Crazy Turkey Day Weekend Camping!

[Matt Picio]

Yes, it's cold dark and wet, and YES - WE ARE CAMPING!

http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=329292

This will be a trip out to the bikeable trail between Rainbow and Riverside campgrounds up the Clackamas.  I've been told by the Forest Service that there are areas along the trail suitable for camping, this is an exploratory trip to find them and see what their quality is.  Given the late season, I expect this trip will be wet and cold.  I'm strongly considering taking my trailer to haul firewood up from Estacada.  This trip is basically to find an alternative to Alder Flat, since technically it is illegal for us to take the bikes on the Alder Flat trail.  I will be working with the Forest Service in 2012 to see if we can officially open up the Alder Flat Trail to bicycles.

This is NOT a beginner trip.  This is for experienced campers/cyclists only - if you do not have proper gear, this destination will likely be hazardous to your health & safety.  If you wish to come along, and are unsure if you have the proper gear, please contact me at matt....@cyclewild.org - thanks!

Meeting point will be Elmer's in Gresham (near the Cleveland Ave MAX stop) at 7am, with an 8am departure time.  Expected time at camp is 4pm, just before sunset.  If you come, please bring enough water capacity to last for an overnight - last water is at the Ripplebrook Guard Station.  There are NO facilities at the expected campsite, and the nearest vault toilets will be 1-3 miles away.  Be prepared to pack out all trash.

If you are coming and have the capability to haul firewood, let me know - otherwise it may be a very cold camp.

Forecast this weekend at the intended campsite is high of 44, low of 36, high of 49 on the return trip.  30% or less chance of rain, but come prepared for rain, wind and freezing temperatures.  We *DO* have fallback campsites if for whatever reason we are unable to ride to the intended site.

So far, there are two confirmed participants, we'd love more - if you want the mad fall/winter bragging rights, now's your chance!

Meetup: 7am - elmer's gresham (1590 Northeast Burnside Road, Gresham, OR 97030)

Departure: 8am SHARP (No kidding on this one - limited daylight means we leave on-time)

Route Map: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=329292

(Please note that we may have to ride over the Hwy 224 hill if Faraday Road is closed)

Estimated Mileage: 55 miles

Estimated Elevation Gain: 2,200'-2,800' (shorter if Faraday road open, taller if closed) 

Contact Phone: 503 seven eight one 5095

See you there!

-Matt

[Matt Picio]

Please note that this is Saturday-Sunday November 26-27.  We are leaving Saturday morning - meet at 7am, depart 8am.

DO NOT SHOW UP ON FRIDAY.  Enjoy your turkey coma and join us on SATURDAY!

Thanks, and apologies if there was any confusion.

-Matt