Gaston Gravel Grinder AKA The Flannel Friday Ride

Description

Dust off your old 26er, steal your kid's cross country MTB, or break out that shiny gravel bike you bought in lock-down that has failed to ride itself and come play in the dirt. Flannel, Hawaiian shirts, or even mullet wigs and jorts are encouraged, but not mandatory. We'll keep things lighthearted and fun, basically anything to distract from our burning legs on the climbs.

The route has several decent sized climbs, with associated fun descents, so if you know the Wednesday WHRC ride it will be like that, but longer, dirtier, and even more pot hole riddled, with side of snark, bad puns, and self deprecating humor. A couple sections feature deep 1" loose crushed rock, so 40+ mm tires are strongly encouraged, even though much of the loop is well packed and smooth. 1.9-2.5" tires are not overkill if you're into that sort of thing, no judgements...

Regroup #1 is at Mile 6 where the junction of NW Williams Canyon Road and NW Oak Hill Road where the route intersects itself
Regroup #2 is at Mile 12.4 at the hairpin junction of NW Gerrish Valley Road and NW Mt. Richmond Road
Regroup #3 is at Mile 25 at the same location as Regroup #1, where the route once again intersects itself

The start has no porta-potties at this time, and no services are available throughout the loop, so plan accordingly. Bring plenty of snacks for the regroup stops (10-15 minute breaks). Drafting is discouraged on the unpaved portions for safety reasons. Cell service is spotty, so bring your enhanced repair kit, consider going tubeless or bringing 2 spare tubes. If you don't have the route on a GPS, stick with someone who does. Plan on being back to the finish around 1:30-2 PM.

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