2022 Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder: Day Two - Blue Ridge to Oakridge

* 5 Days of Gravel
* 4 Nights of Camping
* 350 Unbelievable Miles (Pioneer experience)
* Gravel adventure through the heart of the Cascades in Oregon

"This five-day event will challenge and reward racers and adventure riders not only on the epic days in the saddle but the celebration of the gravel tribe each night at camp. We take care of all of the details and support you on your journey - from tents to gourmet food to professional massage and nightly entertainment - you'll come away sore, accomplished, and with unmatched tales and friendship from the trail. This Grand Tour of Gravel will be the adventure of your life time!"

Two Ride Options:
The Pioneers
Ready to race the Oregon Trial? Do you want to test your limits and push yourself in the most challenging and beautiful scenery? Then you are a PIONEER! 362 Total miles, 33,560 feet of elevation (adjusted slightly for 2022 due to weather leading into the event).

The Settlers
Looking for a true ride experience on the Oregon Trail? If you want the adventure but not the pressure of a race? Then you are a SETTLER! 312 Total miles, 24,867 (adjusted slightly for 2022 due to weather leading into the event).

In this video, JOM of the Gravel Cyclist crew takes on the Pioneer route option, ridden at shooting video / survival pace :) and knocks out the second of five stages. Training for this experience in North Florida wasn't an option, so JOM toted along reasonably low gears to get over most of the climbs. It is important to note that a good level of fitness and skills, particularly for descending, are recommended to tackle each day of the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder.

More about Stage 2 from the OTGG Website:
"Stage 2, out of the small community of Blue River, is a testament to a community’s ability to survive and ultimately thrive through challenging situations. The town of Blue River burnt down two years ago on Labor Day with the Holiday Fire and the town is now on the path to rebuilding. There is still a lot of beauty in the area and we are fortunate to partner with the McKenzie Community Track to host our campsite for the end of Stage 1 and the beginning of Stage 2."

"Stage 2 departs, immediately crosses the McKenzie River, and then heads up to the lush and dense forest of Willamette National Forrest. Here, rain comes in significant amounts, and moss and ferns rule the landscape. Large stands of old-growth timber can still be found along the course route and peekaboo views of far-reaching mountains and scenic vistas can be seen along the route."

"Riders will then descend to the South Fork of the Willamette River before climbing once again up and over the Huckleberry Mountain and into the old logging town of Oakridge. Oakridge is an interesting community that has gone from being a depressed logging town to recently finding its footing in recreation and tourism, boasting some of the most spectacular mountain bike trails and riding in the country."

"We also have the luxury and the privilege to use Greenwaters Park on the middle fork of the Willamette River. This campsite is one of the most spectacular along the route, providing not only miles of green lawn and old-growth trees to tent under but also an incredible swimming hole right next to camp. We are fortunate to be able to spend two nights at this location as we have an extra day in Oakridge on Friday for Stage 3."

Links of Interest:

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[kevingoza]

A little different than Florida for sure! Awesome coverage!

[chiron-xezq]

Looks awesome! Great job! Thanks for sharing.

[grobbosixtyone]

Looks like you’re running the 1040 solar. How did it go with battery life?

[hardmtnbiker]

what tires would you use on that ride? I've recently been using Panaracer GK SK nobby 700x50c and they have a ton of stability and roll great over really loose trails but my GK SS 700x43c also handle most gravel unless it's too loose, but obviously are better on pavement. I'm not a racer but I like to do rides at least 60 to 100 miles. I just rode 86 miles on my 700x50 tires and it was nice and definitely very comfortable just not as fast on pavement.

[foundfoundfound]

under wot course conditions would you use 650 wheels/tryes? or are they too slow?