Full moon night ride at Gray Butte Intermediate level

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/8/a/a/600_306618602.jpeg

Sunday night is a full moon and the clearest day of the week! We will meet at Starbucks at 3:00 and leave by 3:15. Arrive at Skull Hollow campground at 4:00 and start riding by 4:15. We may drive a bit up the road towards Gray Butte before starting the ride. In the first 45 minutes we should be half way around the butte (counter clockwise) and it will be getting dark. We descend to the pass where we have an option to just head back if we want to or we do an out and back to the top of Burma road at Smith Rocks state park. By then we will be basking in the full moonlight as we look at all of central Oregon beneath us. Maybe have a snack there enjoying the view. After the out and back we head down cow canyon to Skull Hollow campground, a really fun trail. I think this could be a really great experience.

Depending on the options we choose this could take 1.5 to 3 hrs and it will get very cold, possibly into the low 30's by the end of the ride. This will require your warmest clothing. I suggest hand and toe warmers as well. Walmart has them the cheapest 68 cents a pair for handwarmers. This is an intermediate to advanced level ride, going at a moderate pace and waiting for everyone at intersections. You will need good light for this ride and understand we may be riding longer than 1.5 hrs in the dark so you may need to run on lower settings for parts of the ride. I suggest a camera too.

I am going to kind of let the group decide what to do afterwards, it could be 6-7:30 depending on how our ride goes. We could go out for dinner up there somewhere, have a campfire at the campground and eat sandwiches, or just call it a day. If you prefer not to carpool just meet us at Skull Hollow campground at 4:00 (post a comment so we know). Post any questions in the comment box or contact me directly.

Safety is a primary concern on a ride like this so as we start to ride in the dark and in colder weather I think we all need to take a few extra precautions and be prepared for problematic situations. Bring a phone and have in mind someone who you could call if needed. Someone in town that has a car. But lets also carry each others numbers a bit. Mine is 541-420-2759(david baker) Look at a map before the ride and examine possible alternate routes that could be taken in the event of an emergency. Bring hand warmers, food, and a basic survival kit. Wear lots of layers. Wear winter/specific clothing. Err on the side of warmth with your hands and feet. If you don't have winter shoes use warm shoe covers. If you wear something a little light make it your coat, but bring an extra. Bring spare lights. Don't be afraid to tell people if you are uncomfortable with anything before or during the ride. Others can help you, and/or the ride does not need to continue forward if someone is suffering. Let's all be safe, for a lot of us we are just now experimenting with winter/cold weather riding.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/8/6/4/600_306618532.jpeg

Rules of the Rides
• Approved Cycling Helmets Required.
• To participate in a BACE Meetup activity, you must be a member of the BACE Meetup Group and be RSVP’d “Yes” for that specific activity. No “Plus 1’s”
• All participants should be “self-sufficient” with their own food, hydration, tools, spare tubes and first aid supplies necessary for the activity.
• No dogs permitted on group rides unless inclusion is specified in the activity description.
• Cycling activities may be significantly impacted by changing conditions (rain, snow, mud, road construction, etc.). Participants should monitor activities for cancellations or changes in location/route.

Liability Waiver
By signing up for this meetup, I agree to the following: Mountain Biking can be dangerous and cause serious bodily injury or even possibly death. The organizers of this group and its’ members will not be held responsible for the actions of any participant at any event. Each rider attends an event at their own risk and is solely responsible for any damage to their equipment or themselves. BACE Rules:

• Helmet Required. Must meet U.S. CPSC Safety Standards for Bicycle Helmets

• To participate you must be a member of the BACE Meetup and be RSVP’d Yes for this activity. Sorry, no guests.

• Only adults can participate.

• Participants must be self-sufficient with their own hydration, tools, spares, and first aid.

• Cycling activities may be impacted by changing conditions. Participants should monitor this page for cancellations or changes.

• No dogs.

BACE Liability Waiver

By signing up for this meetup, I agree to the following: Road Biking can be dangerous and cause serious bodily injury or even possibly death. The organizers of this group and its members will not be held responsible for the actions of any participant at any event. Each rider attends an event at their own risk and is solely responsible for any damage to their equipment or themselves.