St Helens - Columbia County Loop 62/4000

This ride starts in St. Helens, looping around Columbia County. This is a well-shaded forested route, with a couple of sweet volcano vistas. Mostly quiet roads, and a sweet section coasting along the Nehalem River. There is climbing, but the grades are by and large quite gentle.

Wheels roll at 9am
Route:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48280549
There are public restrooms at Columbia View Park, with park and street parking nearby.

We'll depart St. Helens for a flat 5 miles on 30, before turning off for a series of stair-stepping climbs between 4-5% up to Apiary. First water stop near Apiary at mile 24, where we'll visit a "pond-fed" "spring" (you may want a filter - nobody I know has ever gotten sick from it), or after climbing 2 further miles to Camp Wilkerson (Mile 26).
Then we'll swoop downhill, through Pittsburg, and along the Nehalem River, with a water stop at Scaponia Park (mile 41). After Scaponia we have a 2-mile climb of 585 ft before another fun descent, and cap the ride off with the last climb up Cater (ok, it's a punch at the end -- but it's short), before descending back to St. Helens.

Level: Speedy Intermediate. This is not a beginner ride, nor is it a racing ride.
13-15 mph average pace for this no-drop ride. We'll regroup at the top of hills and when necessary. Guidelines for this ride are: safety, flexibility, and communication.

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.
Weather Cancellation Policy:
Rain/wind will cancel/reschedule this event, or I may just move to Zwift. I'll post the weather forecast from Epic Ride Weather the day before.
Mandatory for all riders:
At least 2 full water bottles and snacks.
No earbuds.
Helmets must be worn at all times while riding.
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.