50 Miles in the Oregon Coast Range

liv2day · #1 06-19-2014, 11:40 AM

A Tillamook State Forest fix was needed after riding China Hat and McCubbins the last two times out on my GG200; so I headed out with a few buddies to stage from Diamond Mill.

For the first time ever, I was actually early to the staging area and found it completely empty - only a couple of campers tucked away in the back. It didn't take long for the guys to show up, but I did learn that unloading from the back of the truck isn't a good idea unless you have a stool - or go the smart way and backup to the unloading "dock"...lol. Don't have the cohones to try and do what my buddy Jim does...just not that well balanced (on many levels...lol).

The original loop I planned had been somewhat modified after learning that it would only involve 35ish miles; we tacked on another 15 and it would have been even more if someone's tractor hadn't hit reserve...lol.

Headed out to Plastic Downhill and enjoyed the climb up. From there, it was logging road over to one of the "new" trails marked 136 on the map. Just learned that's named Spaur Ridge, which seems odd since Spaur Creek is on the other side of Hwy 6, but I'm no geographer...lol. That trail's a blast and is always going to be on any loop I do heading that direction...unless I'm told otherwise

Finished that fun and it was up the root-infested challenge of Arrowhead. Didn't huck myself into the weeds too many times and made it over to Stumpy. My buddy Jim was having a heck of a time adjusting to his 4T after so much fun on his 2T; the good news is I captured some of that on camera...lol. I didn't use him as traction on the loose rock climb up Stumpy, but it was damn close

Up Elk Wallow and then did both loops of Summit; because Bill wanted to throw in some additional spice. From there it was Diamond Mill Ridge...so much fun. I did have a close encounter with the embankment after deflecting off a rock - going to seriously consider getting a steering damper for the bike as I've had a couple of close calls. Anyway, finished that epic trail and headed up Cramlets. As you can see, we ascended into the clouds - or maybe it was just the fog.

liv2day · #2 06-19-2014, 11:44 AM

We looped down and then Bill wanted to insert more "fun" before continuing on, so we turned back and decided to do the tough section of uphill on Cramletts. I actually made the difficult section and used Jason for a bit of traction on the way up, but he had the last laugh as I hit a false neutral after bumping over a log in the trail. Guess what happens when you lose momentum on an uphill with a decent grade. Yep, you go backwards; or in my case, arse over teakettle after the bike pulls you over...lol. At least the guys had a good laugh.

From Cramletts, we hit the short section of Frankenstein with the fun hill climb that always seems to catch me out. I was stoked to have nailed it on the first attempt, though Jim did have to make a 2nd attempt (lol).

Then it was over to Cedar Ridge and that section of challenge. I'd like to say I made the climb after the road "jump" on the first attempt, but I didn't. Stalled out half-way up; the only good part was at least I didn't have to tuck my tail and go all the way back to the bottom to try again...lol.

And then Bill had an idea to try and climb something even more fun. I enjoyed another close encounter with the embankment...at least he and Jason made it...lol.

After that, had a good time all the way over to Muesial Creek and then took that. For some reason, I was having a hell of a time with ruts the entire ride - kept throwing myself into the bushes. I think it was simply a vision issue - kept looking at the rut instead of focusing up-trail. I have a few good offs into the pucker brush in several of the videos; going to work on that next time.

We took the logging road up to hit Muesial Ridge and then Cutoff and those were a complete blast. Dropped back down to hit Reid's Ridge and that was a nice change going the other direction. Still had some challenges, but at least the last section was easier going downhill (usually the uphill part when we're going the opposite way).

Finished Reids and bombed over to Frankenstein. I love that trail, so much fun. It was really cool to see a bunch of the Mt. Scott guys' out doing work for the upcoming Devil's Head. Though I have to admit that seeing some dude with a machete out and going while on his bike is a bit "Beyond Thunderdome" like...lol.

After finishing Frankie, the plan was to go down and hit Outback and loop around to Old Cedar Creek and then make our way back to staging. Unfortunately (or fortunately if you were as tired as I was at this point...lol), Jay's bike hit reserve and we decided that pushing a HEAVY CRF250X didn't sound as fun as perhaps one of our light 2-strokes, so we headed back toward staging. Still hit Cedar Creek on the way, and then down Jones to Mikes...because logging roads are boring .

All in all, just about 50 miles covered and tons of smiles. Great group of guys to ride with; always ready to either lend you a hand or give you a bunch of sarcasm for something you just did

Elvis74 · #3 06-19-2014, 11:52 AM

Nice ride!
I definitely live in the wrong country

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