Don
Welcome to the group. I read your post and had to smile. I just retired and bought a new 178 for retirement. I love the floor plan! My FIRST adventure in the 178 was in Ashland last Saturday night. And I live in Ashland full time:) My wife and I wanted to get our 178 out for at least a night to try things out and to experience sleeping in it. We drove 5 miles from our house to the RV campground at Emigrant Lake. I would recommend the Emigrant Lake campground if you want to stay in Ashland. It is a couple of miles out of town. lt is operated by Jackson county and is very nice with great spots overlooking the lake. It has full hook-ups, very nice bathrooms and showers. We had the soothing sound of Canadian Geese honking much of the time as they also made Emigrant their spot. There are two RV campgrounds near Emigrant Lake. Glenyan RV park is immediately before the road you turn on to get to Emigrant Lake. Emigrant Lake RV park, which is run by Jackson County, and the one I would recommend is actually on the lake itself. Glenyan RV park is in the trees, has long term residents, and might not be as desirable to some RVers. Maybe check both of them out, but I personally MUCH prefer the setting at the lake and how well the park is maintained by the county. No wi-fi, but that is about the only thing lacking. $30 a night for full hook-ups. Also, they are open year round.
I am a avid bike rider (sounds like you must be also). I am still trying to decide the best way to bring along two bikes on my R-Pod trips (I am considering a couple of bike rack scenarios) . You must be attending a class or classes at United Bike Institute in Ashland. Excellent organization. There are a lot biking in this area. Especially mountain biking but you better be used to hills.
If you bring a bike maybe we can do a ride together :)
John