It is currently Thu Mar 28, 2024 9:17 am

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 29 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next
Author Message
PostPosted: Tue Jun 29, 2010 11:56 pm 
Offline
Moderately Obsessed
Moderately Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Thu Oct 23, 2008 11:09 pm
Posts: 1100
Location: Ramona
Given: 442 thanks
Received: 2590 thanks
Bike(s): RIP9, Nomad
Favorite Trails: Backcountry
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Moab/Fruita is out for 2010 while Oregon is the new in. Well, at least that what nearly every bike mag seems to be telling us this year. But it’s also a big state to spend just one week riding. So we limited our choices to just seeking out the best beer and best singletrack starting at the state line, working our way north to the central part of the state.

The first full day of riding found us in Ashland, just 15 miles over the state line. Home to the infamous 12 mi, 5,000’ descent Ashland Super-D course, we weren’t looking to kill ourselves on day 1. While dropping off the lower vehicle, we observed the town folk take their lawn ornaments seriously. But I could have sworn these were 4 doors up when we drove by the first time.

Image

Up top, Mt. Ashland had a banner snow year much like the Sierras and still had enough snow on some slopes to easily get in a dozen large arc turns. Unfortunately that also meant the local’s recommended time warp trail was still under snow. A bit of wind and moisture from enshrouding clouds at 7,000’ made everyone want to get rolling.

Image

After bombing the upper Bull Gap forest road, it was time for singletrack.

Image

Image

Wet rocks had all tires sliding around, but the tree across the trail in the foreground was slicker than ice, taking out all but one front tire in our group of 8.

Image

406 rides this super skinny at the Four Corners junction

Image

The last part consisting of BTI trail threw everything at you right at the end.

Image

We opted to do a second lap instead of heading to check out Crater Lake. We later found out Crater still had 7’ snow drifts at the sides of the road so we likely made the right choice. Conditions were completely different this time: clouds were gone and everything dried out.

Image

Mt. Shasta was in full view with a healthy amount of snow

Image

Everyone let it rip this go around

Image

Evdog was feeling a bit light these days

Image

Having just hosted the Super-D event the weekend prior with hundreds of riders, the course was in surprisingly good shape with some breaking bumps in a few turns.

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

This trail is so packed in the lower parts that it feels like a paved trail

Image

At one of the junctures was a nice hip jump that was put into action

Image

I was letting it rip,

Image

While Evdog got his mojo on

Image

We rode right past this log ride on Caterpillar the first time. At first no one wanted to try it except for me. After nailing the first time, 406 and Evdog wanted their action too.

Image

Both get it clean on the second try

Image

Then it was off to Alice in Wonderland

Image

Evdog rips it on BTI

Image

At the bottom trailhead is a stream that dumps into a small lake (pond) that will cool you off right quick which the others chose. I played with the water in a different manner.

Image

Image

No ride is complete without ending at a brewery, especially when there are a total of 6 between Ashland and Medford. For an early dinner, we stopped at Standing Stone Brewing smack in the middle of town.

Image

Image

We hit up the bar until our table was ready

Image

Image

This Stone was a bit trendy, much like the Escondido Stone, but with organic this, and homegrown that, all supporting area farmers and growers.

Image

We grabbed samplers of all their beers

Image

For most of us the beers were good, but none truly stood out. But Offroadie was digging the darkest which was more like a coffee espresso stout.

Image

Then it was time to hit up another brewery a block away and fill up some growlers and hit the road to our next singletrack destination for the next two days.


Top
 Profile  
 
The following 21 users would like to thank GP_pilot for his or her post:
24v, amor587, bajamtnbkr, Canaan, deno, Dustin, evdog, Gman, K2Brandon, kreechan, mealsonwheels, moondogg, OffRoadie, Red Hot Sloth, Robo, rodster, Scott Forty G., sierragoldens, singletrackmitch, tfitz, 406
PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 2:33 am 
Offline
Moderately Obsessed
Moderately Obsessed

Joined: Sun Jun 14, 2009 10:15 pm
Posts: 573
Location: allied gardens
Given: 44 thanks
Received: 140 thanks
Bike(s): trek sssn 8, transition dble
Favorite Trails: secret ones. trestles, keyston
i lived in klamath falls for 9 years. southern oregon is a hidden gem.

looks like you had fun!

_________________
http://www.rowdystyle.blogspot.com

"action is the best response to misfortune"


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 7:38 am 
Offline
Moderately Obsessed
Moderately Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jul 10, 2008 10:10 pm
Posts: 1327
Location: San Elijo Hills
Given: 1621 thanks
Received: 1612 thanks
Bike(s): 10 5Spot, 08 XXIX, 07 Peleton
Favorite Trails: Dirty, Rocky and Single
Looks like a great start to the trip! I love tree covered mountain singletrack. Great pics Sean.

Evan, what's the deal with the mojo?


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 8:14 am 
Offline
Moderately Obsessed
Moderately Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Sun Jun 08, 2008 7:05 pm
Posts: 648
Given: 168 thanks
Received: 306 thanks
Bike(s): Gary Fisher Tassajara
Evan stole the Mojo. I'm calling the cops.

_________________
There's a lot of shame on a road bike. -- evdog


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 8:24 am 
Offline
Active Participant
Active Participant
User avatar

Joined: Sat Feb 27, 2010 10:48 pm
Posts: 429
Location: Vista, CA
Given: 292 thanks
Received: 190 thanks
Bike(s): Giant Reign 1, K2 Base 3.0
Favorite Trails: Calaveras; Sandy ridge, OR.
Man, GP, these pics got me jonesing!!!! I foots get there. Great TR!

_________________
I want my Mtb!!!!


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 8:27 am 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Fri May 01, 2009 10:18 pm
Posts: 5442
Given: 14906 thanks
Received: 5738 thanks
Bike(s): Marin Rift Zone 3; Budget SS
Favorite Trails: Cuyamaca; Fanita Ranch
Great TR -- looks like mountain bike heaven.

_________________
A bicycle is a splendid thing.
~Ernest Hemingway


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 8:34 am 
Offline
Moderately Obsessed
Moderately Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Mon Jun 21, 2010 11:25 am
Posts: 554
Given: 202 thanks
Received: 253 thanks
Bike(s): Scott DH sled
Favorite Trails: Pachea,Idy, ATT
Great report!!!!!


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 8:34 am 
Offline
Moderately Obsessed
Moderately Obsessed

Joined: Fri Nov 14, 2008 3:57 pm
Posts: 1159
Given: 2184 thanks
Received: 1791 thanks
Favorite Trails: Dirt
moondogg wrote:
Evan, what's the deal with the mojo?


That looks a lot like a Mojo for sale that sierragoldens sent Evan info on. A smokin' deal on a practically new one that was built up pretty nicely. I said I would buy it if it wasn't so similar to mine!

Evan said he'd have to improve his skills before he had a bike like that - so I trust he's been hammering on his skillset.

So fill us in evdog, didja get that one?


Top
 Profile  
 
The following user would like to thank Robo for his or her post:
sierragoldens
PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 8:35 am 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2009 10:12 am
Posts: 2071
Location: San Diego, CA
Given: 1644 thanks
Received: 1322 thanks
Bike(s): Knolly Endo, Canfield Jedi
Favorite Trails: DH Trails
Awesome TR. Can't wait to see the next... and the next... and the next...

_________________
~I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.
~Nothing from nothing is nothing.
~I'm allowed to be a pussy because I have one!


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 9:25 am 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:39 pm
Posts: 3407
Location: Ocean Beach
Given: 2423 thanks
Received: 7322 thanks
Bike(s): Revel Rail, Spur, Carver Ti,
Favorite Trails: Hmm........
Robo wrote:
moondogg wrote:
Evan, what's the deal with the mojo?


That looks a lot like a Mojo for sale that sierragoldens sent Evan info on. A smokin' deal on a practically new one that was built up pretty nicely. I said I would buy it if it wasn't so similar to mine!

Evan said he'd have to improve his skills before he had a bike like that - so I trust he's been hammering on his skillset.

So fill us in evdog, didja get that one?

Rob you obviously didn't ride the last 10 days, didn't you notice your bike was missing from the garage? :wink:


Top
 Profile  
 
The following user would like to thank evdog for his or her post:
sierragoldens
PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 10:08 am 
Offline
Moderately Obsessed
Moderately Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Wed Dec 03, 2008 4:51 pm
Posts: 1600
Given: 666 thanks
Received: 1790 thanks
Favorite Trails: teh gnar
fkna, that is fun trail. Excellent photo's gp_pilot. I like how I look completely blitzed in the bar photo, despite only being half way into my first pint.

_________________
strava:instagram:activejunky


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 10:49 am 
Offline
Active Participant
Active Participant
User avatar

Joined: Thu Jul 03, 2008 3:17 pm
Posts: 344
Location: 4S Ranch/Rancho Bernardo
Given: 126 thanks
Received: 223 thanks
Bike(s): Ibis Mojo SL (650b)
Favorite Trails: Thunder Mountain, MRT
Great first day of the trip. It was a nice way to ease into things. That changed on day 2.

Here are my pics from Mt. Ashland:

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image

Image


Top
 Profile  
 
The following 3 users would like to thank quaestionis for his or her post:
Brian, deno, Red Hot Sloth
PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 11:28 am 
Offline
Obsessed
Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Tue Oct 14, 2008 12:39 pm
Posts: 3407
Location: Ocean Beach
Given: 2423 thanks
Received: 7322 thanks
Bike(s): Revel Rail, Spur, Carver Ti,
Favorite Trails: Hmm........
GP_Pilot's TR above was day 1. But we need to step back in time a bit, to Day 0. Deno, 406 and I opted for a Friday afternoon departure rather than a 3am meet time on Saturday morning followed by a full day drive. I much prefer to make optimal use of my vacation time, and this allowed us to get in a Saturday ride in addition to splitting up the hellish 14hr drive.

We arrive in Ashland in time to grab 2 campsites and hit up the 3pm AMA shuttle
Image

406 and Deno prepare for battle
Image

The SuperD course starts off as fireroad then turns to singletrack. Here is the first climb
Image

This climb takes you up and across a broad ridge with rolling terrain
Image

And soon shoots you down the far side
Image

Welcome to Oregon
Image

Fast and flowy only begin to describe this course (its really a collection of trails linked together)
Image

Deno rails another corner
Image

406 flying
Image

Deno cornering at speed
Image

406 roller
Image

Deno rounds another bermed corner
Image

Into this smooth air
Image

We were really getting sick of all the berms on this trail
Image

406 rides off the log
Image

Apparently PCT is up here somewhere
Image

All the buff, flowy singletrack was also getting tiresome
Image

More of those damn berms lower down
Image

406 cruising
Image

The Alice in Wonderland theme was a nice touch
Image

Looking down over Ashland
Image

And....photographic evidence that turners can't climb :lol:
Image

We met up with GP_Pilot, Stang, Offroadie, Brian and Questionis at Caldera Brewery for dinner. We had to share the sad news about how badly this trail sucked. Full of berms, too fast and smooth, and really, its not a switchback unless you have to stop and hop your back wheel around. We also knew they'd be disappointed with lack of chunk. Sean had to ask a few times if our plans to ride SuperD again on Saturday were still on. We suggested they'd have to try it to see for themselves after hearing so much good about this trail. We could do 2 laps, maybe even 3 if we did odd man out. But why would you want to do multiple laps if it sucked so bad? :hello:


Top
 Profile  
 
The following 9 users would like to thank evdog for his or her post:
Brian, deno, Gman, moondogg, quaestionis, Red Hot Sloth, Robo, sierragoldens, 406
PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 12:14 pm 
Offline
Active Participant
Active Participant

Joined: Fri Feb 13, 2009 5:32 pm
Posts: 125
Given: 0 thanks
Received: 68 thanks
off the charts guys!! congrats. i rode there last end of july on the way to whistler and we got conditions that locals said was about as dry/loose as you get up there (felt like socal:) but not the tackyness you all got. gotta love 5000 foot ripping descents, i look forward to your oakridge stuff:)


Top
 Profile  
 
PostPosted: Wed Jun 30, 2010 12:26 pm 
Offline
Moderately Obsessed
Moderately Obsessed
User avatar

Joined: Wed Oct 15, 2008 4:17 pm
Posts: 520
Given: 836 thanks
Received: 362 thanks
Bike(s): Yeti 575
Favorite Trails: singletrack
Great shots everyone. Thanks for letting us live vicariously through you. :cheers:


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 29 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2  Next

All times are UTC - 8 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 0 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group