Wednesday Waterfalls Series: Theme & Variations

Description

Estacada to Ripplebrook Out & Back.

May is National Bike Month, and Cascade Bicycle Club has announced that May 13 is Bike Everywhere Day, celebrating riding for fun, commuting to work, and biking for everyday transportation.

We'll start this classic route, riding for fun, in the Clackamas River Corridor with a gradual warmup and enjoy a 5-mile stretch, closed to cars, on Faraday Road with a smooth, consistent grade before the real climbing begins. Expect a gentle but persistent climb that will be more of a sustained aerobic effort – not a grinder. Steady and not steep, the challenge will be duration. This route follows the Clackamas River looking down into a classic, deep-forest, river canyon. Traffic is pleasantly light, especially on weekdays.

The terrain is probably described best as similar to mountain foothills. The elevation gain this week is 2,650 feet, but the grade is steady and spread over long, gradual ramps rather than sharp walls. Mostly a 2-5% incline with occasional stretches that feel like 6-7%. (About Mile 23, there is a short stretch of about 500 feet in distance that is 13.1% max grade.)

We'll stop midway at Ripplebrook for a short rest before heading back. The camp store is open! They have good coffee, and fresh water to refill your bottle. The return will be a smooth, fast descent.

A relaxed coffee break will be at the end of the ride at The Grind Coffee House, 105 OR‑224, Estacada, OR 97023.

You'll have the option to ride with me as a group (we'll re‑group at key points) and must be able to maintain a minimum cruising speed of 13 MPH on flat or gentle hill terrain. Riders slower than 13 MPH on Level A terrain and faster riders are welcome to participate non‑group and ride at their own pace.