Tour of Westport>Bruceport>Aberdeen
Sept 29, 2017. Following my own advice to riders on the Pacific Coast Highway, I took a bus from Aberdeen to the Westport Park'n'Ride and biked to Bruceport County Park and Campground. Much of the road after the cranberry farms (Mile 10 below) to Raymond had fresh chipseal (rough!). From Dexter by the Sea to Raymond, the shoulder mostly disappeared. I explored Tokeland--that road was also flat and rustic. I rode down 105 in the smoother right car track, keeping an eye on my mirror and moving to the edge of the road when cars began to overtake me--overtaking cars moved left to avoid a close call. This route is really flat and is perfect for going to Raymond if you overloaded your bike beyond reason and want/need to avoid riding up the hills on the shortest path between Aberdeen and Raymond. My bike with fenders, front & rear racks, a pump and a Brooks B17 leather saddle is 31 lb and my camping kit is 20.5 lb (I found 1-3 lb more to drop after I critically assessed my kit), four panniers weighed 6.5 lb and a U-lock weighed 2 lb. Food and water added 6 lb. for a total loaded-bike weight of 62.4 lb. I looked at the loaded bike--they didn't seem very full. The road south on US 101 from South Bend was flat until the small hill leading up to Bruceport County Park. I enjoyed riding on the wide shoulders and having attentive auto drivers that swung wide to avoid me. The park has hot showers costing $0.50 per three minutes with ambiguous hot/cold control--I spent another $0.50. Quiet, pleasant environs. I slept in my hammock at the group area shelter.
2017 October 1, Sunday, I rode from Bruceport County Park to Aberdeen on US 101, ignoring my advice to guests cycling the coast route, because going back the way I came, I would have had to wait 2-3 hours for the bus from Westport to Aberdeen. While it included several long hills, the shoulders were much more generous with less debris and the road smoother (for now). Motor traffic again gave me a wide berth. From Raymond to the boundary between Grays Harbor County and Pacific County, the shoulder was 9-10' (3.3m) wide and included a 9" wide series of rumble strips. From there to Artic the shoulder lost the rumble strips. From Artic to Aberdeen the shoulder width dropped to 3-5' (1-1.5m) except for some narrowing at bridges and where the road had a passing lane. Passing motor traffic gave me a comfort zone. Climbing the hills required patience and low gears, but the descents were thrilling.
I rode with two bright flashing tail lights and highly visible clothing for these and all roads.
Roll on!
Westport to Bruceport stats (elevation gain is an error likely due to jiggling in my pocket):
Westport to Bruceport stats (elevation gain is an error likely due to jiggling in my pocket):
From Bruceport to Aberdeen stats:
Below, my gear list:
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