2012 Event Schedule
23 Dec
Ok, folks we’ve nailed down the schedule for 2012. We’re going to mix things up a bit this year so the schedule is going to look a little different. And like most things that come out of my mouth, you can ignore what I said about not running the Rapture this year – we’re definitely doing it again.
For those with internet-age attention spans, here’s the short version:
- Dalles Mountain 60 (DM60): March 10
- The Rapture: May 5
- The Oregon Stampede: June 2
- The Anti-Crosst: Fall-ish, maybe, who knows right now…
Dalles Mountain 60 – March 10
This is the event that started it all and that’s part of the reason we continue to do it. The other reason it that it’s a great early season ride and a good introduction to those interested in trying their hand at grinding some gravel. Details are now posted one the site. If I get the time, I might re-route a short section to bump up the gravel by a couple miles, but otherwise the route will stay generally the same as last year. For those that haven’t ridden it, it’s very low key, we don’t keep track of times or anything. Just show up, grab a cue sheet and go.
The Rapture – May 5
While we won’t have the actual Rapture to contend with this year we’ll continue to call this the “Rapture” – mostly due to a lack of imagination on my part. Since only a few people got lost last year and putting together a new route in the coast range is a big undertaking, we’ll also stick with the same route. The date is a little earlier this year, so there is some potential for snow. But that’d just add to the fun…
We’re renting the pavilion at the Flying-M-Ranch again this year and there will be camping and beer again. I’ll get details up sometime soon-ish, but you can check out the details from last year if you want a head start – very little will change. We’ll have a way to sign up online to keep track of who’s coming, but assuming we don’t get 100+ interested it’ll just be an informal show-up-and-ride like last year.
The Oregon Stampede – June 2
In hopes of avoiding the mega-hot weather of September and cross season conflicts, we’re moving the Stampede to June. Ultimately, I think this is for the best and I’m excited to train and ride the route with everyone this year. I anticipate opening registration in late February or early March and only keeping it open until we’re full. I’m planning on bumping the total rider list up to 100 since there are always last minute cancellations and we never actually get 75 people. Hopefully this will give a few more folks who want to ride the opportunity to do so. I’ll also organize group camping again.
The Anti-Crosst
This is purely an idea at this point, with lots of riding (work?) to be done before anything concrete comes together. If we’re able to put something together in time, we’ll run a version of it this coming fall. The long term idea is we’d add it as the fourth ride in July and do some sort of overall “title” for those that do all the rides. It’ll likely circle Mt. Hood and be in the 150-200 mile range, but really who knows…
Final Words
As a reminder, these aren’t bike races. They aren’t real bike events. They are completely unsupported and unsanctioned – we put together a route, you come ride. There are no entrance fees, no prizes and while we generally keep track of folks times, we don’t really care whether you choose to race or enjoy a leisurely day out with your friends.
Here’s to a great 2012!
I still think a cool grinder would be riding from Portland/Forest Grove/McMinnville (somewhere in the vicinity) out to the coast (Pacific City?) via gravel forest/logging roads. It seems like 50+ miles of pure gravel can be found between McMinnville and the Neskowin area, and it’d make for a fun ride (and the toughest people could ride back in the same day).
Matt’s right. I know that we could link up a probable 70 miler in the coast range if we really wanted too. I’d love to see it! Sign me up for 2012. Velodirt rocks.
That area is high on my list to check out this year. We should get some rides in out there this winter/spring – you guys can show me around.
Great work Donnie! Keep it up.
I’d like to tag along for those exploration rides! Plus, my performance will show you the effect on the average rider, you know, like death and all.
Circle Mt Hood? Oh fuck yeah. Now we’re talking. Keep it up Velodirt!