This is how our spectacular ride through the Redwoods and the narrows--a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity--came together, and how it went. This was a special day.
Day 2 of our Best of the West tour was a breeze. A salty coastal breeze, from Bandon down the 101 past sweeping ocean views, past the Cape Blanco lighthouse, past lots of great local art, to Gold Beach. We've tried our best to fit as much of it as possible into this short video. Stay posted for more videos from the tours!
Best of the West day 1 - Winston, OR to Bandon.
We're looking back on this past summer with so much gratitude for all the folks who came together to make our tours the incredible events that they were, from the welcoming host towns to the dedicated crew, and of course, all of the wonderful folks who ride with us and make BRNW the amazing community that it is. We couldn't do it without you all. Here's a look back at the first day of the Oregon route, aka "The Best of the West."
The Oregon Coast has been good to us.
Our ride began in Winston with a bit of Tandemonium.
BRNW Oregon 2023 Day 1 - Winston to Bandon
Montana day 5 - Buffalo Bill Dam
We're still coming down off the high of our elevation elation tour - one of the highlights was the out-and-back trip to the Buffalo Bill Dam along the Shoshone River in Wyoming. The roaring river and towering cliffs made this one to remember.
The views out here are unbeatable.
Montana day 3 - Weather and road conditions led us to shift our trajectory and we rode to Cody a day early after an out-and-back up Beartooth pass on day 2. We're spending 3 nights in Cody before getting back on track. All in all, it's been a grand adventure so far!
Day 2 on the Montana ride
BRNW MONTANA 2023 Day 1 - Columbus to Red Lodge
Looking back to Day One, Sunday: The route led out of Port Townsend via the Larry Scott Trail, meandering through meadows and forest for 7 miles. Later riders got their first taste of the ODT proper, and an understanding of the complicated process of piecing together a dedicated bike/ped/horse trail across literally a dozen jurisdictions. After a lengthy trestle bridge, riders took a trip through a tunnel of rich green tree shade, finally emerging into bright sunshine and spectacular views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to Vancouver Island and Mt. Baker on the eastern horizon. The trail followed the shoreline for miles into Port Angeles and the next camp. Cloud covered the craggy Olympic Range... until near sunset, when it all dissipated, revealing the serrated ridgelines high above. Groups of riders gathered just to gaze on it and try to capture the grandeur on their phones, as the sun set on a great first day.
The last few days have really flown by! Here's how this tour begins, for those that are following along: Riders convened in Port Townsend on a sunny, windy day to renew acquaintances and get back in the rhythm of bike touring. In the afternoon some volunteered at The ReCyclery, a local nonprofit dedicated to making cycling accessible and easy for all, helping prepare bikes to give away to kids.
After dinner, tribal councilwoman Dana Ward from the Jamestown S'Klallam tribe gave a blessing to the event and riders, we learned about the history of the Olympic Discovery Trail... and then members of the crew took part in a bike tossing contest, seeing how far they could fling a klunky kids bike, while riders donated money to the ODT to try to guess the length of the winning throw; a fun kickoff to the adventure.
The Olympic Dreams tour is off to quite a lovely start.
On Tuesday riders decided between a ride up the Wallowa Mountains Scenic Byway, the Wallowa Lake Tramway, a ride along the lake, lunch and treats in town... very relaxed, and a reminder of why we do this. Collegiality, scenery, vigorous activity, guilt-free eating... later that night riders chose between a classical music concert on the lake and a free public concert in the city park that BRNW sponsored, featuring local musical standouts.
Woke up Tuesday morning to an absolute bluebird day. Clear blue skies, crystalline mountain views, high 70s.
We came into Joseph on Monday to a warm but cloudy day. Gradually the clouds dispersed to reveal the still-snow-capped Wallowa Mountains surrounding the town on three sides.
We all gathered at Garrison Middle School in Walla Walla on Saturday. The excitement was palpable as both riders and crew reveled in actually coming together again for a new adventure, after nearly three years.
Today kicks off our riding with a pretty daunting day: 62 miles and 5,000+ feet, climbing up over Tollgate Pass to Elgin.
