Question: Temperature and Bugs

Submitted by Jerry, "I'm very much looking forward to spending time riding in the State of Jefferson. What should I expect for evening and morning temperature range during Cycle Oregon? Any particular bug problems at that time, bug repellent needed?"

Well, thanks Jerry -- we're all putting out the Welcome Mat, and hoping that you enjoy our part of the country so much that you come back to visit us again!

Regarding temperatures, there are a lot of factors to consider. I'll outline some of my own observations regarding your route, but remember that rainstorms, local forest fire activity, and unexpected cold fronts can always throw my "forecast" off. We have had summer temperatures here sometimes into October, and if I were going on the ride I'd guess that daytime temps between 80 and 90, and nightime lows in the high 50's, 60's and low 70's. Please remember that I said "guess". Personally I'd gamble on leaving the big sleeping bag and the big jackets at home if I had to make a choice today, and layer under a long sleeve tshirt and thinner sweats in camp. Before you leave to come to the ride, check these Medford TV station websites for their forecasts: http://www.ktvl.com/sections/weather/7day/ or http://www.localnewscomesfirst.com/


Daytime observations:

• Medford: In the late summer when there is a lack of wind the city sometimes has a hazy, smoky layer above it that lets the sunlight and the heat "in" but doesn't always let it "out".
• Yreka: Technically "high desert", with breezes that sometimes carry more heat than cooling. Once you get onto Highway 96, the Klamath River will help cool things down a bit, and the high desert turns into stands of fir and pine alternating with oak filled hillsides giving some shade.
• Happy Camp: Even though it's smack dab in the middle of the forest it can get the Yreka-like desert heat. The Klamath cools it off a little, usually bringing a breeze through the town (and the River Park) in the morning and at night.
• Lake Selmac: You'll see dry, oak filled valleys after you descend from the Greyback portion of your ride, but the Lake area seems to be a bit cooler than the countryside around it.
• Glendale: Less familiar with this neck of the woods, but what I have seen alternates between farm fields and wooded mountains. I'd guess it'd be a little cooler on this portion that most of the others.
• Grants Pass: It gets "Happy Camp" hot here, too... but the ride route does have a bit of trees for shade and the Rogue River brings a breeze in the morning and in the evening.

Possible local forest fire activity can create that inversion effect (Medford haze) causing temps to rise, and depending on the type of weather system rain can make it seem hotter because of the humidity after.

About the BUGS! There can be mosquitos, heavily, especially near water. It's strange, but it seems that some people tend to "attract" the mosquitos while others are nearly untouched. Once I found "Ben's" insect repellent, I've used it ever since. You can ususally find it at Campmor.com or in your big box chains, but it is 100% DEET. I wavered for a while about the DEET warnings I had heard in the past -- especailly for my children -- but personally I weighed the exposure risks against the harm that dozens and dozens of mosquito bites and tick "implantations" could do. It has usage directions on the package, but I also spray my socks or pant legs to reduce ticks. The mosquito bites are annoying and itchy, but can carry the West Nile virus -- although I've never known anyone who got it. The ticks, on the other hand, only start to become irritating after they've been chomping on you for a while (and they go for warm spots -- head, groin, underarms) and they have been proven to sometimes carry Lyme's Disease. I have known one person who did contract Lyme's. As a parent I tend to put those worst case scenarios out there, but really the odds are everyone will be just fine with a little prevention. Let me know if I need to calrify anything. Hope this helps!