The Path Less Pedaled: Oregon

Photo by Russ Roca

If you want a realistic, on-the-ground perspective of riding a bike in Oregon, you couldn’t do much better than talking to Russ Roca and Laura Crawford. As part of a grand experiment they call The Path Less Pedaled, Russ and Laura have been combining multiple forms of “alternate” transportation (bikes, trains, buses) to tour the country as modern-day explorers.

Their website explains it: The Path Less Pedaled is an open-ended bicycle tour – and an exploration of what it means to live outside the lines. In March 2009, Laura Crawford and Russ Roca made the decision to drop out of the status quo and find something new in an open-ended journey.

And they’ve spent a significant portion of their time in Oregon; they describe the magnetic of attraction of Portland this way, but based on their tales of life on our roads, it could apply to Oregon as a whole: “We always seem to be drawn back here. There are so many things about it that we love, like bikes, beer, food and especially our group of bikey friends.”

We caught up with them a few months back to talk about what they’ve learned about biking, Oregon, and why Eastern Oregon is their idea of touring paradise.

Photo by Russ Roca

We started by asking an obvious question: Since not very many people can afford – in money or time – to take extended periods away from their jobs, homes, etc., how can others experience the same kind of freedom Russ and Laura do?

“Part of the reason for this trip is to say, sure, taking three months off is a great advantage – but if you only have a three-day weekend, you can still go out and have an adventure,” Laura says. “Because you’re pedaling, putting in the effort; you’re so alive, and it’s not uncommon for one day to feel like three days – a weekend can feel like a week away. And adding train travel to it allows you to hop on a train and go somewhere else to ride. It makes touring more affordable and accessible – it’s a good way to start.”

One of the reasons Russ and Laura have enjoyed Oregon so much is that they recognize it for the bike-friendly place it is – and not just in Portland.

“Oregon has a head start in terms of bike tourism compared to other states,” Russ explains. “Even in the small towns, the people seem accustomed to seeing bikes; our experiences were very pleasant. I think part of that has to do with the outreach Cycle Oregon does; they’re cycling ambassadors, and communities see the economic impact cycle touring can have. In other states the towns don’t see why they should accommodate bike tourists. But in Oregon we’ve found rural communities are as accommodating as cities – business owners are trying to meet cyclists’ needs.”

Photo by Russ Roca

And, after seeing large swaths of Oregon on two wheels, what have they enjoyed the most?

“The diversity of terrain,” Russ replies. “The coastal stuff, the good climbing, the high desert was pleasant. We prefer Eastern Oregon the most – wide-open roads, light traffic, really pleasant small towns spaced out 30 to 50 miles, which is good for touring.”

“We’d pass through these small towns, and they were thriving, with a real sense of community pride: Mitchell, Halfway, Dayville – tiny towns that are well-kept and really friendly.”

You can find many more impressions from Russ and Laura – including Russ’ sublime photography – on The Path Less Pedaled website. It’s likely to inspire you to come to Oregon to ride – or, if you’re already here, to find some new rides. And they hope you get out and do it.

“My general touring advice is that the toughest thing is getting out the door,” Russ says. “You’re hemming and hawing over equipment and logistics… but once you’re out the door you’ll have a great time.”

Photo by Russ Roca