postponed: Larch Mountain: 35 miles, 3900'

Postponed till June 2024 to let the roads melt out from the snow(!) and ice(!). Also less road traffic. Ride contingent on good conditions and open roads. According to the Forest Service, road is usually closed till late May: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recarea/?recid=29942

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Checking weather both in Corbett and on Larch Mtn Road as the day approaches.
via the Carrot app and the Mountain Weather Forecast (for freezing level elevation, the tip top of Larch, and general precipitation levels in the preceding days): https://www.mountain-forecast.com/peaks/Larch-Mountain-Multnomah-County-Oregon/forecasts/1238
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Backup plan (if the weather is good enough to ride) is to see how far we can get up Larch. If we get turned around, there are plenty of places to reroute around the Corbett Hills for a good ride.
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Start at Corbett High School, which is down the street from the Corbett Country Market (restrooms, water).

Larch Mountain has recently reopened with beautiful new pavement.
We'll basically just get on our bikes, visit the Market if needed on the way out, and start climbing gently for several miles. At the top we'll visit the lookout to take in the views. We'll return via the fun and woodsy Haines and Brower.
Rain, ice, or low visibility will cancel or postpone this ride.

Level: Advanced - Intermediate. Not a beginner ride. You should have some good climbing rides at a steady pace under your belt.

12.5-14.5 mph average pace for this hilly no-drop ride (your average pace for flatter rides should be more than this). We'll regroup about every 5 miles on the way up. Climb at your own pace. Bring a layer for fun times cruising down. Guidelines for this ride are: safety, flexibility, communication.

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44780444

Advise leaving your dwelling early to account for morning traffic.
Wheels rolling at 10 means arrive earlier than that to set up your bike and meet people.

Everyone must have a copy of the route on their device, printed out, or in their head. If you decide to give it a try and maybe cut out early you need to be able to find your way back to the start.

You'll enjoy this ride if: you enjoy cycling in the forest, scenic vistas, and want to practice cranking up hills, but still have time to do other things later in the day. Or, you want to train or stay in shape for harder rides.

Coronavirus rules: 6 feet social distance

Ride leader: Jenny Stoffel

Weather Cancellation Policy:

Rain ☔️ will cancel or force rescheduling this ride.

Mandatory for all riders:

At least 2 full water bottles and snacks.

No earbuds.

Helmets must be worn at all times while riding.

This is a requirement and not a request.

Obey traffic laws and remember you’re a representative of the greater cycling community.

Have your ride in good working order and bring a flat kit & the right size spare tube on all rides. If there is an issue with proper working or lack of equipment you may be asked to sit the ride out.