[OrRando] ORR 300 Pre-ride Notes

[Bert Lutz]

As I write this on Sunday, with the sun streaming in the windows, I’m
reminded of how much difference one day can make.  It was Saturday not
today, unfortunately, that several of us took to the roads to pre-ride the
newly updated 300k.  The weather wasn’t really bad, particularly if you like
monsoon rains and wind.

Following are comments, wisdoms and sometimes useful information about next
Saturday’s ride from those of us who rode it yesterday.

Grand Lodge to Tillamook
------------------------

Take a good look at the cue sheet.  Unlike the recent 200K, we take a very
nice ride out Stringtown Road on the way out of Forest Grove.  Bear left on
Pacific Ave about 2 miles into the ride.  Don’t stay on Gales Creek.

The route follows the same route as last year with a new addition.  Those
who did last weeks 200K will re-enjoy the addition of an out and back ride
to Timber.  Climbers will be disappointed that the turnaround point is just
at the base of the climb up to Timber (but not to worry, there are other
opportunities to gain and lose altitude).  

The road surfaces on this leg of the ride are generally smooth.  The Wilson
River Hwy (SR-6) has mostly wide shoulders that are relatively clean of
debris but with fast, heavy traffic.  If the weather is nice, expect lots of
trucks towing recreation equipment.  The out and back in the Timber
direction is quiet with good road surfaces.

This section also includes the biggest climb of the day topping out around
1500 ft.  The main climb is about 5 miles long but gentle, reaching the
summit near mile 35.  The descent is also gentle and runs almost to
Tillamook.

The Three Capes
---------------

On a good day, the scenery is spectacular along the coast.  Yesterday, we
experienced mostly good weather since the pelting rain had begun to subside
a bit, but with some gusty winds.  The road surfaces are improved from last
year with several patches of new, smooth pavement.  There are still some
significant patches of rough, pot-holed, patched pavement and a small gravel
segment near the summit of the Cape Mears climb.

After the long decent into Tillamook, it’s time to enjoy some climbing. 
There are two significant climbs, each interesting in its own way.  Careful
on the descents:  the aforementioned rough pavement comes without much
warning as does the odd patch of gravel on the road.  Wind gusts can also be
a factor.  At about mile 75, there is a descent to a T intersection as you
near Netarts.  There was a small gravel patch there yesterday.

Pacific City to Grande Ronde
----------------------------

After leaving the coast, enjoy a gentle, sheltered (from wind, rain or heat)
climb up to Sourgrass Summit.  At 672 ft, it is the last significant climb
of the day.  Enjoy the climb and then the smooth descent into Grande Ronde.

Traffic is light on the smooth surfaced Little Nestucca River Road but picks
up a bit after turning onto SR-22.  Careful of the quad-laden trucks on the
way home from the coast.

Grande Ronde to Lafayette
-------------------------

Revel in the flats and with good luck you’ll enjoy a very nice tailwind
starting in this section and perhaps continuing for the rest of the ride.

A new routing avoids all but a few miles on SR-18.  Instead you’ll travel on
the much quieter SR-18 Business and one of my new favorites, Ballston Road,
among others as you wind your way over to Lafayette.  Enjoy the quiet, wide
open spaces.  This section is almost all low traffic roads with smooth
surfaces.  SR-233 is rough in a few spots.

Lafayette to Grand Lodge
------------------------

This is the homestretch and familiar territory to many riders.  Low traffic
and smooth surface make this last 25 miles a nice way to finish this awesome
ride.

A Few Stats
-----------

My GPS was pretty close on the cue sheet mileage.  Vertical gain was 8300 ft
which seems a bit too much.  But I had a few problems with the GPS so the
climbing may be off.

If you’re interested and have a high-speed connection, follow this link to
Bikely and check out the 300 on Google Maps.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/25151


Cautions
--------

A few suggestions for a safe ride.

1. The traffic on the Wilson River Highway to Tillamook can be heavy and
fast.  When descending at speed keep a sharp eye out for road debris. 
2. Rough surfaces, gravel and gusty winds can make descents in the Three
Capes challenging.  If you’re not sure what’s ahead, take it easy. 
3. Chances are you’ll spend some time riding at night.  Check your lighting
and reflective gear before you leave to make sure everything is working
properly.  The rural roads are quite dark in places.  Use retina-burners if
you have them ;-). 
4. Yesterday, although several of us rode at different paces, when night
fell we grouped and finished together.  Much safer to ride with a group at
night.  If you’re in a group, invite lone riders to join you.  If you find
yourself alone at dusk, search for some company.  Many times riders are only
separated by 10 - 15 minutes. 
5. Check your equipment.  Road debris is hard on tires.  I thought I could
get one more ride out of mine.  I had 2 flats and finally put on my new
extra tire. 

Services
--------

Here are a few choices.  All are on route:

>From the start to Tillamook:

1. The Glenwood store just before the turnoff to Timber.
2. The Tillamook Forest Center at about mile 40.  Indoor plumbing, showers
and an electric hand dryer!
3. Lee Camp store about 20-25 miles east of Tillamook.
4. In Tillamook, just after turning onto 3rd, there is a Safeway on the left
and a Public Library on the right.  Besides the reading material, the
library has public restrooms.  It opens at 9am.

Three Capes area:

1. Netarts Store
2. Sandlake Store on Sandlake Rd
3. The convenience store just across from the brewery in Pacific City. 

Grande Ronde:
            
1. The market at the corner of  Grande Ronde and SR-18 (open until 8 pm)
2. A market and restrooms at Spirit Mountain Casino on SR-18.

Willamina

1. Full service Thriftway grocery store (not sure of the hours)

Amity
1. Chevron Mini Mart (open until 9 pm)

Dayton
1. Convenience store at the corner of SR-233 and 9th (open until 2:30 am). 
Proprietor is an avid mountain biker.

Lafayette
1. Several markets.  At least one open until 10 pm.

Have a great ride!