Bygone Bicyclist

Thanks, Ricky.

Here’s some interim pictures of PHX -> SF -> WA and back. Mount Shasta took my breathe away and stole my heart. San Luis Reservoir is a sight that must be seen – descending from the snowy mountains into green, grassy hills with flood waters hiding around corners is just something else.

This little guy followed us from SF til Washington. Deemed his name: broccoli

Everyone always talks about how gorgeous Ashland is. We made what was meant to be a quick pit-stop. We took what appeared to be a main street, and headed back towards the highway. After crossing over the highway, then going under it, and still finding ourselves in the middle of some farm country, we grew irritated with Ashland. Our quick stop turned into a 30 minute detour…maybe more. On the way home we found ourselves in Central Point, OR as the sun faded. Our options for dining (or drinking, I should say), lead us to Medford, and Medford was lacking, so we headed to Ashland…with much apprehension.

All in all though, Ashland was a great stay. A tiny town that reminds me of Prescott, with two great breweries and a cute little gelato cafe that serves Stumptown. It snowed, and iced while we were there, which always makes for great times while under the influence (see: snowchair).

We had a great stay in Castle Rock, WA, at Toutle River RV. It never ceases to amaze me the wonderful fare that comes out of small places (in this case, beer from Centralia, WA). Roughly ten inches of snow over the course of our ~30 hours in town was a splendid surprise for the city boys from the Valley of the Sun.

Brewery? Check. Coffee? Check.

Coava Coffee. Easily one of the best espressos I’ve ever had – it was definitely the best of the whole trip. Pour-over left a bit to desire, but I feel it was maybe the bean options for the pour-over – I can’t make a fair assumption. Espresso was king, A+, top shelf.

Bridgeport Brewery. I didn’t have any food here, but the brew selection was great. Kind of funny, because I left PHX with a few Bridgeport IPAs in the truck for consumption during our nightly stays.

Stumptown, Pearl Dist. Hippest place I’ve ever set foot in. Need I talk about the delicious coffee? On point, as it should be from a name like Stumptown.

Tug Boat Brewery. Amazing library of a brewery public. Great selection of crafts, and trying each before ordering a full glass is a huge plus in my eyes.

Voodoo. I prefer the newer location in Eugene to be honest.

Eugene is a funny little city. Part of me loves it with all I can. The other part of me is left confused.