Ride begins from Alsea Library. Ride west through town to Highway 501, Deadwood Highway. Turn left and continue about a mile to the junction of South Fork Rd. Go left onto South Fork Rd. The first couple miles is flat, passing through farms. The next 10.75 miles is a general climb, with a few short, steep sections. There is a stretch from the first Alsea Falls sign to the Alsea Falls Rec site that is slightly downhill. The final 2.5 miles to the summit is a steady 5-7% grade. The east side, to Alpine, is shorter, but much steeper. Opted to turn around at the summit and return to Alsea. Rode 3.5 miles east on Highway 34, detouring to Clemens County Park and then along Fish Hatchery Road. Returned to Alsea, but went west to take in the Alsea Guard Station.