Length:
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60 miles
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Pace:
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16-18
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Terrain:
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Minor
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Elevation:
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1,000 ft
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Ride Type:
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Re-Group
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Cancellation Guidelines:
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Rain or showers or worse
This is a ride to do in good weather
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PLEASE SEE NOTE ABOUT DEPARTURE TIMES BELOW.
About the abnormal ride series -
I had been told that I was an abnormal rider. The bike gods have seen my hubris and have taken me down to a normal rider. But the abnormal ride series will continue. This series will be rides that are atypical of our normal club rides. The rides may be very scenic and/or long and/or hilly and/or out of the area. Or they may just be silly fun. You be the judge.
About this abnormal ride -
This is a chance to explore the lower Columbia River basin, and enjoy two ferry rides as part of the bike ride. Bring $6 cash only for the fare ($3 each way). The ferry ride is 3 miles of the route shown on the Ride with GPS map. This ride explores areas along and on an island of the Columbia River. It also travels through the wildlife refuge for the Columbian white tailed deer. On previous rides I have seen deer and an eagle, in addition to many other birds. To give you a flavor of the ride, here are some pictures from a prior ride. Pictures from 2016 ride
My pace while riding should be between 16-18 mph. I will be riding at the rated pace. But this is intended as a casual and fun ride. I anticipate stops for pictures and to look at the scenery.
Slower riders are welcome if you can ride independently using a map and cue sheet. I suggest that you find a buddy to ride at your pace so you are not riding alone in an unfamiliar area.
A 36 mile option is available by meeting at the ferry, Ferry departure is 10:15 AM with loading prior to that time.
Some cautions: About 12 miles of the route are on the shoulder of Highway 30, the highway between Portland and Astoria. There will be traffic passing by at high speed. The shoulders are generally wide but can be avoided by meeting us at the ferry. There are also short sections on Highway 4 on the Washington side. Some sections of the roads are very rough and there is a mile of gravel trail in the wildlife refuge that is rideable on a road bike.
There is a pub and grill near the start for something to eat after the ride.
Departure Times – Ready to Leave -
Salmon Creek Park and Ride, SW corner for car pooling – 7:50 am
Clatskanie City Park, Clatskanie OR – 60 mile route – 9:00 am
Westport Ferry – 35 mile route - Ferry departs at 10:15 am
Because there is a deadline to reach the ferry I will leave you behind if you are late or not ready at the times listed. It is not fair to riders who are ready to risk missing the ferry by waiting for those who are late. Please plan your schedule accordingly. This applies to both the carpool and the ride departure times.
The distance from the start to the ferry is 13 miles. I have allowed 70 minutes to arrive at the ferry. That should allow times for stops and pictures on the way to the ferry. However, there is not a lot of extra time. Therefore, I will leave at the times listed, whether or not you are ready.
Maps and cue sheets link:
RideWithGPS link: Lower Columbia River Ferry Ride
Map and cue sheet: Lower Columbia River Ferry Ride
Ride start location –
Clatskanie City Park, Clatskanie, OR
https://goo.gl/maps/KuFr4N7gABU2
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