Clackamas Bike Camping - October

[Matt Picio]

Hi folks!

It's time again for bike camping, and we're headed up the Clackamas River for some dispersed camping!  (meaning there may not be facilities)

Registration Link (free event): https://cw-clackamas.eventbrite.com

Details:

When: Saturday/Sunday October 12-13 (one night, out and back)

Departure time: 9am (seriously)

Departure Location: Cleveland Avenue MAX Station (Blue line - End of line in Gresham)

Difficulty: Moderate/Advanced (~50 miles, some hills)

Distance: 45 miles (from Gresham MAX)

Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1136965

Weather: http://tinyurl.com/CWClackamas

Transportation:

We are departing from the Cleveland Avenue MAX Station in Gresham - at the east end of the BLUE Line MAX.  MAX fare is $2.50.  MAX does not accept cargo bikes, tandems, recumbents, or trailers. (or any bike other than the "standard" size which can fit on the hooks)

If you'd rather ride a bike from Portland to Gresham instead of taking MAX, here are our suggested routes from the inner east side to the Cleveland Avenue MAX station in Gresham:

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1136859 (via the Springwater Corridor - longer, 19 miles)

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1778690 (via surface streets - shorter, 14 miles)

Site / Trip Info:

We will be camping near the Ripplebrook Guard Station (which has a camp store which is open on weekends) which has a vault toilet.  The camp store has limited hours, and closes early in the off-season.  The camp store sells firewood, so we're going to try to leave early enough to get there before they close and purchase firewood for the night.

If you have bungies, bring a couple - we'll strap the firewood bundles to the bikes to haul the final 1/2 mile to our campsites.

We will be camping in a campground which is closed for the season.  Mount Hood forest regs permit camping in developed sites outside of the camping season, so this is completely legal.  (See Long Range Forest Plan - LRMP - for the Mount Hood National Forest, page FOUR-187)

Space is not an issue on this trip.  Depending on whether the concessionaire has shut off services, there may or may not be bathrooms (vault toilets), toilet paper, or water on-site.  You should bring a roll of toilet paper, and be prepared to possibly travel 1/2 mile back to Ripplebrook Guard Station to use the vault toilet there.

Addtional Info:

Cycle Wild is "no drop", meaning there will always be a ride marshall at the back of the ride ensuring that no one is left behind without someone to help get them to the destination site.

Minimum gear - you should have a tent (or hammock, bivvy sack, etc), sleeping bag, warm clothes, rain gear, food (and whatever you need to prepare it), something to store at least 2L of water, a patch kit, frame pump, flashlight/headlamp, and emergency money.

Food - we will stop at the Estacada Thriftway.  They have limited organic/vegan/GF options, so if you have dietary restrictions, you might want to bring your food from Portland.  Otherwise, shopping in Estacada means 17 fewer miles to carry the weight of your food.  Estacada also has a few restaurants to get lunch or to buy prepared food to eat later.  While there are likely to be a number of camp stoves on this ride, don't count on others, or on there being a fire - plan accordingly.

Weather - this being the Pacific Northwest, you can expect rain, and cold weather.  Highs are likely to be in the 50s or low 60s, lows are likely to be around 40 degrees, possibly colder.  If you have a sleeping bag rated at 40, bring warm clothes to sleep in, or consider investing in a liner or a warmer bag.  Dress for the weather, and don't forget good protection for hands and feet!

Road etiquette - there is a fair amount of riding on a busy highway (OR-224).  Most of this road has a wide shoulder.  In the National Forest, the shoulder is really only wide enough for one rider, and riding single-file is strongly encouraged.  We point out/announce road hazards and adhere to basic cycling road etiquette.  If there is a conflict with motorists, local citizens, or others, let the ride leader handle and de-escalate the conflict.  Remember, your actions on the ride don't only affect your safety, but that of the group.  If you aren't willing to abide by these guidelines, then please don't attend this event - we'll be happy to provide you with copies of our maps/cuesheets for you to plan your own trip to this destination.

Have fun!  In addition to getting people camping, Cycle Wild is all about being social, and enjoying the experience.  We've worked hard to provide a safe, fun, welcoming environment for both new and experienced bike campers, and we want to to have a fun, safe, relaxing and inviting experience.  We're very happy to have you along! 

About Cycle Wild:

Cycle Wild reconnects people with nature via the bicycle.  Founded in 2008, Cycle Wild has led over 200 people to discover camping by bicycle, and to get out of the urban environment and back amidst nature under their own power.  Learn more about Cycle Wild at http://cyclewild.org