I rolled into Junction City enroute to Eugene and came upon a small metal fabrication business specializing in unique Western and Native American art. I’ve always enjoyed metal fabrication, having dabbled in welding myself, creating my own unique treasures. I thought it would be a nice diversion to chat with the proprietor about the craft I love.
I walked into the shop, and was immediately met by a very fit gentleman in his 60’s named Wade Skinner. He extended his hand with an enthusiastic handshake and warm smile. I could see in Wade’s eyes that he was a down-to-earth guy who had a special way about him – a real man’s man.
His shop was packed with custom projects, old antique relics, and various memorabilia that had been collected throughout a lifetime. Wade and I talked for the better part of an hour, and never once did I sense that he would rather be doing anything else than talking about how great our country is and how he loves living the simple life, riding horses, and making metal art. He also owns eight stage coaches and dreams one day of taking school kids on extended western history tours.
[ Above: One of Wade's wagons ]
Wade told me that no matter what material wealth I’ll ever accumulate in my lifetime, I’m a true billionaire as I’ll have lived an experience that nobody can ever take from me. I left the shop having felt that Wade and I were meant to meet on this day. He is an insightful man who truly touched my heart with his kind words and wonderful stories. I rode off, all pumped up and feeling all the better for having met a new friend in Wade.
[Above: 'Wade Skinner, my new pal']
I made my way to downtown Eugene and stopped at Blue Heron Cycles. I needed to replace the trip computer that I had clumsily knocked off my handlebar mount and broke the LCD display the day prior. I also needed a spare tire, because I knew the next few days I’d be heading away from civilization and a blown-out tire could be a real problem. And while I was at it, I said, Heck, throw in a mini tire pump so I can discard that ridiculously inefficient one I’ve been hauling around. And that was when I spied the brass bell – it just seemed soooo Elvis, so now I’ve added another few pounds added to my already unwieldy load.
After meandering around Eugene and checking out the beautiful University of Oregon campus, home to the famous “Ducks” campus, I headed onward hesitant on leaving such a pretty town. This place is truly a biker’s heaven, with dedicated cycling paths, courteous drivers, and down-to-earth people – I really enjoyed my brief stay there.
[ Above: One of Eugene's dedicated bicycle paths ]
I headed out of Eugene on Camp Creek Road up Hwy 126, a beautiful road with a wide shoulder paralleling the gorgeous McKenzie River. I almost ran my bike off the road a few times when I was rubbernecking the scenery, which was second to none. Everywhere I looked there was rippling water sure to hold trophy trout – dang, but I wish I had brought along a pole!
[ Above: the McKenzie River ]
As the evening wore on, I continued to meander up this idyllic stretch of Hwy 126, enjoying the easy pace and beautiful scenery. I was thinking about stopping and setting up camp for the night but it was just too perfect to call it quits, so I continued along. It reminded me of days of old when my golfing buddies and I used to practice, honing our skills well into total darkness, oblivious to the hour. However, back then the concern wasn’t 10 tons of steel whizzing narrowly past, so I have to continually remind myself the importance of bicycle safety – especially during the twilight hours.
[ Above: Long evening shadows ]
I had no choice but to try my hand at stealth camping for the night. Frankly, I rode too long and there no campgrounds within striking distance. Stealth camping is where you set up under the radar where nobody will detect your presence. This is critical, as the last thing you want in the middle of the night is some peace officer or rowdy group of kids interrupting your well deserved rest. The advantages of this type of camping are numerous: no camping fees, no stopping early, and you have maximum flexibility as to when you call it quits for the day. As long as you have water, it’s a great way to go, but you have to be comfortable being a bit of an outlaw for the night.
I found a beautiful spot about 30 yards off the McKenzie River, in a heavy thicket of brush. I picked this spot because it wasn’t too close to the river. I didn’t want any early morning rafters or fishermen to stumble upon me, but also wanted to be far enough off the main road where passing motorists wouldn’t spot me.
[ Above: Undetectable - except by smell of course ]
Visit the Jaredsmiles.org website.
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