June 13, 2009 - Mt Bike Trip Report
Destination: Molalla River Corridor – Molalla Oregon
Attendees: Jason, Peter
The Molalla River Corridor is an incredible location to explore. The scenery is beautiful and it has much to offer including exceptional mountain biking trails. There are many trails to choose between ranging from intermediate to advanced.
Jason and I decided to ride a fairly extensive network of trails. We arrived in the early afternoon, unloaded our bikes and did some minor brake adjustments. Our goal was to find the more technical “advanced” trails and ride a loop back to the trail head. Our trails included: Huckleberry Trail, Rim Trail, Bear Woods Loop, Rim Tie Trail and Deer Skull Trail.
The initial gravel road from the trail head is fairly long and steep which gets the heart racing. We rode gravel roads to the rim trail which was the first in our series of trails. All of the trails here are single track which means they are narrow.
I would highly recommend the rim trail if you are looking for a technical trail. It has sections that are fast, roots, rocks, small drops, stream crossings and trees to maneuver around. There was one section of trail that we couldn’t ride up. Our tires were too muddy and the trail was steep, rocky and slick. We had fun attempting different lines though.
The bear loop was scenic and less technical. The deer skull trail was a bit disappointing in comparison to the rim trail and we felt it didn’t earn the advanced rating.
We had a great time and managed to escape without injuries or mechanical failures. I can’t wait for the next trip.
Total Distance: 8.8 miles
Total Time: 3:16:07
Average Speed: 5.7 mi/h
Max Speed: 28.5 mi/h
Min Elevation: 599 ft
Max Elevation: 1512 ft
Elevation Gain: 3433 ft
Max Grade: 9 %
Min Grade: -18 %
Feel free to post comments.
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May 30, 2009 - Mt Bike Trip Report
Destination: Tumalo Creek Trail – Bend, Oregon
Group: Athey Creek Fellowship “Men’s Mountain Bike Trip”
Attendees: Bryn, John, Ben, Mike, Robert, Tyler, John, Nolan, Peter
Our adventure bound group met at the Athey Creek Fellowship church office on Friday evening. We were packed, locked and loaded by 6:30pm. Our fearless trip organizer Bryn drove the “mega cruiser” (ie 15 passenger van) with 6 bikes strapped the roof and a 12 ft trailer in tow. We stopped briefly in the Salem area for some “health food” at Burger King, while several of us chose the more “stomach friendly” Subway.
We arrived in Bend shortly after dark and met up with Nolan and then stopped for food and gas at Fred Meyers. Sometime later we arrived at our beautiful Sunriver destination. Our group was full of energy, enthusiasm and excitement which lasted into the early morning hours playing games, talking, music and trail planning.
Morning came early on Saturday or so it seemed after not much sleep. We packed our gear and enjoyed a hearty breakfast that chef Bryn had cooked up. Before we loaded the “cruiser” we had some devotion time in I Chorinthians 13 and sang a few songs.
After a quick stop at the REI in Bend and a covert operation (ie hide the ice chest) we headed for the trail. It was a beautiful clear sunny morning and the city was alive with activity; there was a bike race, walkers and watchers lining the road. We avoided hitting the road bikers, arrived at the trail head, unloaded the bikes and assembled our gear.
We rallied together shortly after 11am and proceeded up the trail. The first hill climb quickly segmented our group; we quickly learned who was “in shape” and not. Nolan and John led the group and blasted up the hillside as if it were level ground. Ben, Mike, John and Robert were also rather impressive with their trail conditioning. We hit a max altitude of 4,957 ft which was nearly 1,400 ft of vertical elevation gain from the trail head.
Distance: 18.2 miles
Elapsed Time: 4:07:29
Avg Speed: 4.4 mph
Max Speed: 30.8 mph
Avg Pace: 13′ 32″ per mile
Min Altitude: 3,572 ft
Max Altitude: 4,957 ft
Start Location:
Latitude: 44.031522º N – Longitude: 121.515288º W
End Location:
Latitude: 44.041311º N – Longitude: 121.326495º W
Our directions got confused a couple of times which resulted in screaming fast downhill, followed by a painfully slow assent. The trail we chose was primarily single track that wound through the trees. Robert managed an impressive “over the handlebars” flip and somehow survived (quite exciting to watch). We also rode a black diamond trail which had more technical obstacles (ie rocks). The downhill sections of trail were intense and fast with switchbacks, rocks and small drop offs.
The last section of trail bordered along the river and provided beautiful views. Our pace was slowing down and we stopped in several places to regain energy. Nolan and John departed from the group to retrieve the “mega cruiser”; the remainder of us rode to the park in Bend for lunch. We regrouped a couple hours later and resupplied at REI before driving back to Sunriver.
That evening at the house we enjoyed some great BBQ steak, played games, relaxed and soaked in the hot tub. Most of the group was tired and went to sleep early in preparation for the Sunday morning ride. We got up early Sunday morning and rode a network of trails from Sunriver to a water fall. The ride was scenic and somewhat relaxing asside from the sore muscles and sore butt.
Our trip had passed quickly and it was time to pack up and check out. We loaded the “mega cruiser” and drove into Bend for some devotional time, lunch and ultimate Frisbee. Afterward we refreshed at Dairy Queen with some Blizzard ice cream and departed from Bend for the church office.
The drive home was rather uneventful other than Bryn, Tyler, Mike and John yelling “ping” continuously for hours; it was some sort of car driving game that kept them alert and awake. The back seat people napped and relaxed. We encountered some heavy rain and hail while driving over Santiam Pass but thankfully God protected us and kept us safe.
Special thanks to Bryn for organizing the trip. I enjoyed meeting and riding with everyone. Feel free to post your comments.
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Destination: Surveyor’s Ridge Trail
Location: Hood River,Oregon
Mt Bike Trail Map: Surveyors Ridge Trail Map
Difficulty: Mild Challenge – Single track (approx 8 miles)
Hood River the agricultural center of the Pacific Northwest known for their orchards and wineries has become a tourism and recreational destination. While many people visit for the world-class windsurfing and kiteboarding, others visit for the kayaking, mountain biking and hiking. The scenery is incredible and there are plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities.
Our destination was the Surveyor’s Ridge Trail located off hwy 35 about 15 minutes from hwy I-84. We drove two vehicles with the intent of riding the trail one way. We started at the trail head nearest Hwy 35. The first mile of trail was bad; there was snow, fallen trees and a down bridge.
The following section of trail wound around the hillside and reminded me of an abandoned service road. After that was found our way to RD 17 and proceeded up the gravel road a couple miles and jumped back onto the trail. This section of trail was incredible! The views were awe inspiring. The trail was narrow single track that maneuvered through the trees then out onto the steep, open hillside. Be sure to download the map and see the notes on the trail.
This is an exceptional trail if you avoid certain sections. I’d recommend driving two vehicles and riding the trail one way (see map).
Directions:
Hwy I-84 to Exit 64 – White Salmon/Mt Hood Hwy – Turn right at Hood River Bridge/OR-35 follow signs to OR-35 (continue 10.4 miles) – Turn left on Pine Mountain Dr (National Forest Service Road 17) – Refer to trail map from there.
Feel free to post comments or trail updates! Share your experiences…
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Come Join us on our upcoming 4wheeling Trip to McGrew Trail in Southern Oregon.
Date: June 26-28, 2009
Meeting Location: McGrew Trail
Meeting Time: TBD
Who: Lifted SUVs / Trucks
Basic plan is to drive down Friday evening and camp. Drive the trail Saturday, camp and then drive home Sunday.
McGrew Trail Event 1
Some quick ground rules for all Gitout.com events: ensure your vehicle is in safe, reliable condition; no drinking or drugs on the trail; responsible care and respect for others.
Vehicle requirements: Traction tires (31″ or larger), Maintained Vehicle and tools/recovery equipment. The objective is to explore some great trails, enjoy fellowship and make new friends.
McGrew Trail Event 2
Join us on the forum for additional details and to confirm attendance!
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- Upcoming 4WD Event April 25, 2009: Reiter Trails Off Road – Washington
- Off Road Trip Report: Tillamook State Forest Oregon March 14, 2009
- Off Road Trip Report: Tillamook State Forest – Oregon April 25, 2009
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Destination: Elk Rock Island
Location: Portland,OR
Hiking Trail Map: Elk Rock Park PDF
Difficulty: Easy – Fun for any age!
An Island in Portland? Yes! It makes a fun Sunday afternoon hike close in Portland, Oregon. The island is apart of an ancient volcano formed by lava flows. There are wetlands, forests and grasslands. You’ll find trails that run all over the island and plenty of places to explore or watch boats, birds and enjoy nature.
This island isn’t secluded as it’s near the city so you will likely encounter walkers and hikers especially on the sunny weekends. Access to the island is possible when the water is low by way of the Spring Park Trailhead. Otherwise, you’ll need a kayak or canoe. Be sure to avoid the poison oak!
Directions:
Trail Head is at the intersection of: SE 19th Ave & SE Sparrow St in Milwaukie, Oregon
