Guler Ice Caves - Autumnal Equinox 2019

The September equinox is the moment when the Sun appears to cross the celestial equator, heading southward. The equinox may be taken to mark the end of summer and the beginning of autumn (Autumnal Equinox) in the Northern Hemisphere. This is the second of two days in the year that contain equal day and night. Let’s get ready for fall and ride through the forest, around Forlorn Lakes, and go beneath the ground to explore a couple of caves!

Route & Details

9:30 a.m. start time

The route is ~52 miles with ~3400 ft. of elevation gain

70% unpaved forest & gravel roads, 30% pavement
This is a pretty mellow ride, most of the climbing is finished in the first 20 miles; most of that is a mellow grade on pavement

Download the route to your device:

Ride with GPS route: ROUTE

Recommended tire size is 40c or larger

There are quite a few potholes on the forest roads, but the gravel is not too rough/large

The ride starts at the Trout Lake School in Trout Lake , WA

The drive from Portland is about 1 hr. 30 min.
Located here: 2310 WA-141, Trout Lake, WA 98650
There is plenty of parking available, but carpooling is highly encouraged

Carpool signup sheet here: Signup Sheet

I'll let you all sort this out among yourselves

Trout Lake Grocery is about a mile north of the school on WA-141, they have drinks and caloric snacks if needed

We will be exploring a couple of caves, bring lights so you can see

Guler Ice Cave & Cheese Cave
Bring a warm layer also, the caves are always around 40 degrees

There is a spot just before mile 30 to filter water from Lost Creek

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

*******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 at higher elevations; plan accordingly

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

☯----------------------------------☯

Comments

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