Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/693447
14 nJuly 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by Shannon Parker FLORENCE, ORE., MAY 21— Throughout the riding season there are a number of coastal events in the Northwest that are "must dos" for the riding community. There are more than 300 miles of coastline in Oregon alone and when you add in Washington, you have 500 plus miles of sweeping curves, old growth trees and countless tiny towns calling to the rider to come take a closer look. One such event is the Rhododendron Festival hosted by the kind folks in the small town of Florence on the central coast of Oregon. It was time to hit the road and fi nd out if a town typically known for dirt bikes and sand dunes really was one of the season's best parties. I know I talk about the weather a lot, but despite the fact that the weather dudes have computers, graphs and what I assume is state-of-the-art equipment; they can't ever seem to give us an accurate forecast. I have learned never, ever, leave without the rain gear. If you do, it's guaranteed to rain. Trust me, I speak from experience here. One time, to free up a little extra saddlebag room, I left the gear at home and my sunny day turned into rain so thick I was blinded. This year the weather was forecast to be exceptional, and as a result, I packed my rain gear and headed out to pick up a friend who also had not been to the festival. The Rhododendron Festival is in its 109th year. In that time the sleepy town of Florence has seen its share of boom and bust, as logging and fi shing typically provided the main sources of income for residents. To the casual passerby, the town has remained large- ly unchanged, but in last 30 years the town has shifted its form of survival from industry to tourism. The festival, that most of us call the "Rhodie Fest" (to use the local phrase for these glori- ous fl owers), works hard to preserve the traditions of its forbearers. There is still a Rhododendron Queen, with contestants vying for a college scholar- ship, as well as fl ower displays and a competition to determine who makes the best jam. We dropped down onto the main drag from the 101 and it was immedi- ately apparent that this was the place to be. Florence is a town that is about four blocks long. Although the festival runs for three days, Saturday is the most popular for folks coming in for the day. The storefronts were packed tight with bikes and folks were clearly having a good time. Men and women were ambling along the sidewalks and through traffi c as they met up with old friends, club members and the new guy they saw while riding in on the 101. At the end of the main drag is a hopping farmers market and carnival. The carnival was packed with cuts and kids enjoying a family outing and the never-ending stream of curly fries and elephant ears. Beers and burgers fl owed freely, and folks were lining up at the Siuslaw River Coffee Roasters for a tasty cup of joe and a to-die-for lemon bar. It was clear everyone was enjoying the festival atmosphere. Throngs of bikes rolled in, caus- ing folks to pause a moment from their merriment to watch one beauti- ful bike after another roar through town. A makeshift bike show popped up and folks cast their informal vote for the best custom ride. To typical Oregonians, anything that is a nod to California brings a reaction. The California Highway Patrol Electra Glide with its airbrushed bullet holes was no exception and was probably the most talked-about bike along the boulevard. You see, Oregonians have a longstanding beef with our southern counterparts and even, apparently, a cool paint job seemed to be enough to cause a stir at this year's event. Soon it was time to head home. My friend Maureen remarked to me, "I just thought this was an old folks' festival with fl owers." Funny, we never did see a single rhododendron on display. Instead we were subjected to a never-ending stream of gleaming chrome, joyful riders and a town wel- coming to all. We fi red up our bikes and made our way towards Mapleton and then onto picturesque Highway 36, enjoying the back roads of Central Oregon. Covered bridges and pristine lakes welcomed us, making a perfect end to the party event of the spring. The festival calls us to ride, enjoy the small town hospitality of the Central Coast and then spoils us with a quiet untraveled backroad. This is a full- meal deal, and defi nitely a "must do" for the spring riding season. Catch the fever; you won't be disappointed. 4 109TH RHODODENDRON FESTIVAL Bikers and blooms descend on the Central Coast Small town celebrates old-skool fun Local clubs poured into town to enjoy the party while helping local kids in need Warren Williamson (l) was on hand to help raise awareness and funds to support the upcoming Fallen Soldiers Memorial Torch Ride honoring our fallen heroes