The BIG RIDE - Mt Hood

Submitted by Ted

Back by popular request, we are doing the Mt Hood “BIG RIDE” and you are invited  

 

The Ride: Shuttle ride starting at Bennett Pass parking area off Hwy 35 (4700 el.), climb up to Gunsight Ridge (5,500 el.), ride toward High Prairie, take Trail 450 down through Bottle Prairie, then climb through part of Knebal Springs to Surveyors Ridge(4,000 el.). Upper section of Surveyors will be our connector Dog River Trail.  The Dog River downhill will be the fitting end to a great ride (2500 el.).  We will finish at the bottom of Dog River where our shuttle vehicles will be parked and stocked with coolers full of energy drinks, food, and favorite beverage. This is an all day adventure at a semi-fast pace, with several climbs. 

Consider yourself warned… This is a cross country style of shuttle and we will EARN our downhill.

After the ride, there is a strong chance that we will stop in Hood River for Pizza at Double Mountain.  So plan accordingly.

Last year we had a group of 13 strong riders, that rode hard, and were “spent” by the time we finished.

Skill Level: Advanced / Gonzo  (note - this ride is for strong riders)

Pace: Fast, but not race speed (but close at times)

Mileage: At least 35+ miles if we don’t get lost (hint – always bring your map and be prepared) 

Meeting Place:

Dog River Coffee Company  www.dogrivercoffee.com
411 Oak St
Hood River, OR 97031
(541) 386-4502
Get directions

Meeting Time:  9AM (goal to be on the trail by 10)

Sign Up if you plan to attend

Ted D

Price: $0.00

Epic Day

by dug - 2009-09-06 07:39

Thanks to all for showing an ex-Coloradan what epic Oregon single track is all about. And thanks, Ted, for putting it all together. It was clear those trails get some serious TLC and I'd love to help the cause in the future. Great people, great trails, great day. See ya next time. Doug 

Ride was a success!

by Ted - 2009-09-05 20:02

The 2nd annual Big Ride was Success. Eleven hard core riders hammered out 34+ miles, 4200+ of ascent, during a 5+ hour ride. Smiles were on everyones face. The weather was what we thought it was going to be, "Oregon sun shine." Thanks to the moisture we did not have to deal with dust. With a couple more weeks of rain the trails will be firm and fast. I just love fall riding...

A big thanks goes to the volunters who help work on the trail and make such adventures possible. FYI - there is a Mt. Hood trail work party next month. See the calendar for more information.

See you on the trails soon
Ted D

The Slow of the Fast Riders

by Cecily - 2009-09-04 16:22

Thanks Ted! Advanced I am!

Will be there with rain coat and food!

Cheers to no dust tomorrow!

Think positive

by Jordan - 2009-09-04 09:36

Think of the rain as a way to keep the dust down.

Ted, I think your discriptions of ride ratings are spot on. We should use them for other rides as well.

Thanks!

Rain???

by Ted - 2009-09-04 07:48

The question was asked, "are we riding if it is going to rain."  Well du...We live in the Pacific NW and we ride regardless the weather.  YES we will be riding even if it is raining.  So remember to bring your proper clothing and be prepared.

We are blessed by in living in part of the country where we can ride year round reguardless of the weather (sun, rain, snow).

See you soon with your rain jacket on.

Ted D

What is Advanced? What is Gonzo?

by Ted - 2009-09-03 20:52

The following is (Ted’s interpretation) of the rider/ride rating in descending order: 

Gonzo, Advanced, Intermediate, Beginner

NOTE:  This is a sliding scale and should only be used as a reference.  Every person is his/her own judge of their personal level.  There is no extra points for being in one group or another.

Gonzo rider is a highly skilled person that is "one” with his/her bike and loves trails with technical features that challenge them. A Gonzo rider has a high level of fitness equal to that of a racing athlete.  This is a type of person eats epic rides for breakfast and asks whats next...  

Advanced rider has bike handling skills and is comfortable on challenging trails with technical feature.  They have a high level of fitness that allows them to enjoy long epic rides.  An Advanced rider is strong and skilled, but doesn’t ride at a race level/speed.  An advanced ride has fewer and shorter rest stops, but an advanced ride will stop to enjoy a good view.

Intermediate rider is a person that has become comfortable with their bike.  They are getting better on challenging obstacles, but hasn’t perfected his/her skills yet.  They tend to find 10 – 15 mile rides with an average trail rating to be satisfying.  Intermediate riders have an average fitness level.  Their rides tend to be slower and with rest multiple stops.

Beginner riders are just that, they are beginning to learning to become comfortable with their bikes and various trail conditions.  Beginners tend not to like technical features, steep climbs, or steep descents.  They prefer smooth and wide open trails.

The BIG RIDE is rated as an Advanced / Gonzo.   

You should be your judge of your fitness level and riding skills.

Ted D

It's going to be EPIC!

by Jordan - 2009-09-03 16:05

Can't wait! Bring on the rain.

Rain just makes it more challenging. Bring it on!

by NoCo_Riders - 2009-09-03 15:01

Chris

northofcolumbia@yahoo.com

Advanced rider.

by environmentalis... - 2009-09-03 08:54

Hope it doesn't rain too much.  

How advanced is the

by thelawgoddess - 2009-09-02 12:38

How advanced is the "advanced" group? This ride sounds like a good time, but I don't want to be dragging anybody down ...

I will be there!

by NoCo_Riders - 2009-09-02 11:55

Thanks, Ted, for pulling this together as our 2nd Annual BIG RIDE at Hood. I wouldn't miss it! It was awesome last year and this year won't disappoint. The weather should be great too. I'll plan to meet up with you at the Bennett Pass parking area. I'll be there at 9:30am coming from Govt Camp.

 Chris

northofcolumbia@yahoo.com

out of town

by Dennis Its a Lo... - 2009-08-31 08:33

darnit

 

Dennis Veatch 

Additional Ride Info

by Ted - 2009-08-31 06:42

Points of interest –

·        The ride is a “cross country” shuttle meaning that we are still climbing 4459 feet during this ride, 36 miles and it took 5+ hours.

·        We will be connecting several trails to make one big ride.

·        At the end of the ride everyone was “spent,” but we had a big smile on our faces and felt a sense of accomplishment.

·        This year will be as fast if not even faster. 

·        This is an Advanced/Gonzo ride.   

There is a good chance that we will break into two groups.  I will lead the Gonzo, but will need a volunteer to lead the Advanced group.

 

Please remember to sign up on the so I have an accurate head count.

 

 

more info

by vduong - 2009-08-30 00:01

Hi Ted. Please call me at 503-853-two zero zero seven.

-victor