Ride Day 7, Oakridge Day 1

Posted by Charles Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:37:00 GMT

This was another leisure day for Sean and I at least. We were able to sleep in today, which for us was til about 9:00, after which we staggered over to the Trail Head Cafe across the street for good coffee and a big breakfast. Berry and Bill were staying up the street, so they met us, and then Nigel, who was staying in a house a few blocks away.

We jumped into Randy’s shuttle van, went up the road to the campground to pick up Dave, and bee lined it to the top of the Lawler Trail. A little climbing, followed by some fast, fun singletrack descending, and we were back at Randy’s van, and on our way up to the top of the Hardesty Trail. Hardesty is a favorite of mine from a few years ago, characterized by smooth, swoopy trail through ferns and between fir trees, with an occasional set of switchbacks thrown in to keep you on your game. The trail runs pretty fast for the most part, but the steep side slopes and encroaching vegetation require faster riders to hone their marksmanship, and react quickly.

We made it back down to the van by 3:00, and headed back up to town for groceries, coffee, and rehydration. The community dinner was at Dave’s Airstream, and plans were made for tomorrow’s ride.