I’ve been giving the Coast-Gorge ride comparison a lot of thought over the last week. (Yes, the things I do for my readers... both of you.) Upon further reflection I think I gave short-shrift to the challenge and accomplishment aspect of the Coast. I mentioned how the Coast is iconic and more likely to inspire envy and awe among friends and co-workers, but I didn’t develop that thought to any extent.

A good analogy is climbing a mountain. I forget where it came from, but there’s the old quote, “Why climb the mountain? Because it’s there.” Sure, it’s a whole lot of bravado, but the bravado isn’t out of a vacuum. It’s in response to an inherent human desire to find a challenge and surmount it. The Coast with clear start and finish points, with a non-trivial amount of challenging climbing along the route, with unpredictable weather, with iconic status in many a one’s imagination, very much represents a mountain to climb for cyclists. That I think is something to appreciate and respect.

So, my new recommendation on the Coast v. Gorge choice is to ask yourself why you are undertaking the ride. Is cycling a source of personal challenge and accomplishment in your life? Are you drawn to challenges and tests? Are you secretly (or not so secretly) a dis-enfranchised type-A personality at work or home? If so, the Coast might well be the better tour choice.

On the other hand, if cycling is foremost a recreation for you; if you tour primarily to get away from the predictability of modern civilization; if you’ve climbed your mountains and are no longer looking for new challenges, but new ways to enjoy the view, the Gorge is probably the better choice.

Ultimately though, my best advice is: choose not which you’ll ride, choose which you’ll ride first. Both are fabulous tours. Embrace the ‘and’.