By CHERYL ROMANO/Lincoln Chronicle
Two major bicycle races wheel through Waldport and Yachats this weekend, minus some of the festival aspects of the past three years.
The Oregon Coast Gravel Epic race hits the road Saturday, May 3, starting from the Waldport Community Center. On Sunday, May 4, the West Coast Gravel competition begins and ends at the Yachats Commons.
“We’re a little lighter than last year,” said Mike Ripley of Monroe, owner of race organizer Mudslinger Events. “We had record rain, cold temperatures, and that really reduces participation for the following year.”
While last year’s two race days drew some 700 riders combined, this year Ripley estimates a field of about 475. Luckily, the weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday appears to be rain-free.
One big change is the absence of Waldport’s Beach, Bike & Blues Festival. Although it had piggybacked on the backroad bike race excitement for the past three years, the sponsoring Waldport Chamber of Commerce moved the event to September in hopes of better weather.
Still, cyclists are coming from all over — Idaho, Washington, California, Oregon and even Canada — to compete.
Saturday’s race is the spring gravel cycling kickoff for the Pacific Northwest. It covers about 65 percent unpaved logging roads, and 35 percent smooth pavement. Racing begins about 9 a.m. from the Waldport Community Center, expected to end around noon back at the center. There, an onsite disc jockey and food vendors will be the backdrops for awards and celebration.
On Sunday, the West Coast Gravel Race will pedal through the Yachats area beginning around 9 a.m., including along U.S. Highway 101 and around Cape Perpetua. The public is welcome to join a post-race party at the Commons beginning at approximately 11:30 a.m., featuring live music from Dave Cowden of Yachats and food by Cowgirl Cookin’.
“A lot of visitors will plan their first adventure in Oregon around these weekend events,” said Ripley. He noted that the cyclists, their friends and families fill area motels, campgrounds and restaurants.
On Sunday in particular, motorists may encounter bike racers along Highway 101, Yachats River Road and the downtown area.
“Our riders love Yachats and Waldport, and they’re aware of their responsibility to share the roads safely,” said Ripley. “We hope that drivers help us all keep safety first.”
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