Banks-Vernonia Bicycle Ride

Where: Banks-Vernonia Trailhead, Banks, OR

When: Saturday, November 23, 2013

Time: 10:00 am

Distance: 42 miles

Pace: 10-12 mph

Duration: 5.0-6.5 hrs

Lowest Elevation: 202 ft

Highest Elevation: 964 ft

Cumulative Elevation Gain: 1541 ft

Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3376573

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/4/5/8/600_286501112.jpeg

“The Banks-Vernonia Trail, a multi-use trail paved over a decades-old train bed, allows the walker, jogger, biker or mounted rider the chance to catch a whiff of Oregon history while delighting in the forest’s renewed splendor. 21 miles of tree-lined, easy-grade pathway conducts you through sun-dappled glades and across swift, clear streams, filling your nose with wildflower scents and your ears with the songs of birds. 13 old bridges, wooden trestles rise up to acquaint you with days of the past. And at a mere 26 miles west of Portland, all this peaceful, quiet, natural beauty awaits you right down the road.”

http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=104

The estimated duration is only that, an estimate. We may finish quicker and we may finish slower. Although the expectation is that everybody completes the ride, the out and back nature of the route means that if you decide you are in over your head, you are free to head back early. Of course, that means you'll miss out on some of Vernonia's fine eating establishments. Being November in Portland I'd suggest bringing good rain gear. Please bring a spare tube or patch kit. I'm no expert at tire changing but I'll still try to help. Usually there is someone along on a ride who is good at it but we can't count on that. Bring a lunch and/or snack and plenty of fluids. We will take a 1-hr lunch break in Vernonia and people are free to choose their own café of choice. If your meal takes longer than an hour either request a doggie bag or be prepared to ride back on your own.

This is a fairly easy ride as far as rides go but it IS 42 miles long so please take your personal level of conditioning into consideration when deciding whether or not to RSVP for this ride.

Directions: Take US-26 W to Banks, take slight left on NW Banks Rd. Can't get much simpler or easier than that! Some people prefer taking Hwy 6 and then turning N on Hwy 47.

I am not a professional hiking/cycling guide and my personal fitness trainer certification expired a long time ago so I must insist that all participants be responsible for their own safety and well-being.

Hope to see you on the trails and bike paths!