[tch]

Just got back from riding the Gorge 400 trail and I need some feedback. A bit o' history on me - I used to ride in Ashland while in school (93-96), but we only shuttled to Mt. A and bombed back to town - never really had to climb and was on a sketchy hard tail Trek.

Moved to PDX in 97 and promptly got my bike stolen about a month later and didn't replace it until this spring. I had been researching for almost a year and a recent cash flow opportunity allowed me to purchase a solid FS all-mountain bike about a month ago. I want to earn my downhills and I'm really stoked on all the trail possibilities.

As expected I was out of "bike shape" and for the past month I have been riding Mt. Tabor several times a week. Started out struggling on the uphills, but the past two weeks I been able to climb just about any trail in the middle ring from the bottom to top - feeling pretty good about the progress and the downhills on the new bike are fluid and confidence inspiring.

On Father's Day I rode the Banks to Vernonia trail with a buddy. He hadn't ridden in a long time and it was a leisurely 30 mile ride over about 4 1/2 hours. I took Monday off except for a light workout at the gym with the intent of being fresh for today's ride.

I got to the trail head around 10 AM and took my time warming up. A brief detour on the wrong trail and then started the 1.5 mile climb from the parking lot. I was immediately surprised at the skill jump from ridding the wide smooth double track at Mt. Tabor to the tight single track with a steep drop off on one side. I struggled a bit at first with keeping the front wheel in a straight line, but soon relaxed enough to keep myself on the trail and moving in the right direction.

About a 1/4 mile in I dropped my seat about 2" and this helped in my control and ability to bail out of the clip-less pedals when I needed to. I made decent progress and stopped periodically for some technical switchbacks and to catch my breath (so much for powering in my middle ring). I made it to the top in about 35 minutes and hadn't fallen off the steep side. Took a break for the view of the dam and then lengthened the travel on my front fork and bombed down to the turn-around point. This downhill was real nice and I was able to let the bike flow well - I soon ended up at the bottom and took a long break and called a few friends.

On the way back up I felt stronger as this climb was smoother, wider, and less technical. But, I did end up sliding down the steep embankment while trying to dismount to catch my breath (should have taken that foot out first:madman: ). No real harm, just felt like a dumb ass - I dropped my seat again for easier dismounts.

Got to the top without much trouble and then rode the downhill back to my car. This was fun, but not as enjoyable as the first downhill. Harder to get in the rhythm, the trail was tighter, and I really didn't want to go off the bike. Basically not as fluid, but I still felt safe and in control. All in all I had a blast and would do the ride a second time. I will be working on my single track climbing - the downhill skills are coming back nicely though .

Here is my question . . . How does the Gorge 400 trail compare in difficulty to the Mt. Hood - Hood River - Tillamook - SW Washington trails. Is this a good comparison for skills needed or would I struggle more on some of the other trails? I'm really looking forward to expanding my experience, but I don't want to get in over my head.

Thanks for taking the time to read it and any response will be appreciated

 

[slcdawg]

Hey THC, its great to hear that you're back biking! I haven't done the gorge #400 trail myself, but do feel that the Eight Mile loop in Hood River is very beginner friendly. Some of the other trails in HR are more strenuous (Knebal, Surveyrs, 15-mile, etc.), but you could defiitely work up to them. I notice a lot of trail descriptions in the books start with the downhill first for some reason. In most cases (exception being 15-mile) you can park at the bottom. I'd recommend doing this so you can turn around at any point and not get in over your head.

Brown's camp in tillamook is a big step up IMO towards technical. You could certainly do the loop (its not terribly long), but you may have to walk a few sections until your comfort level and skills improve.

The ape canyon ride near Mt St Helens is fairly smooth (non-technical), but it is a constant climb. I would recommend that to beginner-intermediates. Just take it easy.

Welcome back to mtn biking! You'll find your skills will improve as you get out more.

 

[Jaybo]

I think it is underrated....

But, it doesn't compare to Eight Mile, Surveyor's Ridge, Syncline, etc. A nice after work ride. I love the scenery...particularly coming out of Cascade Locks. I rode it last night with a friend. Had fun. Welcome back to mountain biking.

Jaybo

 

[thorir]

Quick Addition:

Watch out for Poison Oak just East of the Wauna Viewpoint intersection. It is also up the Wauna Viewpoint trail but I already knew that. I just saw it the other day for the first time on GT400 proper.

That is all.

-Jon

 

[Jaybo]

It is weird

Quick Addition:

Watch out for Poison Oak just East of the Wauna Viewpoint intersection. It is also up the Wauna Viewpoint trail but I already knew that. I just saw it the other day for the first time on GT400 proper.

That is all.

-Jon

I have ridden Wauna Viewpoint probably 200 times in my life. I have never gotten Poison Oak up there but I have seen it. I have gotten it bad at Whoop and Syncline but never 400. Lucky I guess but your warning should be headed especially if you are prone to it.

Jaybo

 

[jgusta]

Quick Addition:

Watch out for Poison Oak just East of the Wauna Viewpoint intersection. It is also up the Wauna Viewpoint trail but I already knew that. I just saw it the other day for the first time on GT400 proper.

That is all.

-Jon

Yeah that is spot on where it is at, Jon. I actually got some on the calf when I backed off the trail right at that specific area to let Jay go by me. Sorry Jay, 400 is a great afterwork trail but is "oaky" for sure, especially where Jon is talking. But I am a big believer in "no harm, no foul", if you don't see it, don't get it, or don't roll around in it when riding then it doesn't really exist right?

Heh, Jay we are riding Sheep Canyon "manana" around noon if you want to join. If you are planning on riding Ape Canyon instead with Dave it is good to go too.

The "other Jon"

 

[endo32]

400 not a "beginner" trail

Been a while since I rode the 400, but in my opinion, it is not a pure beginner trail, so you should not feel too bad about your skill level. Besides, everyone struggles as they step up to the next level, like you are doing.

~Aside~ The 400 has a special place in my memory banks because this is where my brother wanted me to take him on his first "real" mountain bike ride. Like you, he had been doing Tabor and some Powell Butte. About 1-1/2 miles in, he is so frustrated that he hucks his bike into the woods and says, "F--- this, you go on without me, I'm walking back to the car." Now...if this had been just a friend, I would have tried to encourage him more, and definately would not have left him alone. But...this was my brother (and I had the car keys), so I said "fine" and rode on. Two hours later I found him by the car in Cascade Locks (with his bike). He asked me if I had a good ride. "Yep." He apologized for being a jerk (although I think I was the jerk for leaving him). Then he decided that he was too impatient and fat to be a mountain biker. His loss.

As a comparison, Gales Creek in the Tillamook is about on the level of the 400, technically, and it can be ridden as an out-and-back, so you can bail anytime and turn around. Browns Camp is much more technical, but a good place to step up your skills again. Surveyors Ridge is not too technical, just harder physically...it has snuck up on be a couple times. Don't know too much about the other H River trails.

Just keep riding, and if you huck your bike into the woods, for God's sake pick it back up and keep climbing.

 

[Jaybo]

I hear ya

Yeah that is spot on where it is at, Jon. I actually got some on the calf when I backed off the trail right at that specific area to let Jay go by me. Sorry Jay, 400 is a great afterwork trail but is "oaky" for sure, especially where Jon is talking. But I am a big believer in "no harm, no foul", if you don't see it, don't get it, or don't roll around in it when riding then it doesn't really exist right?

Heh, Jay we are riding Sheep Canyon "manana" around noon if you want to join. If you are planning on riding Ape Canyon instead with Dave it is good to go too.

The "other Jon"

It is not an epic ride but a good workout after work; at least in the summer before it gets dark too quick.

I was just saying TR400 where I ride has never given me the dreaded Oak like other places further east. I take care to avoid the stuff though. I hate Oak sores...itch and ooze. Drives me crazy.

I would have liked riding with you guys. I didn't see this message until today. Plus, when I called I was vegging at home and couldn't get it together fast enough to not slow you guys up. I rode the west side of Germantown up in the west hills today. Pretty boring but it got me breathing pretty good. This time of year is such good yard work weather that small rides work well some weekends.

Maybe a Tarbell ride tomorrow? Later afternoon or early evening.

Jaybo

 

[tch]

Thanks for the replys . . .

Endo32 - that is what I was looking for. Since my first post I have gotten in some additional rides. I rode the Timothy Lake Loop, Applegate Lake Loop, and Highland Trails - Fish Lake (southern Oregon). I have also ridden most of Powell Butte and continue to hammer up at Tabor.

All the rides have been great. The poison oak at Applegate Lake was insane, but I scrubbed well and seem to have avoided the dreaded itch. Gorge 400 is on par with Applegate Lake in terms of difficulty and there were a few short sections on Timothy Lake that jumped out at me. I've stayed upright and continue to push the skill level, but I'm really happy with the endurance gains and I'm looking forward to riding the 400 a second time.

I'll look at doing Gales Creek soon and I really enjoyed the photo/essay on the Mt. St.Helens ride a few days back. I was wondering about the difficulty level of that ride.

I'm so stoked on getting back in to it and the new bike is making me giddy.

On a side note, I took my boy (12) with me on the ride up at Fish Lake yesterday and he did awesome. He certainly isn't in great bike shape, but his ear to ear grin at the mid-point and then again back at the car was priceless . Anybody have good info on easing kids into the sport.