Bunker Buster – Gravel

Description

Overview:
For this ride we start off on the CZ trail near Scappoose but quickly diverge to unfrequented logging roads. On this ride you really feel like you are in the middle of nowhere and I suspect most of you have not done this ride before. The ride is 30 miles and 2,200 feet of climbing which doesn’t sound too bad but it is mostly gravel and some sections are steep so you need to have decent fitness to take this on (but not necessary to have strong gravel riding skills). Bring adequate water as none is available on the route.

Details on Route:
There is a lot of climbing at the start of this ride. We head up CZ trail to the highpoint of that trail but that is just the start. We climb steadily for the first 9 miles. And a few of the climbs are steep enough that you may need to push your bike up (I did). After that the ride is much more pleasant. From about mile 5 to mile 15 (where we hit a paved road) we are in a network of beautiful gravel roads and we’ll need to stick together to ensure everyone takes the correct turns. After the road, we turn right onto a wide, somewhat boring, gravel road. Faster riders can zip ahead at that point but they need to make sure that at mile 22 they take one final right turn onto a smaller gravel road which we’ll follow back to the CZ trail.

Gravel Bike:
You do need a real gravel bike or mountain bike for this ride. The gravel is pretty good so you can probably get by with tires 35 mm or wider (I’ll be riding 40mm). While the gravel is good, be prepared for lots of potholes.

Maps:
For much of this ride we are in a network of unmarked, gravel roads. Paper maps and cue sheets will definitely NOT work and will not be provided. I encourage everyone to use the RideWithGPS on their smart phone for directions while riding. (Note that the free version of RideWithGPS is adequate for PBC rides.) But, provided you don’t ride off ahead of the group, I’ll make sure no one gets lost.

Please read the Covid protocols before attending the ride. https://portlandbicyclingclub.com/protocols/