February 8: End of the Road? No Problem

Today’s ride through snow-covered mountain passes to the Roads End State Recreation Site was chock full of picturesque country panoramas and stunning ocean vistas. The refreshing winter air and inspirational scenes lifted my spirits and filled me with much-appreciated energy for the week ahead.

With temperatures in the last couple weeks hovering in the upper thirties and low forties, it seemed plausible that My Baby and I might be able to find a route to the coast that didn’t entail riding on patches of snow or black ice.

Excited to be heading west, I made my way on Ehlen Road past Donald to 99 west and McMinnville, enjoying the bucolic country back roads dotted with red and brown barns, walnut and hazelnut trees, and fruit and nut stands. With rain drizzling on and off and the air heavy with moisture, I enjoyed views of the wispy white fog tendrils clustering around the tops of evergreen trees in the foothills beyond.

Continuing towards the ocean on highway 18, I passed Grand Ronde before climbing in elevation to the Hb Van Duzer Forest State Scenic Corridor. Temperatures dropped and a light covering of snow appeared on the foothills surrounding me. Bumping and jostling over potholes and cracks in the road, I navigated around rough spots while keeping an eye out for black ice, gaining confidence from the fact the cars in front of me appeared to be maintaining excellent traction.

As I descended into Lincoln City and then followed Logan Road through the tsunami warning signs down to the water, I caught my first glimpse of the dark blue seas of the Pacific. Drawing in my breath, I marveled at the breath-takingly beautiful wide expanse of water, highlighted with crisp, frothy white waves, brown rocky outcroppings, and honey-colored sand dunes.

Hopping off the bike, I wandered along the pebble-filled path alongside a small tributary down to the sand and the edge of the coastline. Captivated by the beach’s beauty, I broke into song. The last few weeks have been marked by loss and financial struggles. But I was filled with a sense of gratitude for all that God has done in my life and all that I know He will do in the future. What a great day on the bike!