Pacific Coast Biking - Oregon + California

On July 22, 2026, I flew to Portland, Oregon, via Amsterdam. I spent two days there recovering from jet lag before taking a bus—with my bike—to Astoria in northern Oregon. From there, I rode the Pacific Coast Route all the way to San Francisco on my bike, "Esi"—hauling heavy luggage. I mostly camped at the fantastic state parks. As a "hiker-biker," there’s always a spot available there. On August 23rd I was back at home in Wuerselen / Germany, so I was 33 days on tour. What were the highlights of the tour? the laid-back attitude of the people the lovely conversations with x-people from all over the redwoods in particular, and nature in general - it was impressive the many different animals (the bear who stole my groceries; or the raccoon, who visited me in my tent :-) .. or the many different bird species the state parks in Oregon and California the many stunning Pacific coves San Francisco and everything about it—I love San Francisco and know it now much better, event it was my 3rd visit. Waymo and the self-driving cars - totally cool! the emptiness, the vastness, and the abundance of open space everywhere. Coming home was a shock for me What did I find less enjoyable? the millions of hills and mountains. it was a lot - or rather, my luggage was simply too heavy :-) the narrow road shoulders or lack of bike lanes at times the huge cars or trucks (which made wide roads feel narrow) or the particularly loud, noisy vehicles In total, I cycled appr. 1,590 km (990 miles) and covered an elevation gain of approximately 17,000 meters (56.000 feets). My bike features a 14-speed Rohloff hub gear system with a Gates belt drive. Both are very solid and more or less maintenance free. I wouldn't recommend this trip to families with children, nor to anyone who is easily frightened or insists on everything being perfectly planned. You can't plan a tour like this! ...and there are always surprises (which I personally enjoy).