Mysterious Oregon Coast 2025 Part 6

A leisurely morning at South Beach State Park sets the stage for what should be the triumphant finale, but James's bike has one last surprise in store. Sometimes a cursed bike adventure is the best kind. But with tire splits threatening the final miles and Eugene's punishing heat waiting ahead, will we actually make it to the finish line or become stranded out on the coast?

 

Key Highlights

• South Beach State Park downgrade - Charging lockers removed, replaced with non-charging metal versions
• Classic Oregon coast weather returns - Fog, cool temperatures, and the riding conditions that originally attracted them
• Yachats exploration - First real visit to Tim's long-desired coast town (population: 800)
• Cape Perpetua finale - Tackling one of the coast's most challenging and scenic climbs
• Tire crisis intensifies - James's rear tire split worsens but limps to the finish
• Eugene revelation - $5 bus ride opens new coast access possibilities

 

Route Details

Day 1: South Beach to Yachats

• Short, rolling ride through Waldport and Seal Rock
• Classic foggy conditions with seagull air-surfing entertainment
• Hotel night in Yachats for town exploration

 

Day 2: Yachats to Florence

• 25-mile challenge over Cape Perpetua
• Multiple climbs through "the windiest part of the Oregon coast"
• Cape Creek Tunnel navigation
• Final descent to Florence via Sea Lion Caves

 

Yachats Assessment

• Population: 800 residents
• Vibe: Full spectrum from blue collar to "bougie-est of bougie"
• Tim's verdict: "Punches above its weight" for a small coastal town
• Accommodation: Ocean view hotel with perfect fog viewing

 

Mechanical Drama Final Act

• James's tubeless tire split progressively worsens
• Tube begins protruding through tire damage
• Bike shop in Florence (Bicycles 101) permanently closed
• Tire successfully limps final 52 miles to completion
• Post-ride tire replacement arranged in Eugene

 

Transportation Victory

• Florence to Eugene bus: Only $5 (compared to $17-20 Portland routes)
• Bus rack accommodates James's 29+ tire width with minor deflation
• Direct connection to Eugene's Amtrak station and airport
• Opens new coast access strategies for future tours

 

Cultural Observations

• South Beach platforms: Composite decking mystery continues
• Book club continuation: Tim's author criticism ongoing
• Charging infrastructure: State park downgrades noted
• Coast tourism patterns: More cyclists spotted this year vs. last

 

Food & Fuel Strategy

• Yachats: Fresh fish and chips (James's rare fish consumption)
• Cape Perpetua prep: High-calorie loading for big climbs
• Florence finale: Safeway provisions for final night
• Eugene heat preparation: Dramamine procurement

 

Eugene Transition

• 89-90°F heat shock after cool coast weather
• Travel Lodge fan so impressive Tim orders same model for cabin
• Cold Fire Brewing pit stop with brisket and low-alcohol beers
• Hotel early check-in for heat recovery

 

Statistics

• Miles Biked Day 1: 25 
• Miles Biked Day 2: 25 
• Total tour mileage: ~52% of original plan
• Florence to Eugene bus cost: $5 
• Eugene temperature: 90°F 
• Flats: Zero