Introductions - Yet another new PDX area rider

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Kidder74
06-02-05, 10:47 AM
Hi all,

After lurking for a while, I decided it was time to come out of the woodwork a bit. I decided that, since I turned 30 several months back, it was time to start getting back in shape. So, I went out and got myself a new mtb, which is the first bike I've had since about the time I got my driver's license at 16.
Since my wife doesn't ride (never learned, not interested in learning) I have to go solo or, hopefully, meet up with some other riders that don't mind showing a noob the ropes in off-road riding.

Kyle

bertt
06-05-05, 08:58 AM
Welcome Kidder. Where have you been riding at? What bike did you pick up?
Kidder74
06-05-05, 09:35 AM
Welcome Kidder. Where have you been riding at? What bike did you pick up?

Hi Bertt,

Haven't been doing much riding other than road work right now. I got "approval" to get the bike so I could run my dogs with it, but I want to do more than just that.
I picked up an '04 Marin Palisades Trail. After riding a few different ones, I liked the feel of it the best. And REI had it marked $100 off since I picked it up in the off season and they probably wanted to get the '04's off the floor to make way for the '05's.

bertt
06-06-05, 12:04 PM
Good beginner places around PDX are Forrest Park and Powell Butte.

Forrest Park is all fire roads and easy. Watch out for the runners & hikers. You are not allowed on the singletrack there it is only for the hikers. But there are a few firerods like 1 & 3 that are fun to descend. I wouldn't climb them when there is alot of people out there it would be to easy to get into a head on collision with someone ripping down them. If you fell spunky you can try the north side of Germantown rd. but it is either up or down with very little flat. You can pick up a map of the park at any bike shop.

Powell Butte is singletrack but not much of it. Last time I was there (2 or so years) they had closed down the best trails to bikes plus it gets very crowded as well. Not sure how it is now but check it out.

If you live on the west side try Hagg Lake. Not real technical but fun. It has a 13-14 mile course around the lake. Do it when it is dry because the mud there is super sticky that will clog up your bike in no time flat. Try to go earlier in the morning as it gets pretty crowded to. There is a few to get into the park I think it is $5.

Also another good resource for trails is MTBR.com. Let me know if you have any more questions I can help you with.

Rob