Gravel Ride, Madras, 44 miles, 3,100 feet of gain

Fingers crossed, the smoke gods will be kind and we continue with blue skies. But to give us a slight edge, let’s head to Madras to ride the Path of Totality. I haven’t done this ride in a few years, but my local pal DeWayne says we are all good to go. Here’s the Dirty Freehub Ride Guide:

https://dirtyfreehub.org/routes/oregon/totality/

This is a route we found during the famous 2017 total eclipse. I was lucky enough to get to stay in Madras to witness not only the crazy eclipse but the whole mob that showed up. Hay fields turned into a Woodstock event. And the airport had a steady stream of fancy jets landing every minute or two.

Make sure you DO NOT use the start that Meetup feeds you (that takes you to the park) but the start from the Dirty Freehub Ride Guide. The Long/Lat will take you right to it. It's a small parking area right off Highway 26, north of Madras, on Pelton Dam Road.

Let me know if you want to commute with me.

Just a warning to you gravel purest: the route has a whole lot of pavement (75%) mixed with single track and gravel. But I am sure you have read all the details in the Ride Guide. I plan on over inflating my tires! Ebikes are welcome … you do have some rocky single track to get through. Last time I did that section, I had to walk through a bit. Just a bit.

Note that we will be regrouping at several locations, so if you want to race off the front and keep on trucking you should find a different event. This is not meant to be a race but a social outing. After all, it’s nice to chat and get to know other people. eBikes are not welcome because we have some single track that doesn’t allow them.

You should have the route downloaded and are able to use your device or phone. I plan on riding about 11-12 mph. I will pull out of the park exactly on the posted start time.

If the weather takes a dive, you can assume we are canceling but we will post on the event.
Sorry to say, but this is NOT a no drop ride. (Gosh, there are a lot of NOs in that last sentence.) but we WILL regroup a few times.
Text or call Linda at 541 550 8930 with any questions.
To participate:
1. You must be registered for the event and as such agree to the Meetup and BACE rules. These include one’s concurrence that cycling can be dangerous and cause serious bodily injury or even death. The organizers of this group and its members will not be held responsible for the actions of any participant at any event.
2. Please do not bring pets.
3. You must wear a helmet.
4. You must be an adult.
5. You must be self-sufficient.