Pacific Northwest - Watermelon Ride
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So tell me about it. How is the elevation on all the routes? I'm also trying to plan out the "season" and want to have some challenging rides to set my goals on. Shifty, have you done this ride? I'm specifically looking at the 100 and 150 mile option...perhaps by June I may or may not change my mind ;)...just for kicks what is the total elevation gain for the 200? I may be able to convince a friend to join me:)
1bluetrek
03-05-08, 06:41 AM
Hey Ticia I havent even heard about it, where is the ride? You might get some info from a bike clube near the ride location
It's a pretty good ride, no really big climbs, just rolling with a few short but steepish hills here and there. I rode it a couple years ago, I remember a good turn out of riders, and a lot of chip seal roads. The Salem Bike Club always puts on a nice event with great rest stops, sag support and well marked route. It's best to get a group together for drafting on this ride, you'll do you fastest century ever!:D
After doing it a couple times I can say I wouldn't want to do the 150 mile route, the afternoon winds and rough road surfaces would make that a bit too much for me.
The ride starts in Salem. I don't like the sound of chip seal. Ouch. I'm going to still think on this one. Thanks for the info.
The chip seal and afternoon heat on this ride have made it brutal in the past. Run your tires a little lower than you would normally do and it will help a little. I will admit though that even on my bike which gives a nicer ride than anything else I've ridden....I am hurting after 100 miles of rural polk county.
So Jakey what is on your summer line up. I'm asking because being a Mom to 3 I want to do the best rides for my buck ;P Often I will have to enlist my whole family to come out to support me. I have to get my alone time in the bes 100 miles it can offer and chip seal and searing heat doesn't really make me satisfied. :D
I like...
Monster Cookie
Spring Century
Reach The Beach
Vine Ride
Seattle to Portland
Summit to Surf
Peach of a centry
Portland Century