Visting Ashland: What bike to bring?

[caloso]

I'm going to be in Ashland next weekend for an event with my wife's family. I'm thinking of bringing my bike, of course. Since the bike is going to have to spend 5 hours on a roof rack, I'm reluctant to bring my "A" bike and thought I'd bring my fixed gear instead.

I haven't been to Ashland since I was a kid, but I recall that it was in a valley. Are the surrounding hills steep enough that I'll need gears?

Thanks!

[Shifty]

South, west and east of Ashland is pretty hilly, gears are a plus here. North toward Medford and around the valley are flat to rolling, and you can get in some pretty good rides on the fixie.

Lots of information at the bike club site http://www.siskiyouvelo.org/

Have fun, it's a great time to go to Ashland and surrounding area.

[caloso]

Thanks, Shifty! That's exactly what I was looking for. I think I'll bring the gearie and take advantage of those climbs out of town. From the description, there's no way I'd be able to get up Dead Indian on a 42-16. Not without a knee replacement....

[slowjoe66]

Ashland proper is flat. If you leave the town you will need gears. However, there is a fairly level bike path that rambles for something like 25 miles due North from Ashland. It is called the Bear creek greenway. I am sure you can find it on the web. Dead Indian, Greensprings, the watershed, any of this you will want gears though.

Interestingly, if you have a mountain bike, there is excellent MTBing in the area. You can even drive up to the Mt. Ashland Ski area, and ride a hang on to your seat ride straight down fire roads to the college without pedaling once if you want.

Have fun.