Sights Set on Summer

By Hilary Berg, OWP Editor

No need to peek at a calendar to know what season is upon us. All you need to do is take a look around.

From my window at home, I see beautiful green and pink leaves emerging throughout the vineyard, contrasted with a brilliant blue sky scattered with clouds threatening to misbehave but never quite achieving mischief.

I see a hammock hung between tall Douglas firs and lawn chairs cleaned and in place next to the Weber grill — ready for corn on the cob, steak and homemade pizza. 

As I look down by the road, I see people walking and cyclists whizzing by, getting ready to descend the hill, a time to take a breath from the hard work it took to get to the top.

I am not a cyclist, although I always loved riding my bike as a kid — albeit the roads were flat and the periphery consisted of three city blocks. Riding my Schwinn gave me a sense of freedom and a chance to see my little world from a new perspective.

In this month’s cover story, “Will Bike for Bottles,” by Michael Altman, you can get a taste for what to expect if you decide to bike in Southern Oregon wine country.

Views, valleys, vistas, vino. What more can you ask for? O.K., world-class theater and fabulous food, too.

Southern Oregon has it all. And to see it from the seat of a bike at a slow pace under the summer sun is nothing short of enticing.

Michael has some great tips and suggestions for the ride. Pacing yourself and lots of water are essential for any type of exercise, but when alcohol is involved — small amounts, of course — it is doubly important.

On your ride, be sure to take a camera, too, so you can capture your trip and post it on Oregon Wine Press’ Facebook (www.facebook.com) page.

Share your wine country pics and inspire others to join the fun. It’s summer after all, and Oregon is abuzz with much to see and do.