WESTFIR — On a blue-sky morning at Portal Park with a backdrop of forested, tree-lined mountains, stakeholders and cyclists met to celebrate putting more of Westfir and Oakridge’s outdoor recreational opportunities on the map. Cyclists can now peddle their way along a 60-mile loop of breathtaking scenery in the Willamette Forest and stretching from as far away as Cottage Grove to near Rainbow on the Oregon Highway 126 – thanks to the now dedicated scenic byway in Westfir.
“From the lush quarters of the Willamette National Forest to the winding rivers that guide this 60-mile journey, this bikeway showcases the very best of Lane County,” Samara Phelps, President and CEO of Travel Lane County said. “It invites both residents and visitors to experience the natural beauty we’re fortunate to call home.”
The event was hosted by Travel Lane County by invitation only. Still, a crowd of about 60 attendees gathered at the ceremony held on Friday, May 30.
The dedication at the Westfir park included a ribbon cutting where 15 cyclists in affiliation with Cycle Oregon and Greater Eugene Area Riders (GEARs) rode through the Aufderheide Scenic Byway banner to christen the trail. It is the fourth route to be recognized and adopted in Lane County…