Cycling Day 23: Belknap Hot Springs Resort to Coburg, OR- 65.2 miles and 888’ elevation gain

Today’s ride profile was essentially all downhill, such a welcome distraction from the usual day of assorted climbs.

Essentially we followed the McKenzie River on very busy Highway 126 from the Resort.

The service station in Nimrod has not been selling gasoline for quite some time.

From time to time we would seen very small, new homes built right on the River’s banks. It might be a lovely setting but with highway noise right outside I hope they are built with some excellent soundproofing. As we pressed on the group encountered our first hazelnut (“filbert”) groves…

… and the farms seemed to be more prosperous than back east in Baker, Grant and Wheeler Counties.

Happily we left Highway 126 in Walterville, and rode along the quiet Camp Creek Road and a number of others taking us north of busy Springfield and Eugene to our campsite at Coburg. Despite it having been an easy day I can tell that just about everyone is ready for this saga to be over. More grumbling, more tiredness, even among those who are most fit.

We were treated to a special celebratory dinner at a lovely restaurant called “Rye” in Eugene. Our normal dining out budget of $20/person was bumped to $50, and I had my first ever grilled watermelon salad… something I enjoyed but will not try to do at home.

Two more days. I wonder how long it will take everyone to miss the adventure, scenery and camaraderie once this is over?