Mt. Hood Singletrack

MEETING TIME AND PLACE

This trip meets at 9:00am PST at the Best Western Hood River Inn, 1108 East Marina Way, Hood River, OR 97031, 541-386-2200. You will need to spend the night before in Hood River, which is 60 miles East of Portland, OR.

ENDING TIME AND PLACE

We will return to the bike shop in Hood River between 2:00-3:00 pm on the last day.

ITINERARY

TRIP DAY 1

On our way to the trailhead, we will make a quick stop at the ZigZag Visitor Center, a great place to learn about the mysterious giant, Mt. Hood. We begin riding with a relatively gentle climb up an old two track from Bennett Pass. Our goal is the singletrack along Gunsight Ridge, where the views are truly breathtaking. This fun twisty turny trail brings us to the high point of the trip and a mountain peak view point, including Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson and Mt. Adams. From here we zip down to ride another singletrack, the High Prairie, back into the forest. This trail leads us right into Eight Mile Camp, our home for the week. TOTAL MILEAGE - 13 miles

TRIP DAY 2

Today's ride will take us on a short but sweet loop right out our own backdoor from camp. Unlike most of our other rides, today's loop gives you the reward first, then makes you pay afterwards. That's right, it starts with a descent! Five miles of some of the best singletrack in Mt. Hood, through a mixed fir forest, Ponderosa pine meadows and some really cool hoodoo rock formations. The final drop is rocky and loose and the guides will give you the "it's okay to walk" talk! After you finish the fun descent, you'll ride along Fifteen Mile Creek, then climb a grueling uphill with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain, promising a great workout and a healthy appetite. TOTAL MILEAGE - 11 miles (18 miles optional)

TRIP DAY 3

After a hearty breakfast, we will hit the trails in a more traditional fashion, starting with some gentle climbing. Our ride today will be a three part harmony of sorts that brings us on a cloverleaf shaped route on some more classic Mt. Hood singletrack. Around lunchtime we will get to check out the amazing views from the Five Mile Butte Lookout Tower and marvel at the glaciated peaks. Banked corners, small waterbar jumps and tight singletrack fills today's ride. Several creek crossings and some tough climbs ensure a good night's sleep. TOTAL MILEAGE - 20 miles

TRIP DAY 4

Some folks refer to day four as "Critical Thursday" for a number of different reasons (ask your guides). But for us, you could just say if you're coming to the Mt. Hood region, it's "critical" you ride Surveyor's Ridge. For good reason, Surveyor's Ridge is one of the most well known mountain bike trails in Oregon. As with most ridge trails, the constant and unpredictable ups and downs can be both exhilarating and draining, but it will certainly be the one you talk about once back around the watercooler. So bring a big pack and be sure to pack your camera. TOTAL MILEAGE - 30 miles

TRIP DAY 5

After four days of wonderful rides in and around the Mt. Hood area, today we end our trip on a downhill note. 2,300 vertical feet of downhill to be exact! That's right folks, we've saved the best for our last day of riding and it's called the Dog River Trail. Referred to as just "The Dog" by locals, it will leave you with sore forearms and a dusty grin from ear to ear. We warm up with a little pavement on a forest service road right out of camp. We'll hit some ups and downs we missed yesterday on Surveyor's Ridge, but once we reach the Dog River Trail, check your brakes and hold on tight. After our big descent, we'll enjoy one final lunch together before heading down to Hood River to check out the scene and grab an ice cream or milkshake, then it's back to the real world. Bummer. TOTAL MILEAGE - 12 miles

TERRAIN

Riding Surface: Singletrack and double track, loose pumice to smooth pine duff, a few miles of pavement.
Technical Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.
Physical Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.
Altitude: 2,500 - 6,000 feet.

Please Note: This is a technical singletrack trip. A high level of fitness is necessary and singletrack experience is highly recommended. We will be without vehicle support during all of the singletrack sections of the ride. Itineraries are subject to change due to weather, road conditions, rider safety, and other factors which may affect the logistics of the adventure.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

GETTING THERE

-Driving
Hood River is located approximately 60 miles East of Portland on Interstate 84. Take exit #64 toward OR-35 White Salmon/Govt Camp. Before crossing the Columbia River you will see the Best Western sign on your right. You will be able to leave your car at the Hotel while on your tour.

-Flying into Portland, OR
Airport Code: PDX
Hood River is the closest airport and there are two options from there.
1. Blue Star provides shuttle service from the Portland airport to Hood River. $83-90 Call 800-247-2272
2. Rental car rates from the Portland airport range from $184 (Thrifty) to $275 (Avis & Hertz), these prices do not include tax. If you rent a car you will be able to park it at the meeting place hotel while you are on your tour.

TAXI SERVICE
Hood River Taxi & Transportation 541-386-2255

LODGING

Hood River is a gateway city to Mt. Hood and the windsurfing on the Columbia River is very popular during the summer months. It is a good idea to book you rooms several months in advance if possible; here are a few recommendations.

Best Western Hood River Inn
$110-170
541-386-2200
This is where the trip will meet. Mention Western Spirit and you will receive a 10% discount for the Sunday night before the trip. Due to popularity, they are unable to offer a discount for the following Friday. Please show the front desk something with our logo on it for verification.

Hood River Hotel
$90-165
541-386-1900, 800-386-1859

Oak Street Hotel
$129-149
541-386-3845

Vagabond Lodge
$60-115
541-386-2992, 877-386-2992

Riverview Lodge
$70 & up
541-386-8719, 800-789-9568

Comfort Inn & Suites
$180-200
541-308-1000

Above rates are approximate.

WEATHER

There are really just two kinds of weather: weather you like and weather you do not like. Come prepared for both and you won't care what the weather does.

If you have questions about temperatures for your specific trip please feel free to give us a call 800-845-2453 or email us at biking@westernspirit.com. We will be happy to give you packing suggestions and help you with ideas for things to do before and after your bike trip.

PACKING FOR YOUR TRIP

You will receive a tour packing list with your tour confirmation package. Be sure to bring everything on this list. Weather in the mountains can be unpredictable so be sure to bring all the warm clothing and rain gear listed! Please pack all of your gear in a medium to large duffel, it will ride in the trailer. If you have questions about anything on the list, please call us.

SHIPPING YOUR BIKE

You are welcome to ship your bike to us in advance of your trip. For a moderate fee we will unpack it, build it, and ship it back home to you afterwards. Bikes can be insured to $4,000. Domestic shipping only. If you decide you want to go this route, you must call us in advance of your trip so we can inform the shop that your bike is on its way. We highly recommend having your bike tuned up before your tour. Our guides are fine mechanics, but there aren't any bike shops in the backcountry!

To ship your bike UPS, send it to Dirty Fingers Bike Repair, 1412 13th St. Ste 100, Hood River, OR 97031; 541-308-0420. It is critical that you include your name, "Western Spirit Cycling" and tour date on the outside of the box. Check with your local UPS people for the number of days needed for it to arrive in time. It is imperative to have your bike finely tuned and cleaned before your tour so you know it is in top running condition.

If you have any other questions about trip logistics, please feel free to send us an email or, better yet, to call us at 800-845-2453. We will be happy to try to help you answer any other questions you might have about our bike trips.

THINGS TO DO

MAPS

Your guides will have all the maps necessary for your trip. If you would like your own copy for a souvenir, here is all the info:

Go to http://www.adventuremaps.net/, then to Oregon, and choose Hood River.