Yankton Yin Yang - March 17th

Dust off those Ouija Boards, light up the sacred herbs, and turn up the Black Sabbath. It's time to kickoff the Occult Adventure Series! 

For the first gravel ride of the season, we do so in observance of the Vernal Equinox.  This is a day to celebrate the birth of spring, death of winter, and first day of the new year with equal daylight and darkness.  Harmony has once again been restored!  

In honor of this day, we will ride the Yankton Yin Yang.

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Soothsayer Says...

The tarot card drawn by our soothsayer for this particular ride reveals the number Two and the Pentacle suit that represents the Earth.  Change is the is the only constant on Earth; the card is thus called 'Lord of Harmonious Change'.

The card displays two Pentacles, one above the other; they are similar to the symbols of the Yin and Yang. One wheel is dextro (spinning towards light) and the other laevo-rotatory (spinning away from light). They thus represent the harmonious interplay of the Four Elements in constant movement. About them is entwined a Serpent, tail is in his mouth. He forms the figure Eight, the symbol of the Infinite...

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Route Options, etc....

• There will be a full adventure version of the route and also a shorter version for those feeling less adventurous. 

• The first 20 miles of both routes are the same, and both finish with the same Pittsburg Rd. descent. 

• This is not an easy ride. There is a lot of climbing on the main route. Some of which will be on loose gravel and potentially soggy, clay roads. Your legs will be tired by the time you finish.

• This is NOT a race.  Cruise at your own pace; enjoy the ride and company.  Even if you show up by yourself, you will find a group riding at your pace.  

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Main Route: 

Yankton Yin Yang
(9 a.m. start)

• ~60 miles with ~4,600 ft. of climbing, ~65% unpaved/35% paved roads

• Download the route and save it to your device:
• Link to route

• The route will offer you gravel roads, single track, double track, and a few obstacles to maneuver over or around.  There is a significant amount of climbing on this route, and some of it is loose stuff.  

• Recommended tire size is 38c or larger.  Some sections contain larger gravel/rocks and debris, anything smaller than 38c+ will likely result in pinch flats and less enjoyment.  40c or larger is ideal here.  A couple sections along this route have been known to flatten tires, BRING SPARE TUBES & A PATCH KIT!  Even you Mr./Mrs. Tubeless, bring a spare tube for safe measure.

• Ride will start at the Yankton Arthur Academy. (33035 Pittsburg Rd, St Helens, OR 97051)
• There should be plenty of parking available but carpooling is highly encouraged.
• A small market (Yankton Store & Restaurant) is located across the street and caries beverages and a few snacks.

• There are a couple of spots to collect water along the route:
• Around mile 19.5 as you first veer onto Schaffer Rd., you will see a pipe on the right side that supplies natural spring water (pictured below).
• Near mile 37 there is a nice creek below a bridge to filter water.

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Shorter Route: 

☯ Yin Yang Light ☯

(9 a.m. start)

This shorter route might be appealing to those new to gravel riding, those still recovering from winter, or those who do not enjoy a healthy dose of suffering...

• 38.5 miles with ~3,100 ft. of climbing, roughly 50% unpaved/50% paved roads

• Download the route and save it to your device:
• Link to route

• There is still  a significant amount of climbing on this route relative to the mileage.  This shorter route still offers some gravel roads and the really fun descent at the end (best part of the ride).

• Recommended tire size is 38c or larger.  Some sections contain larger gravel/rocks and debris, anything smaller than 38c will likely result in pinch flats.  40c or larger is ideal here.

• 1 main water source along this route (without filtering)
• Around mile 19.5, veer left onto Schaffer Rd., you will see a pipe on the right side that supplies natural spring water.

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*******This is a self supported ride in a remote location.  
You are responsible for your own safety and well being.*******

• There will be no place to obtain food along the route.  

• You will likely not have mobile phone service.

• Load the route onto your device.

• Weather can be unpredictable, bring layers.

• Be smart and come prepared, hope for the best, plan for the worst.  
• Bring more food than you plan to eat
• Bring water (duh)
• Bring a water filter
• Bring 2 spare tubes, a patch kit, and a pump
• Bring a multi-tool
• Bring lights 
• Bring a spare power supply/battery
• Bring a spare brake & derailleur cable

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See you out there!