March 14: Eureka Yreka!
Today’s ride to Yreka, California and back through the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest was chock full of stunning mountain, valley, river, and lake views – just what the doctor ordered after a busy week and not enough time on the bike.
Heading south on I-5 this morning with temperatures around 40 degrees, I settled into the saddle in the comforting early morning mist, reveling in the warmth of my electric jacket and gloves. Skirts of fog settled on the foothills around me and flooded fields and bright green meadows gave evidence of recent rain.
Passing Eugene, the road began to twist delightfully through the thick strands of Douglas Firs on both sides, the tall dark green trees disappearing into the thick haze on the horizon. Breathing in the clean brisk air, I leaned into the curves and barreled up and over the foothills on both sides of me.
South of Grant’s Pass, the fog began to lift and blue skies appeared, opening stunning views of the steep ridges, rugged peaks, and deep valleys of the Siskiyou mountain range, appearing an almost impossibly bright blue in front of me.
Reaching the Siskiyou Summit, at 4,300 feet elevation, the highest point on I-5, I pulled over to take in the view. Standing on the iron-rich red crushed rock at my feet with the frigid winter air whipping my hair and the glorious mountain ranges beyond, my heart soared and I felt so alive.
Passing the colorful “Welcome to California” sign adorned with bright yellow poppies, I descended into Yreka through narrow valleys and rocky slopes topped with patches of ponderosa pine.
Heading north again under clear skies, I stopped to enjoy the twisting silvery blue waters of the Klamath River nestled between light pinkish-brown scrub brush, tufts of green grass, and shorty grey trees with delicately curved leafless branches.
Just South of Ashland I stopped to gape at the almost aquamarine-colored waters of Emigrant Lake, highlighted by a rim of light brown sandy beaches and nestled between the rolling foothills under the cloud dotted sky. What a great day on the bike!
