• Photo courtesy of the Timber Heritage Association

It's easy to forget how beautifully situated Loleta is, tucked away in the Eel River Valley, nestled betwixt the south bay, the Eel River and the Pacific. Take a closer look at the landscape around the bucolic burg by bike or on foot during the Tour of Loleta on Sunday, July 13. There are several courses, from a family friendly, flat 8-mile ride all the way to a 107-mile ride. You can register the morning of the event starting at 6:30, but you might want to register early on Friday, July 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Loleta Elementary School.

With any number of miles under your belt, you're gonna work up a mighty appetite. The Loleta Chamber of Commerce wants you to replace that grumbling in the pit of your stomach with something from the grill pit. Swauger Station Days is a celebration of Loleta's geography and railway history that comes with barbecue ($12, $6 kids under 10). Park your bike and head to the Loleta Firemen's Pavilion and Tom Carr Park to gorge on roasted meat, enjoy some live music and take a ride on a speeder car courtesy of the Timber Heritage Association.