Oakridge seems to be about vertical as in exciting going down with the climbs to the top are either by lungs or pocketbook. But there are riders out there that will pedal up 1910 and 1912 to top of Alpine, I no longer know any of them. Pocket book choices are from 2 shuttle companies, one the original and the other a new comer. I accepted offer of free Alpine shuttle from Oregon Adventures in recognition of my volunteer trail work on Sunday. On Friday I paid $35 to Cogwild, the newer hauler. Over the years I have pedaled all the climbs that the shuttles carry riders up. Sunday, 8:45 at Randy’s.
But first I needed to learn if my poor climbing on Alpine the day before had legs. I needed a hard climb test. I chose Larrison Rock which is just above town, like almost straight up. The ride starts with a flat stroll thru Greenwaters park onto a powerline road ending at start of pavement climb. 5.03 miles climbing 2011′ took nonstop pedaling of 1 hr 8 mins. grunt of climb on deserted paved FS rd. Reward is 3 miles downhill dropping 1929′ in 19 mins with riding the brakes. So much sweat equity for so short a pay off. Do you relish the calorie and quad burn in what relationship to the pull of free speed? I would not want to pedal up this trail. Steep, twisty as it followed rib contours. Came around sharp bend to greet a woman hiker trying to climb up the steep backslope. She had on ear buds, I have no idea if she heard me. I was able to stop before hitting her. Abusive downhill.
My body and brain passed the test for tomorrow’s ATCA.
Oakridge seems to be of 2 towns, the newer more commercialized on the state highway, the original town across the railroad tracks where the Pub is located. Several blocks away on the same side of the street is a distillery, Deep Woods, creating liquor. Friday and Sat they were open serving various cocktails made from their creations. I drank 1 each of 2 nights I attended while listening to live acoustic guitar music. Crowd is composed of many of the same people from the pub which is now named Three Legged Crane.
Sat night after music quit at 8 I drove out of town towards Larrison rock road to a side piece of pavement for the night. Way too many vehicles passed for my liking. Drove back to less busy place on salmon Creek at the bottom of Dead mtn trail, where I have been staying. After dark numerous explosions of varying strength pierce the night from afar from where I suspect would have been on the powerline road just above me. Perhaps was was lacking in sights was made up for in sound.
Sunday I roll into Randy’s for the shuttle ride up to top of Alpine. 1 other rider, we rode in an SUV instead of a less comfortable van. Dropped off at the top of Alpine. First piece of trail is known as Kate’s Cutin, oh but I have written about that previously. Anyway the first part of today’s ride is repeat of Alpine down to Tire Mtn trail junction. Beargrass just as breath taking. Today I am wearing the shield like clear lenses glasses which keep my eyes from tearing and the clear lightened up visibility. Tire mtn trail sees fewer riders hence the tread is more “pristine” in not widened or brake stutter bumps. All by myself.
After short bit of above the trail dro[s into old growth forest, meaning never logged. Nature where it is allowed to live. An experience to be cherished as so few acres are left un damaged by man. Tall straight trees widely spaced with just ground covr plants. There is never a forest succession as it is always ongoing as trees die which creates opening for young trees to grow.
Last winter knocked down trees as is normal. The fallen ones that are noticed are the ones that cross a trail. Thanks to all the people who cut out the trees. On Tire descent I encountered several that were too big or difficult to cut, several I slithered under. This one was an over the top using the chain saw cut notches. My right arm has little strength as is known which caused anxiety about me getting me and my bike over the log.
Tire drops down to junction of Cloverpatch and the ceasing of coasting. Big hump then descent down to logging road. A screamer descent on loose gravel blind corners all season logging road. It is passable by a passenger car which presented the possibility that an uphill bound rig could be around the blind bend. I rode to create a defensive line and kept from temptation to let ‘er rip. Then the payback for the free speed, the grunt climb back to join Alpine. 3.69 miles climbing 1342′, I pedaled non stop for 55 mins. I did suck on the 46 T sprocket which was low enough. What a change from lesser ridden in trail to hammered Alpine. Another high speed descent enjoying that cushioned ride from the suspension. Can’t say that I could hold a glass of wine without spilling as I needed both hands in control of the handlebar. Clear glasses with fuller coverage really made this ride more enjoyable. 23 miles in 3 hrs 27 mins almost identical to 4 previous rides, 1 each year, climbed 2644′ and coasted 6217’. Shuttle ride.
Dinner and a beer at pub then returned to bottom of Deadman.
Tuesday I have a PT treatment for my hurting right knee back in Bend. Sunday night I thought about riding on Monday then driving back to Bend. Again riding here is about downhill and humping the climb. In 3 rides here I climbed 5,791′ and descended 12,273′. I chose Deadman right from van. It would be another 2,xxx’ climb for short downhill. As I was getting after breakfast I talked myself out of riding. I drove out of town and over the pass to dry desert and P pine and lodgepole forest. Bend enters water shortage plan.
Such a difference from high desert pedaling trails here in Bend to steep dark downhill trails at Oakridge. I’ll prolly go back over later.
I made transfer payments to community of Oakridge in the 3 dinners, a shuttle, and numerous adult beverages. I made short connections with old acquaintances. Just no real hanging.