Estacada to Ripplebrook (50 miles, 2756)

Join a ride from Estacada to Ripplebrook Ranger Station, out-and-back. Current forecast for low morning winds, with tailwind gusts on the return.

Wheels roll at 9:30 am. Forecast closer in may alter start time.
We'll convene at the Estacada Station Cycling Plaza, which is a block southeast of The Grind Coffeehouse.

Route (50 mi, 2756'): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49380188
with options to avoid final hill if desired.

This is a mellow ride, an out-and-back with gentle ascent for 25 miles. We'll warm up for the first 5 miles on the scenic bike path alongside Faraday Lake, then pop onto the bigger road (hwy 224, which is low-traffic with a good shoulder) through the Mt. Hood National Forest. We'll follow the Clackamas River up through a canyon (some of it burned a few years ago in a forest fire) to scenic viewpoints near Ripplebrook Store. The store looks like it may be closed due to the shutdown, so make sure you have snacks. We'll coast back downhill into Estacada with one 500' climb at the end that you can opt out of if you prefer by retracing our route along Faraday Lake.

We'll reconvene at turning points, the photogenic Armstrong bridge, and/or about every 5 miles on the way up. If you want to turn around any sooner than the store, just keep me posted and hopefully bring a buddy. There are several campsites on the way up with sweet river views.

Possible bathroom stops 6 miles into the bike path, at Big Eddy day use site (mile points 13 or 38, before Armstrong Bridge) or Fish Creek Campground (mile points 16 or 36, just past the Armstrong Bridge). Most other campgrounds are closed.

Please be sure to manage your RSVP. If you don't, and you don't show up after RSVP-ing "yes", you'll be marked as a no-show, which may affect your acceptance to future events. If you can't make it and communicate that to me in advance, no problem.

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13-16 mph average pace for this no-drop ride (your average pace for much flatter rides should be around 16-21 mph). We'll regroup at the top of hills and a couple of other places. Climb at your own pace. Bring a layer for fun times cruising down. Guidelines for this ride are: safety, flexibility, communication. Ebikes that keep pace with the group welcome.

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. Or, you want to train or stay in shape for harder rides.

Ride leader: Jenny Stoffel
Weather Cancellation Policy:
Rain ☔️ or extreme heat will cancel or force rescheduling this ride. We'll go with one of the top 3 sources on forecastadvisor.com combined with EpicRideWeather forecasts to inform weather-related decisions.
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.