February 20 - Interstate all the Way
Sometimes its just about being on the bike and enjoying the food you love, even if it means being on the interstate. I wasn’t sure if I was going to ride at all today because the weather was forecasted to be both cold (40’s) and wet, an often rather unpleasant situation. However, when I woke up to the sound of birds singing and saw a little blue sky peeking out from behind the clouds, I decided to go for it. Because of the cold and precipitation, I decided to avoid backroads and elected to do something I rarely do – ride the interstate south for 200 miles.
Although most bikers, including myself, often prefer winding backroads through scenic countryside, there is something to be said for occasionally spending a day on interstate, just enjoying the views, reflecting on life, and feeling the wind in your face. I have found that some major interstates are actually quite scenic, most notably interstate 70 in Colorado. Today’s ride along I-5 between Eugene and Grants Pass was similarly stunning.
My first stop south of Eugene was at the Creswell Bakery, where I feasted on my favorite menu item there – the bacon ciabatta breakfast sandwich made with home-cured bacon, a fresh over-easy egg, Tillamook cheese, and a just-out-of-the-oven ciabatta roll slathered in butter. I ordered an apple fruit tart to go and headed south.
The interstate is actually quite curvy on this stretch of road, following the Umpqua River for many miles and traversing several major mountain passes – Mount Sexton, Smith Hill, and Stage Road Pass. After dealing with the stress of a major remodel for several weeks, I was completely invigorated by the fresh mountain air, vast valley views, and spectacular mountain peaks. As I swooped around the mountainsides, climbed towards the summits, and sped down into the valleys, I felt the worries of the week wash away.
Arriving in Grants Pass I treated myself to a double-double, animal style burger at In- N- Out burger before heading back north. Halfway home I stopped to enjoy the apple tart from the bakery along with a cup of steaming hot water. I did get rained on several times but stayed relatively dry most of the time thanks to the wind in my face. I arrived home somewhat wet and cold but full of good food and happy memories of the day.
