Oregon daily emerald., May 20, 1977, Page 6, Image 6

Day trips, paths abound for Eugene cyclist
Charted trails
offer several
diverse options
By JANE LEHMAN
Of the Emerald
The diversity of landscape and variety of
paved surfaces around the Eugene area
offers a smorgasbord of bike excursions for
aspiring cyclists.
Bicyclists can tailor rides to match their
abilities, time and amount of get-up and go.
It’s easy enough to take a bike-by-the
seat-of-your-pants attitude, following bike
paths at will. Or a person could opt to try out
some of the day trips charted by Bob Bums
tead, graduate teaching assistant, for his
bicycle touring course offered fall and
spring terms.
One ride, which runs through the McKen
zie River Valley, is an easy 26 miler for
beginners with a minimum of hills. This ride
covers territory just northeast of Springfield.
Starting from the University grounds, a
cyclist can cross the footbridge and head
over toward Oakway Mall, via the bike path.
A jog over to Oakway, Gillam and Crescent
Roads, helps avoid some of Coburg Road
and its hazardous traffic conditions.
The course returns to Coburg Road, but
beyond the junction with County Locke
Road, the traffic thins out.
As travelers approach Armitage park
(point A), they might consider taking advan
tage of the picnic tables, water facilities and
toilets available there. Good weather may
call for splashing around in the McKenzie
River, readily accessible from the park.
Leaving Armitage Park, on McKenzie
View Dr. (at point B marked on the map),
there’s a rock quarry worth checking out. A
couple of rolling hills later, a genuine wind
mill next to a quaint old farm house comes
into view (See point C).
Upon reaching the junction with Hill
Road, bikers face the first opportunity to cut
for home. Or they can continue beyone the
28 miles by turning left onto Hill Road. The
A. Armitage Park
B. Rock Quarry
C. Farmhouse and wind mill
D. McGowen State Park
E. Dogs!
0 CAL YOUNG /HP
HAVOC N BRIOCC RO
CENTENNIAL 8LVO
I
short-winded, choosing the quicker route,
will turn right onto Hill Road.
The more daring, though, pedal along Hill
Road until they reach Donna Road. At the
corner is a little store, where people can
stock up on needed provisions for energy.
A jaunt up Donna Road, followed by a left
on McGowan road, will eventually bring the
determined cyclist to McGowan Creek
Park, complete with rifle range (Point D).
Picnic tables and toilets are available.
Returning to the junction with Hill Road,
the route goes to the left. This takes you
across Marcola Road and onto Sunderman
Road, which circumvents busy Marcola.
The route next picks up on Old Mohawk
road, but a word of caution. At last report, a
pair of bike chasing barkers were patrolling
the road.
Once safely reaching the junction of Hill
and Mohawk, the short-winded riders ought
to be ready to continue the ride home.
r
Following a senes of roads through East
Springfield, the route hits the second part of
Hayden Bridge Road, where bikers can
enjoy paved bike lanes.
Garden Way Road and Centennial
Boulevard, will soon lead bikers into the
bowels of the Autzen Stadium parking lot
Any number of ingenious routes can be im
provised to reach the bike path adjacent to
the Willamette River From there, it is just a
matter of minutes to reach the University
grounds.
1
Dn a
EMU Cultural Forum presents
1 Bonnie
with special guests
Waters
and
Lori
Moritz
Sunday, May 22
Mac Court 8:30 pm
U of O Students $4.50
General Public $5.50
Reserved & At The Door $6.00
Available at: EMU Main Desk. Sunshop and
Everybody s (Eugene & Corvallis)
The 31) Childrens
Multi-Cultural Center
-PRESENTS
Wmwmm Mmt*
FUN PRIZES FOOD
Activities begin at 7:00 pm
Tickets Available at the EMU Front Desk.
GRAND PRIZE: One Night for Two at the Inn at
Spanish Head
Saturday, May 21st in the EMU
Check out the OD£