Southern Oregon Wine Country Bicycle Tour – Day 2
Day 2 Ashland to Jacksonville
Highlights:
Bear Creek Valley Wine Country, miles of vineyard and orchard roads, historic “old west” Jacksonville, abundant wine sampling opportunities, farm-to-fork dinner.
Route Details:
On Day 2 of the Southern Oregon Wine Country Bicycle Tour we ride from Ashland to the old-west gold rush town of Jacksonville. Sleep in a bit this morning, or grab a cup of locally roasted coffee and walk the town, or visit one of the many nearby spas for some pampering. We will meet late morning for a route discussion followed by a tasty lunch. Then we mount our bikes and pedal off toward Jacksonville.
Today’s route winds through the picturesque vineyards and orchards of the lower Bear Creek Valley, the southernmost portion of the Rogue Valley AVA (American Viticulture Area). Tasting rooms and u-pick farms will tempt us as we meander about the rolling countryside and foothills that are reminiscent of Tuscany. Of course, we won’t experience medieval walled cities on this tour, but we do end today’s route in a town designated as a National Historic Landmark. We are in gold rush country and Jacksonville’s storybook main street reflects the rugged frontier life of the 1850s. We will arrive with plenty of time to explore the dwellings and storefronts that were built to support the gold rush prospectors. These historic buildings now house boutique and antique shops, a few genuine taverns, and some fabulous restaurants.
Wine is the new gold for this region and there are two tasting rooms, Quady North and South Stage Cellars, in the heart of this quaint little town. Stop in for a sip of liquid gold. The Wine Country Inn, our lodging for the next two nights, is only a short distance from downtown. For those who imbibe in the delights of our local vintners or for those who would otherwise prefer not to ride the last few blocks, Via Bike Tours will gladly shuttle you to the hotel.
Tonight we have a special treat for our evening meal. It is a farm-to-fork dinner experience at one of the premier restaurants in town.