Editor’s Note: We recently unveiled Ask Oregon, a program that allows travelers to ask “Oregon Experts” about traveling throughout the state. We’d like to introduce you to our experts and will be featuring them periodically here on the Travel Oregon Blog. Today, we’d like you to meet our Cycling Ambassador, Otis Rubottom

What’s your favorite thing about living in Oregon?
In a word: access. I love that I can be on the mountains or at the ocean in less than two hours from my home in Portland. These are the places where some of my most memorable Oregon experiences have taken place, and where I hope to instill in my son a love and respect for the outdoors.

What’s your favorite way to enjoy Oregon?
On two wheels, in the heart of summer, when the scent of blackberries hangs in the air.

What’s the one tip you always give to visitors?
Ask someone. There are plenty of memorable spots listed in guidebooks and online, but a simple conversation with a shop owner or bartender will often lead to fabulous discoveries that could never happen without that direct interaction.

Describe your perfect Oregon Vacation…
A car packed with camping gear, topped with bikes, and filled with my family; a month (ok, I’ll take two weeks) of unscheduled time and a thirst for empty roads, open skies and good places to swim at the end of the day. I think this is the new summertime goal, from now until forever.