Tumala Tank Trap

The Tumala Tank Trap is a mixed-discipline affair and a rather challenging one at that. Blending equal parts road, gravel/dirt and technical mountain bike terrain, TTTT offers the rare opportunity to ride 100% to the summit of Tumala Mountain and over the other side. This will not be easy however, as the route is frontloaded w/ a wicked amount of climbing. 4271 feet in the first 23 miles over increasingly rocky, rutted and pitchy grades. 15%+ in the final stretch to the summit, which provides expansive views of Wy'east and the Hood National Forest.

The descent from the Tumala summit is a harrowing 1.5 mile section of steep highly technical singletrack. Hardtail mountain bikes are optimal here, but it is navigable on CX bikes for those with advanced handling chops and wise instincts for self-preservation. A second serving of singletrack connects decommissioned forest road 4614 to 4615 via the rarely spotted Bissell Trail. From there we count down to 4613 and drop down around old Bedford Point which once had an old lookout but is now a lost and forgotten double track. This section will require one creek crossing - which you can manage without getting your feet wet. Probably. After exiting this lost logging world, we're back on pavement for a smooth drop down to Estacada and relaxing at Fearless Brewery.

Disclaimers, warnings, caveats and wisdoms:

• There are a few BAILOUT's in the cuesheet after the summit. Heed them if you hear their call.

• There is no single-discipline bike that will be perfect for the entire route. The challenge here will be tire selection, gearing and setup to optimize comfort and capability across a wide range of difficult terrain. Low gears + wide tires. This is a social ride, you don't need to be fast out of the gate.

• Running tires smaller than 35c will make this an extremely difficult and rather dangerous ride. Seriously. If you're inexperienced riding single track - WALK IT. It's just not that far, and it's frankly a lovely place for a walk. You are riding off a mountain top. In mountain bike terms, this isn't very technical. Just be careful. The initial ride down from the summit is rough.

• While unlikely we'll see anyone, be very considerate of any hikers you might come across. This is a wild and lawless mountain, but we want to convey how nice cyclists are on trails that don't often see them.

• No road bikes. No road shoes. No road pedals.

• You will need to be prepared to filter/treat water for refill. There are many ideal opportunities to do so. We marked one that runs along side the upper White Iris Trail. It's a lovely spot and comes from a spring.

• You will want a wind/rain jacket (if it isn't summer) and more nutrition than you anticipate (always).

• You will want to pace yourself on the climb upfront. It intensifies in stages the higher you get.

That said, this is a beautiful, wild, remote and humbling experience that you won't soon forget.

Pictures from our rides on this route: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/tumalatanktrap/

Live in the PNW and want to ride with us? Check here: https://ridewithgps.com/clubs/8-unpaved

Stay safe and enjoy!

UP / OMTM