Rocky’s Historic Old 99 Timber Towns
Rocky’s Historic Old 99 Timber Towns ride takes you on an epic winding tour of some of the Pacific Northwest’s most interesting countryside, bringing you close to timbered, working landscapes, historic little towns, and many vineyards and wineries. Be prepared for long rides between towns. Most roads will be in good condition with narrow shoulders and little traffic, but some surfaces will be rougher and more frequently traveled.
Take the Oregon I-5 Curtin Exit (163) and travel a very short distance to the west side of I-5 along Bear Creek Road and Curtin Park Road to Pass Creek Park where you may leave your vehicle or be dropped off to begin your ride. Head south into Oregon lands rich with settlement history, passing through old Anlauf, Oregon and then the active timber town of Drain, Oregon where stores and services can be found. Further down the road lies Oakland. Oregon and its many amenities, including wineries, a grocery, and Tolly’s Restaurant.
Bicycling in Oregon along an epic adventure of this length sometimes means riding it in two or three segments. So, you have some choices about spending the night. You might want to stop for your first night in Sutherlin (just off the ride route) for dinner and rest. Pedotti’s Restaurant is a local favorite for pasta and good wine. And other good restaurant and beverage opportunities exist in-town and just west of I-5 on Central Avenue.
As you turn south on the ride, you will pass through the little “train town” of Wilbur, Oregon with its nearby active switchyard and then on to North Bank Road, which winds along the beautiful North Umpqua River. Pause at some overlooks to take in the river’s beauty. Although not on this route, further upstream on the North Umpqua lies world-renowned fly fishing and overnight accommodations at the Steamboat Inn. And even further up are Diamond and Crater Lakes…maybe destinations for your future rides.
After leaving North Bank Road, make a stop at the Colliding Rivers Overlook with its unique geology and pick up local information at the Colliding Rivers Exploration Center nearby. Perhaps you could take a short side-ride and visit some of the little shops and stores in the quaint former timber town of Glide, Oregon before starting your ride again. Heading south along Little River Road and then west along Buckhorn Road, you may be thinking about good food and another night’s rest. Ahead is Roseburg, Oregon, which is still called The Timber Capital of the Nation, with many amenities, including bike-friendly lodgings, breweries, and some of the best restaurants in Southern Oregon. Bicycle repair shops are in Roseburg too: Canyon Creek and Waldron’s Sports.
Leaving Roseburg, you will ride out into beautiful rolling hills and vineyards, eventually passing near the small community of Winston, Oregon home to the internationally known Wildlife Safari, a place for family fun. Further down the road lies the quiet town of Myrtle Creek, Oregon with many services. And later comes the little town of Riddle, Oregon and the impressive industrial complexes nearby that are DR Johnson Lumber, C and D Lumber, Roseburg Lumber, and Herbert Lumber.
Eat and stock up on ride supplies in Riddle because few amenities exist on the quiet roads you will travel next. After pedaling through some remarkable country along Cow Creek, you will ride near the tiny town of Glendale, Oregon through Azalea, and then on up to Galesville Reservoir where your epic Historic Old 99 Timber Towns Ride ends. Galesville Reservoir lake is home to Chief Miwaleta Campground with rental cabins, RV spots, tent areas, and toilet facilities. Stay another night? Glad to have you!
Photos From This Ride
Fine food at True on Main Street in beautiful, historic Downtown Roseburg.
You can always tell what time it is on Jackson Street in the Heart of Roseburg; just stop by Hanson\'s Jewelers on the corner of Jackson Street and Cass Avenue.
Stop in for good coffee and something to eat at the Darkroom on Jackson Street in the Heart of Roseburg.
Beautiful historic church at the corner of Jackson Street and Lane Avenue in the Heart of Roseburg
Food truck for mobility with a brew pub for a base, Salud offers unique food and drink for all comers in the Heart of Roseburg.
Once the site of a music store on Jackson Street, the Greater Douglas United Way building dates to the 1950\'s and reflects the architecture of that time.
Looking for authentic Mexican cuisine? Mariachi Loco is a local favorite on Jackson Street in the Heart of Roseburg.
No better Greek food in Oregon than Alexander\'s Greek Cuisine on Jackson Street in historic Downtown Roseburg.
Historic sign on a downtown building. Look for others while you are visiting.
Can you knit while you bike? Maybe not such a good idea.... But if you like to knit when you are less preoccupied, stop by the Knotty Lady for an incredible selection of yearns and accessories.
Nothing better than a brew pub after a long bike ride! Draper\'s is ready to serve you!
Looking for local art to complete your bike adventures in the Land of Umpqua? Gallery Northwest has many pieces from local artists.
No better place for bicyclists who are also quilters to stop by and visit than Country Lady Quilt Shop, renowned throughout the Pacific Northwest!
If you are looking for unusual gifts for people back home, try the Painted Nest in historic Downtown Roseburg.
Brix offers a restaurant, a bar, an event center, and a coffee bar...all within a block of one another on Jackson Street and then at Oak Avenue and Main Street. Great food and drink at every location.
If sewing is your hobby, stop by the Sewing Bee in the Heart of Roseburg on Jackson Street.
Want that unique tattoo to represent you epic bike ride in the Umpqua Valley,? Try these guys on Jackson Street in Downtown Roseburg.
Need to build up those carbs? Try Dino\'s Ristorante for authentic Italian food at the corner of Douglas Avenue and Jackson Street in historic Downtown Roseburg.
Little Brothers Pub on Main Street near Douglas Avenue in Downtown Roseburg serves up good brews and excellent sandwiches with the fixin\'s.
Kiosks with maps of the Heart of Roseburg let the pedestrian or the bicyclist know where to find essential services
Each kiosk in Downtown Roseburg interprets information about the Land of Umpqua
Old Soul Pizza offers wood-fired pizza excellence in the Heart of Roseburg on Main Street.
Northeast of the downtown area is Backside Brewery and Canyon Creek Bicycle Shop. Have a beer and pizza on your Backside while the guys at Canyon Creek fix or upgrade your bike!
Big sign, great craft brews.
the Canyon Creek guys know what they are doing and can give you good advice about where to cycle..
Here\'s Chief Repair Wrenchhero, Aaron, fixing up a casualty.
Take a look at Canyon Creek\'s inventory when you stop by.
Canyon Creek\'s got tires and tubes! They know how to fix flats and wheels, too!
Head over past the Roseburg Armory north of the airport for some of the best craft brews in Oregon at Old 99 Brewing Company, Arrive early if you can; otherwise, the local cyclists will have grabbed all the good seats!
Two Shy Brewing is located in an off-the-main-drag location near Garden Valley Boulevard. Go find \'em, their craft brews are excellent!
Waldron\'s sells bike and all manner of outdoor equipment...kinda like Roseburg\'s version of Cabela\'s. They repair bikes, too. Check \'em out sometime.
Like trains? Try a brew and burger at McMenamin\'s Roseburg Station. Yes, the railroad was the reason for Roseburg\'s existence back in the 19th Century, and now the old train station offers up craft brews, wine, and lots of menu choices.
Roseburg\'s urban winery, Paul O\'Brien Winery, where they not only ferment and age the wine on site, they also serve it to you in an elegant tasting room!
Azaleas and rhododendrons ablaze with color in the Heart of Roseburg!
No better place than the Bagel Tree for fresh bagels and coffee at the corner of Jackson Street and Diamond Lake Boulevard in beautiful Downtown Roseburg.
O\'Toole\'s Pub serves draft beer, wine, and delicious food on Jackson Street in the Heart of Roseburg across from City Hall.
French pastries in the Heart of Roseburg on Jackson Street near City Hall. Bon appetit!
Le Petit Cafe counter with a cooler full of goodies!
Sutherlin\'s gateway sign.
Signs that point the way towards your Myrtle Creek Cruise!
Ride along the tranquil Cow Creek that riders see in lots of places along the route
Here\'s the tranquil and beautiful Cow Creek which winds through the Lumber Mills and Gaming route
Spring vines ready to grow delicious wine grapes!
