Leif Erickson – Skyline half-gravel loop

Description

From Chapman School we'll head up to NW Thurman St, turn left/west and ride to the far end where Leif Erickson Drive begins and the surface turns to gravel. We'll stay on Leif Erickson out to Milepost 8 then double back and turn right on Saltzman Rd and climb up to Skyline Blvd where we'll turn left. After a short detour through Skyline Cemetery we'll continue on Skyline, then turn left on Thompson Rd, left again on Cornell Rd and back downhill into NW Portland. Coffee stop is at St Honoré Bakery near the end of the ride, at NW Thurman & 23rd Place.

Notes:

> About half of this route is on gravel. It's mostly hard-pack but there are a few loose sections, so it's recommended that riders use a mountain, gravel, or hybrid bike (a road bike with wider tires might be OK depending on your skill level).
> Leif Erickson Drive is narrow with many blind corners and usually has a lot of bike & pedestrian traffic. Plan to ride single file most of the time and stay to the right when going around corners.
> Skyline Blvd has a paved, separated bike path for at least part of the way.
> Cornell Rd has two tunnels and depending on traffic conditions we may want to take the pedestrian bypass trails that run along their north sides.
> If there's another smoke event or other adverse weather this ride may be cancelled. If in doubt be sure to double-check this ride posting or contact the ride leaders before you head out.