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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
☯----------------------------------☯

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