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Oregon 6 Passes Super 600 Randonee
(https://ridewithgps.com/routes/3217197)
Backround
It all started at the Gold Rush Randonee post ride talk and brunch. I had ridden with Metin and Michael and we had all attended. Dan Shadoan presented everyone with their jersey and encouraged every rider to give a talk on the experience of the ride. We all did and it was quite fun and really interesting to hear from the others on what compels one to ride that far and in extreme conditions. When it came time for Graham Ross (no relation) to give his talk he mentioned that the Willamette Randonneurs would be hosting a Dart Populaire that would end at Susan Otcenas' farm where we could all camp and hang out with a variety of insane people like us and watch the amazing event. It was called the Dart to Darkness. It sounded pretty cool but I didn't really think it was feasible for me. We all drove home in the baking sun of Davis and beyond and put the thoughts of this event away.
A couple of weeks later, Michael and Leigh Ann mentioned the Dart Populaire, would we be interested? We decided that driving back would be unbearable if done on the day of the eclipse. Metin had suggested that we do the 6 Passes Super 600K ride that started in Gresham. Seemed reasonable, no too far. We could watch the eclipse, relax, then drive to Gresham, stay overnight and start in the morning. In the upcoming weeks things looked doubtful for the Super 600K but the popular was still on. Then things got better as we all found we were able to take off work long enough to do the extra time for a super 600K ride.
So it was set! Leigh Ann booked motels, Michael came up with a route and with a bit of adjustments we were all ready and drove up to do a fun ride of 85 miles in 8 hours. Then we camped and saw an amazing astrological event and hung out with our friends from all over and enjoyed an incredible event.
The post eclipse drive to Gresham was painful. Traffic was painful slowing us down and we had to take a ferry at one point that was dreadfully slow. But we did make it to Gresham, OR and had a nice dinner and prepared for the next 2 days of the wilds of Oregon.
We ate and slept. I hadn't slept that well camping: I'm either too hot or too cold. Comfortable but not. After a while I fell asleep anyway. I needed "hotel room sleep" tonight. Bikes were prepared, malto was mixed, bags were attached.
Day 1
The morning came and the night sleep was good. It was a super 600. I had done one before, one that was pretty difficult but you never know. Looking at the roads on google street-view I got the impression it was pretty remote. There was 5 miles of gravel but it looked like more (and there were extra bits: a bonus!). A lot of the forest roads weren't mapped which had me a bit concerned. We found a Starbucks, ate, then took our first picture. The controls on super 600K's are all photo controls. The first was Howard Johnson's. Except it was turned into a Motel 6. The badges had to show (of which we affixed in our preparation). Throughout I had a habit of putting the bike in the wrong position. The badge had to show. Pictures were taken.
We were off. To Larch Mountain. Michael reminded us of the Monty Python episode about "how to identify trees at a long distance away". Number 39, the Larch. The Larch. Riding through the neighborhoods was wonderful. We would see a good portion of a state on this ride. Get a sense of it and enjoy the sights. We passed the Columbia River. Then we climbed the mountain. We stopped in the lot and mosquitos were quickly alerted to our arrival. They were relentless. We took the photos and we turned around and flew back down the hill. There were a lot out out and backs on this one so if you climbed you got the reverse. This was a good one. Speeds of 40 mph were reached.
More neighborhood riding, so many trees! And lush vegetation. We passed by a lot of goats. At one point I yelled out "Goats" and one of them walked towards us and raised it's head to greet us! Baaa-aaa! Metin's goat (lamb) imitation was perfect although he didn't know what he was saying in "goat". They were wonderful! We also saw very clean and award winning pigs (3 different types as the sign told us). Flowy and graceful roads, we were having a blast. Another control photo at the intersection of NF 1828 and Topspur Road.
We then climbed Lolo Pass and then we hit the 5 miles of gravel. Metin had 40 mil tires, I had 28's and Michael had 25's. I think Metin had the best of it, I had switched from my NanoRaptors (why?) and Michael was prepared for a 100% road ride. It was dicey but we made it. I believe Michael is well immersed into mixed gravel rides now. The gravel ended and we were on another downhill. Very long and then steep near the end. Another out and back. There were fires in the area and we were choked up pretty good at this point. Very smoky and it was getting to us. We could feel it in our throats. It was hot also. The haze gave us heat and coolness throughout the ride. The road was narrow and lots of loud power lines overhead. Again, really lush and green. The views would have been spectacular but the smoke hemmed them in. We climbed Lost Lake Road then and after a time ended up at Lost Lake where there were many vacationers. Food would be nice. I got a gatorade, sandwiches and noticed Metin found Ice cream. An addition (a strawberry bar) that was very good. Pictures were taken.
Riding back meant a sizable climb. We all still felt good and I was pushing it. Metin was slow and steady. Smart riding and I really can't help pushing it even though I pay later. We got to our next photo control. This was a large water hose on the side of the road. Down we rode continuing on.
We came upon the town of Parkdale. The cue sheet suggested a market to get food. We found that a restaurant was 12 miles away but it was late, around 6:30pm. Metin had problems dialing the number to the restaurant and finally was able to reach them. They closed at 8pm. I thought we were playing with fire by trying to make it. But the decision was made. On the way out though we found this: http://www.solerabrewery.com/!!! A brewery with very good food it seemed. So we pulled our bikes around back and ordered food. Beer was ingested (I had ginger ale). The view of Mount Hood was hazy but it was pretty impressive. We had to wait a while for the food. I think we needed the break though. Finally it came. After we were done we talked a bit for a german fellow about our adventure. He said that he rode also. He was pretty amazed at the trip as he knew the area. He also mentioned that they had just chip-sealed the next climb we were about to do.
We saddled up and continued on. A lot of pear orchards. We had seen hops earlier. There were big containers of which they would put the pears in as harvest seemed to be at hand. My Garmin had been giving me issues for a while. It is the Oregon 600 and I have it connected to an external battery through a Synewave device. It froze about 6 times and every time I had to remove the batteries to get it going again. Later it packed up all together.
We started to climb and the chip seal was fresh unfortunately. Almost like we were back on gravel. Then Michael's bike made a peculiar rubbing sound. We rode on. Soon we noticed Michael was stopped. I rode back and discovered he couldn't figure it out. Metin, with his limitless experience told Michael to spin the wheel (front) backward (while off the bike) and the little piece of gravel would pop out. Sure enough "pop" and no rubbing. We climbed on. After a while the gravel ended (before the turn-around) which meant we wouldn't have to ride down it in the dark.
Day 2
We got to the top and took a photo at Cooper Spur Ski Area Entrance sign. Then we rode downhill and eventually ended up on Oregon 35, a fairly busy highway. There was plenty of room but it was good to get off of it. Garmin issues continued.
Next came NF 44. A very pretty road. We had to take the route owner's word for it because even my bright (and much maligned) helmet light wasn't able to light up and coax the full glory of the trees and area. A 7 mile climb with a 13 mile downhill.
At the top we layered up. The downhill was steep and fast. And looooong! It just kept going and going. Finally it leveled out. We came to a turn and I turned what looked like the correct direction. Metin and Michael went left then found they were off course. I thought I was right. I didn't hear a "oh, I guess you were right Roy" but let it go. Onward to another big road, this being US 197. Only 1.8 miles. I had some more issues with my Garmin (does it deserve capitalization anymore?!?).
All this time I had the hideous song "Sweet Child Of Mine" in my head. A "power ballad" by the detestable "Guns and Roses". On long rides the danger of an earworm song can be dangerous. There was a band at a town that was having an eclipse celebration and they had a country and or western band that were innocuous enough. But near the end of their set (we don't know! they could still be out there ripping through a bunch of cover songs) the familiar strains of a song I knew too well and feared started and I was doomed.
Then there was Durfur Gap Road. It was getting late and we were tired. Another slow climb. It was slow. We were very tired. Punishing, grueling. I'm looking now at the cue sheet and can't believe that section from US 197 to the control photo, 5 miles, was that short. Every section from now until the hotel was torture. Our legs and spirit were crushed by the sheer weight of the climbing that seemed the better portion of the ride. Just a dusty, desert road in the dark. Maybe that's what made it so hard. Unfamiliar land and always more and then more after that. We took the photo and rode on.
Another stint on US 197 and then OR 216. 6 and 7 miles apiece. Then, finally Bakeoven Road, the last before our motel for the night. This would be 7.9 miles. The Deshutes River was raging alongside of us. Heard but not seen. The road narrow and a plodding pace. Somehow, finally, we made it to Maupin, out town with the hotel for the night. We thought they might have left food for us but we couldn't find it. Later Michael said there was something but we ate bike food. Metin gave me a chocolate milk and cracker. This was good. I also had some bike food. We showered and got to bed. The decided time was 7pm to wake. As we set to sleep Metin exclaimed, "3 hours! Luxury!" I let out a pained and laconic guffaw oozed out of my mouth.
"Morning" came and it was 7am. Time to get up. I had slept HEAVILY with forgotten vivid dreams and was surprised at how long it seemed to be. Maybe Metin's "luxury" comment had planted a seed in my subconscious. We got our bikes together, met with Michael and took pictures for the photo control These would be different than the arrival time but should be OK. Metin and Michael had found a restaurant on the way to Wamic in Tygh Valley called Molly B's Diner.
We had an excellent breakfast. It was 9am and already starting to heat up. We filled with water and mixed our liquid food and got on with it. Another slow climb. On the way to Wamic, my Garmin shut off: the final insult. I had packed another Garmin with the route in it so swapped that out as we were riding. Considering the amazing rides and fetes of accomplishments we really deserve better. I can't think of anyone that hasn't had issues with their GPS.
At Wamic Market we stopped. A photo was taken. More slow climbing. More NF roads. We were in the high desert. Views of Mount Hood were pretty cool. A haze surrounded us. The heat was building. A lot of off road (OHV) parks in the area, we would see signs. The sky was clouding up. It got cooler. I was fearing the possibility of thunderstorms. There was a chance in the forecast I had heard in the hotel room. No rain wear so if that happened we would get wet.
We followed forest roads, logging roads and climbed. Finally we came to a downhill. Another fast, steep one. The control would be at the end and another out and back. It was hot again, no rain. We passed a water stop but no details on where, how far in to ride so we passed it, took pictures and rode the steep way back to NF 5810. This road was closed and we wondered if it might be a good idea to ride on. The alternative would have been DNF-ing and riding all the way back and around. We decided to continue on. It seemed the road was not used by vehicles as a lot of tree debris was scattered about. We came across a large stack of logs in the road and intense tree debris. We had to hoist our bikes over all this mess, a logging operation seemingly abandoned, and get through it. We helped each other and continued on. This was so much more than a "mixed terrain" ride. After 6 miles we came to another barrier. The road was a completely obliterated. It was all dirt now and no sign of a road. The gps seemed to point the way but Metin and Michael had their doubts. I went ahead and rummaged around in the forest. It was very confusing and we couldn't make out where the road could be. Finally I decided to follow my "breadcrumb trail" gps. Sure enough I found the road in completely the other direction. I called out to Michael and Metin. Metin was searching and Michael had stayed put with the bikes. I have lost my bike a few times on mountain bike rides. They came over and were relieved (not believing when I first called, perhaps) and we continued on.
Water was getting low. We thought we were close to the campground that had a faucet (only on the GPS track and not on the cue sheet as in many cases the cue sheet could have been so much more! I think I could write a very detailed cue sheet at this point…). Metin asked me to lead at this point since he seemed unsure of the route. I could see that it went by Timothy Lake and the camp ground was there. It took a while, about 4 miles but we finally got to our blessed faucet. The water was sweet and cold and very much needed. We lingered a while and drank and bloated ourselves on the elixir. Spirits were raised. We wouldn't have to spend the night lost in the forest! Hooray!
We came to US 26 and it was a relief to be on what we knew for sure was the path. Eight miles of slow climbing and then US 35. Soon we were descending. Metin said there was a convenience store on the descent down. And, sure enough, we came across a Chevron "food" mart. We decided to fill up on what they had knowing that there was a strong possibility that we wouldn't make the restaurant in Government Camp before it closed. And what a treat! Candy, corn dogs and lethal burritos in a heated, windowed container and other convenience food. Michael bought candy. I'm not sure what Metin bought. I went for the jerky and sausage and cheese. The cashier had mentioned all the food in the heated glass case was 1/2 off which should have warned us to stay far, far from that. I ignored the dire warning and got a burrito and corn dog. It didn't kill me luckily. We had the needed calories to continue. I had mentioned vienna sausages to Metin on the way here. I couldn't find any though. They are pretty horrific.
The next control was a climb to Mt. Hood Meadows. A ski resort. Another climb. I was feeling OK with the climbs. We were now pacing ourselves and the views were expansive and lovely. A diversion on Old Mt. Hood Loop Hwy was nice. Then a continuation of OR 35. Bennet Pass road led us to the top and a gate which was our control photo. The mosquitos were viscous here. I still have itchy welts where I was bit 2 days after the ride. Michael contacted Leigh Ann who bought us sandwiches for the end of the ride, whenever that may be.
It was steep on the way up and seemed steeper on the way down. Wooo hooo!
Off of US 26 we were to climb to the Timberline Lodge. This being the same one used in the movie "The Shining". We started climbing Timberline Highway but soon found we were off course. This was the road down from the Timberline Lodge. We backtracked and went down the road a bit. Ironically we stopped to look for the turn, called West Leg Road. All over we couldn't find it. Frustrated, nothing seemed to work. I hadn't yet put on my helmet light (both Metin and Michael saying that I wouldn't need it yet). Finally I said I NEEDED to put on my helmet light and proceeded with that arduous task. No place to lay the bike and it seemed like we were in the middle of the street or parking lot or something as cars were all around. Finally the light was on and I said that we had to go back about 1/4 mile. I followed the GPS track and soon found the road behind a cover of trees and debris and I think a barrier. I called out saying I found the road, I PROMISE! YOUR GOING TO LIKE IT!!! I sensed disbelief again. Finally we were on our way on a, we assume, beautiful and windy road that climbed a bit steep in parts.
Five long miles later we found the one way road to the Timberline Lodge. From there it seemed like an eternity to the actual lodge. And when we got there, finding the place to take the control picture was difficult also. We found the Wy'East Day Lodge but the picture had a sign saying "Welcome to the Timberline Lodge" that we couldn't find. So we took a picture in front of he Wy'East Day Lodge. The weather was very windy and we knew we had to bundle up. I was prepared! By the time Metin and Michael looked over at me I had put on a jacket, base layer, leg warmers, balaclava, skull cap, glove liners and gloves. They were impressed!
Again a downhill. I led and it was FASSSSSST!!! After a while I felt a wobble on my bike. I stopped and Metin asked "what's wrong?". I mentioned the wobble. He said put your knee on the middle bar and this would stop it. So much experience. Where would I be without Metin's helpful suggestions? It worked but my knee was sore by the end of it. I think I was wobbling because I was shivering just enough.
The ride down US 26 was FASSSSSSSSSSST downhill. And it was 21 miles long, no joke! It wouldn't end. The good part was that we would be at mile 343 by the time it got to a more sane road. And that was good.
Day 3
The route now was some of the same roads we started out on. A good amount of it was sustained climbing (why stop now??) and we took it all in stride. We missed Shipley Road as it was hard to see and on a long, fun downhill at night. The hard part was finding the last control. We stopped a few times but managed to find the sign for Dodge Park.
About 10 miles to the end. A moderate climb at first but then a long downhill, moderately steep. It was good to get back into the city of Gresham.
Soon we were at the VERY last control, same as the first one. Pictures were taken.
Quite a ride and one of the harder rides I've done.
By: | plymmer |
Started in: | Wasco County, OR, US |
Distance: | 153,1 mi. |
Selected: | 153,1 mi. |
Elevation: | + 13145 / - 14531 ft |
Moving Time: | 14:10:47 |
Gear: | 2010 Volagi Viaje |
Page Views: | 99 |
Departed: | 23 aug 2017 09:48 |
Starts in: | Wasco County, OR, US |
Distance: | 153,1 mi. |
Selected distance: | 153,1 mi. |
Elevation: | + 13145 / - 14531 ft |
Max Grade: | |
Avg Grade | |
Cat | |
FIETS | |
VAM | |
Ascent time | |
Descent time | |
Total Duration: | 16:49:14 |
Selection Duration: | 60554 |
Moving Time: | 14:10:47 |
Selection Moving Time: | 14:10:47 |
Stopped Time: | 02:38:27 |
Max Speed: | 37,1 mph |
Avg Speed: | 10,8 mph |
Pace: | 00:06:35 |
Moving Pace: | 00:05:33 |
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