Orr Springs 600k

[Mike Sturgill]

Hello Randos!

I'm headed to Sebastopol for a couple weeks to escape the Phoenix oven. One ride that I've always wanted to tackle is the Orr Springs 600k. I've read the description on the web and have a question about tires. My preferred bike has 32mm tires. I can't go much bigger than that on this bike. I do have an option of riding a different bike with 46mm tires, but it's quite a bit heavier and not preferred for the amount of climbing on this route.

So, my dilemma is which bike to bring with me. I found this route (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/5010109) that says there are 25 unpaved miles, but this was last updated in 2019, so I know that it's only an approximate route. I'm certain that the 46s would be preferred on the non paved sections, but these sections represent only 6.5% of the total miles.

What say you experts on this terrain up there? Are 32s "good enough" to pass these unpaved sections, or are they so difficult that I'll want to sell my bike after the first section? Also, is there a more accurate route available, even if currently unofficial?

Many thanks for your feedback!
-Mike

[Eric Walstad]

Hi Mike,

The unpaved sections are akin to forest service roads and doable on 32s if you are comfortable with, and have experience riding, dirt. There are some potentially fast, skinny-tire-pinch-flatting, dirt descents (looking at you, Fish Rock Road) which are easily dealt with by running a little more pressure and slowing down. Regarding bike choice, imho, overall bike fit and comfort is more important than tire size on this ride (I know, tire size affects comfort, too). There's a relatively small percentage of dirt. With skinnier tires you will be optimizing for the paved sections, which you will be spending much more time on.

Have fun!

Eric

--
--
This message is from the San Francisco Randonneurs list at sfra...@googlegroups.com
Search the archives at http://groups.google.com/group/sfrandon
For SFR's schedule and general information, visit http://sfrandonneurs.org/
To unsubscribe, email sfrandon+u...@googlegroups.com
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "San Francisco Randonneurs" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to sfrandon+u...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/sfrandon/5921405c-9a0c-4dc6-8e30-fb7590d8ffa0%40cox.net.

[Drew Levitt]

Here's the official route link: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40579036

Seconding Eric's sentiment that you'll be fine on 32 mm tires. There are 26 unpaved miles but definitely optimize for the, um, 358 paved miles.

Orr Springs is a fantastic route, one of my favorites, and is guaranteed to be a Big Experience. It is an extremely hard ride and is not to be underestimated, but it doesn't sound like you're underestimating it. Bonne route!

Drew

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/sfrandon/CAAunkdNmPPGhi4knmKfoKr2Vz9-TCi7prtdT-P1ATfsruFv0oQ%40mail.gmail.com.

--

Drew Levitt

drew....@gmail.com

+1 775 553 8488

Pronouns: he/him/his

[Noah Swartz]

I'm pretty sure that Mike is strong enough that even if he walked the 26 unpaved miles he'd still finish within the time limit

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/sfrandon/CAL0U6m80YSyVRP9a19sPeikNYkr5t7ztn_kUG5Vrfbh0E%2BkTjw%40mail.gmail.com.

[Dan]

Hi Mike,

I've done it on 28s and 32s with no major issues. 

• The gravel descent on Fish Rock will test the tires and I'd recommend tubeless (or just be prepared to fix a flat or two here).
• I believe they've re-paved a lot of the rough road on Comptche-Ukiah and Orr Springs.
• I remember in 2021 having a tough time in the middle of the night on Old Toll Rd with a lot of washboard, but I believe a lot of that has also been improved.
• Western Mines is loose-ish and steep, but 32s are no problem and the descent on the other side is road.
  

-Dan P

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/sfrandon/CAM6r7g2te50c2htKX2xcJHzBv5tkzjWNz1gGQhbe2gRtVVH83g%40mail.gmail.com.

--

- Dan
510.378.0926

[Megan Arnold]

And, while it might not be as hot at Phoenix, we have been having higher than usual temperatures, and even in a 'normal' year the inland portions of this route, particularly in Lake County, can be pretty toasty. But even if it's not as much of a heat break as you're hoping for, it is a fantastic route! Have fun!!!

Also available as a 600k perm or 3-200ks! Orr Ternion 1 (SF - Anchor Bay), Orr Ternion 2 (Anchor Bay - Lakeport) and Orr Ternion 3 (Lakeport - SF). Thanks Juliayn for reactivating the ternions. And to everyone else who has reactivated or contributed perm routes!

While I'm hijacking the thread I'll also jump on the bandwagon to encourage volunteering if you haven't yet this year there are still plenty of events that could use your help. It's super fun and satisfying and gives great rando karma.

- Megan

[Mike Sturgill]

Thanks, everyone for your feedback! To answer some of the questions asked. I am running 32mm tubeless tires. I have some experience on gravel road rides, but not extensive. I'm comfortable riding off road, especially since the total miles are short. The course looks awesome and I'm looking forward tackling it. The temps for the next week look fantastic. I'm hoping that they remain for a bit longer.

I will take note of the areas to watch for and will note those areas in my RWGPS cues so that I'm alerted when they occur. Since I ride it so infrequently, I'm always concerned about how to cross GGB during nighttime hours. Is this route still accurate for a nighttime finish? https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42748302

Thank you!
-Mike

[Eric Walstad]

Re: crossing the GGB

Yes (unless they've changed things up since last time I did a night crossing of the GGB), you'll want to be on the east side of the span. The path will have a tall closed gate. Look for a big button and press it. Wait a minute or so and they will open the gate. Same procedure when you get to the other end of the bridge.

And please report back to let us know how your ride went. It will be an interesting tale, I'm sure!

Eric

[paul]

You should observe this sign as you approach the GGB, it tells you which side is open for bikes (E or W)  (green sign top right of pic):

There's another sign on the SF side too.

Cheers,

Paul

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/sfrandon/CAAunkdO9c8P3CNiVRbgrd4jy2pgvZNZf7%2BKdD5NBFrVWAt9sBw%40mail.gmail.com.