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Dirt Surfing to the Coast: 8/18-20


It's time for the second annual trip to the coast.  We'll be leaving on Saturday the 18th and riding out to Cape Lookout for some camping. We will be returning along a slightly detoured version of the Nestucca River route over the next two days (Sun-Mon).

Route(s) & Details

Day 1
  • Most of us will be taking MAX from Portland out to Hillsboro to start the ride
  • There is a Starbucks located just a couple of blocks from the last MAX station.  The ride will depart from here
    • RIDE DEPARTS FROM HERE
    • Roll out from Starbucks at 8:30 a.m. - so down those coffees and use the facilities before 8:30
  • The route from Hillsboro to Cape Lookout is roughly 75 miles, with around 4700 ft. of elevation gain.
    • ROUTE
    • Expect some gravel roads with steep climbs
    • After mile 11 there are no places to obtain food again until mile 65
  • We will stop in Tillamook for some food and beverages before finishing the last 10ish miles out to Cape Lookout
    • There are several restaurants and also a large Safeway grocery store
    • Here you can get food and drink items for the night and for the next day also
      • Day 2 has only snack stop options available along the route
        • Pickup food for day 2 and part of day 3
  • At Cape Lookout there is a nice Hiker/Biker section that accommodates a lot of people with no reservations needed
    • Cost is $6 per person

 Day 2
  • We will depart Cape Lookout and head out towards Dovre Campground along the Nestucca River (with a minor detour due to road work)
  • The route for day 2 is around 49 miles, with around 4700 ft. of elevation gain
    • ROUTE
    • Expect some gravel roads with steep climbs
  • There are only two places to stop for anything resembling food on day 2
    • We are talking snacks and drinks from convenience stores only
    • There are no real 'meal' options at either place
      • The first place to stop is a little after mile 8 - Sandlake Grocery
      • The next place is around mile 16 in the town of Beaver - Beaver Firearms & Grocery
        • Emphasis on firearms and not the grocery...
  • We will be camping at or near the Dovre Campground along the river

 Day 3
  • Day 3 takes us from camp back to Hillsboro
  • The route back to Hillsboro is roughly 44 miles, with around 1900 ft. of elevation gain
  • Around mile 20 is the first opportunity for food and drinks in Yamhill
    • Trask Mountain Outpost - this place has a decent burger and offers other bar type foods
    • Lago De Chapala - Mexican fare
    • Scoggins Creek Coffee
  • Once back in Hillsboro we will take MAX back to Portland

----------------------------



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

  • There will be no places to obtain food along part of the route
  • You will likely not have mobile phone service
  • Load the routes onto your device, print a paper cue sheet also
  • Weather can be unpredictable at the coast; bring layers, etc.
  • Be smart and come prepared; hope for the best, plan for the worst.
    • Bring whatever camping setup works best for you
    • Bring more food than you plan to eat
    • Bring water (duh)
    • Bring a water filter
    • Bring 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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