were not amused.



While we were waiting (for an eternity!) for the people to clean our rooms, Rod 'fessed up that he got a nail through his tire, but it didn't go flat. WTF? How does that happen?



Dinner was a welcome item when it came and the head waiter had knowledge of Baja - cool! Due to Rod's light sleeping pattern, I ended up bunking with Mr. Social Media (Danno), which proved interesting.




Day 2 animated GPS Route: https://ayvri.com/scene/e9k4pev9ko/ckc0 ... 69ck6jlgmo (be patent, it will start)

Day 2 video: https://vimeo.com/434922724 (Music from Ron's infusion)

-Tom

[Tawmass]

DAY THREE

We started out from Gold Beach once again in beautiful weather! We had a bodacious breakfast at Double D's Restaurant and were topped off with fuel, so we were good to go!




Before we ended up in Agness, we took a road, which turned out to be a driveway into someone's property - doh! Fortunately she was nice enough to put up with us (even those who elected to minimize the social distancing rules!) and we found another way to Agness.







From there we went to Powers, didn't have enough time to visit Dive's old-motor museum there, and made our way to Myrtle Point for fuel and locals unsure how to get to the Old Coos Bay Wagon Trail. We did eventually find that road and it was worth it, with all the scenery and waterfalls!



We then wound around to a curvy road (that I almost slid out on!) that took us to the top of Bear Ridge, which was a spectacular overlook of the valley below!





After multiple attempts at finding a route over the top, we decided to go back whence we came and make our way to Sutherlin and the Motel 6. Dinner was at Applebee's and we settled in for the night as the weather forecaster's said a rain storm was moving in. Sigh.

Day 3 animated GPS Route: https://ayvri.com/scene/e9k4pev9ko/ckc0 ... 69wagkw8zc (be patent, it will start)

Day 3 video: https://vimeo.com/435371013

All in all, it was a very, full day - almost 200 miles worth!
-Tom

[Tawmass]

DAY FOUR - THE FINALE!

We started out from Sutherlin with the rain coming down as forecasted. A gloomy day for my birthday!



We started up one dirt road, but it was gated, plus some locals came out of the woodwork to greet us and tell us that the road was closed. Sigh. We eventually headed up Little River from Glide and made our way to South Umpqua Falls. We did have a rare visitor along the way! (per video)











Day 4 animated GPS Route: https://ayvri.com/scene/e9k4pev9ko/ckc0 ... 693p39m0o9 (be patent, it will start)

Day 4 video: https://vimeo.com/435482472

We snaked our way home and did 154 miles for the day, with almost no dust! We later found out that Scott had fractured three ribs in his crash, Doug rallied after the first day and Dave got checked afterwards at the hospital and came back with no issues! And thanks for celebrating my birthday guys!
-Tom

[Ace!]

I gotta figure out how to get an invite to one of these rides! What if I carried the spare tubes and oil??????? Just kidding.

Looks like a lot of fun!

[Ace!]

Looks like a great way to celebrate. Happy birthday!

[Tawmass]

Thanks! Will be nice to see you out riding again!
-Tom