Dinner in Vernonia

Description

Ride the Banks-Vernonia Trail and check out the new repairs to the trail. All the bad pavement between the Manning Trailhead and mile 5 has been replaced! The abrupt (and I mean ABRUPT) approaches bridges have all been repaired between Banks and Stub Stewart Park.

We can have dinner at any of several restaurants in beautiful downtown Vernonia or just pack a sandwich. Main stop in Vernonia will be The Black Iron Grill at 831 Bridge Street.

Pace is listed as “slow” due to long climbs on the ride out and again on the way back. I can maintain 14-15 mph on the flat, and 8-10 mph once we hit the 2% grade at about 5 miles. Riders can definitely make up some time on the long descent on the way back. Exercise great care on the descent going IN to Vernonia and BACK to Banks. There are some nasty corners and a few driveways. In addition, the pavement on the north end of the trail (near Vernonia) has not been fully repaired.

Regroup at Stub Stewart on the way out and on the way back.

Please arrive AT LEAST 15 minutes early to allow for sign-up/check-in. Cue sheets will be available if requested in advance, though it it hard to see how anyone could get lost on an out-and-back route that is totally on an established paved trail. Contact Dave by phone or e-mail. On line signup is available until NOON the day of the ride.

Ride is rated "C" because of the 5 mile climb, but it is pretty gradual (2%) except in one spot.