Oct 3 - Bear Creek Greenway - PedalPushin 2024 - CycleBlaze

October 3, 2024

Oct 3 - Bear Creek Greenway

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Today we cycled the Bear Creek Greenway that centers around Medford, Oregon.

The Greenway was a typical greenway that connects the various towns and parks along its path.  We opted to go north first which we would realize later in the day was a good choice as the southern end of the trail is less urban in nature and a more enjoyable ride, but back to the start of the day.

There really was anything of note about the this trail that would make my top 10 list.  We did cycle under the I-5 Interstate for a few blocks which was different and there was a lot of artwork on display as well.  But, with most cities and covered areas, there were also a number of homeless folks wandering around which keeps one a little more attentive.  Under one bridge underpass, there was gathering of 5 young males blocking the path so I just waited for a few minutes until they dispersed before cycling on.

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Once we reached the northern end, we simply turned around and rode to the southern end.  As I mentioned earlier the southern end of the trail is a bit more rural and less urban.  We also noticed on the southern end we began to see quite a few more cyclists as well as 2 recumbent trikes.

We stopped to chat to one recumbent trike and enjoyed our conversation.  I’m guessing the man was in his 80’s but still wanting to get out for a 5-10 mile ride.  One of his quotes struck me and it will be one I think I might use in the future … “I’m just aging out of some things.”  It was in reference to our earlier self supported trips and his surfing from days gone past.

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Today's ride: 40 miles (64 km)
Total: 8,330 miles (13,406 km)

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marilyn swettI sure could relate to that comment "I'm just aging out of some things" since we've transitioned from self-contained touring to day rides as we travel in our Airstream trailer.
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2 months ago
Larry MitchellTo marilyn swettYep … really made sense to us as well.
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2 months ago
Scott AndersonThis is a sad trail for us. We started biking it years ago when we would go down to Ashland for the plays and bike this to Jacksonville and back. The section through Talent and Phoenix got completely burned out by the devastating Alameda Fire in 2020. One of the most destructive fires in Oregon’s history, it destroyed something like 2,500 homes. I wouldn’t be surprised if that contributed to the homelessness situation.
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2 months ago
Larry MitchellWe could definitely see signs of a past fire. Towards the southern end, the undergrowth was coming back but the cottonwoods were simply dead trees waiting to fall over.
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2 months ago