Frenchman's Bar / 12 Pace / 500' / 21 mi / RL John Ost / 10AM - Events

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Frenchman's Bar / 12 Pace / 500' / 21 mi / RL John Ost / 10AM

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About this event

Length: 21 miles
Pace: 12mph
Terrain: Minor
Elevation: 500 feet
Ride Type: Group
Cancelation Guidelines: Rain/Snow / Ice / Thunderstorms / Wind > 25 mph

You must arrive and be ready to ride at least 10 minutes before the scheduled 10am departure time!

DETAILS

This is a classic VBC route and good for both beginners and experienced riders. It is a great ride for all seasons. Starting at the PUD parking lot is very convenient, many people ride to the start of this ride and if you drive it is a quick shot off of I-5. There are bathrooms inside the PUD building and they are gracious about letting us use them, only open on weekdays.

In the summer this ride goes through Burnt Bridge Creek Trail but due to adverse conditions in the fall, winter and early spring, (learned the hard way when someone fell on a slippery wet bridge), the route is changed in the fall to bypass the trail and stay on roads out to Frenchman’s Bar.

This is a very safe route on bike paths and wide shoulders the whole ride. There is traffic going fast on Lower River Road, (wide shoulder), but there is an option to use the bike path for part of the way both out and back. Highly recommended to get off the road onto the path.

There is often glass and debris on this route but at other times it is clean and clear, best to keep an eye out to avoid obstacles. There have been serious accidents on Lower River Road that involved riders going fast in pace lines and hitting debris. Slowing down and enjoying the scenery is highly recommended.

And there is lots to see on this route, thousands of Canadian geese are in the fields or flying overhead. Egrets are often seen in the ponds. Ospreys are nesting out here every year. Sandhill cranes are also frequently seen on this ride in the fall, winter and spring. Their distinctive croaking call and large size can’t be mistaken. We’ve also seen quail, coyote and deer on this route.

The pace on this ride is listed at 12 mph but in reality everyone goes their own pace, especially when we get out to Lower River Road. There is a big regroup at the bathrooms at Frenchman’s Bar which usually involves snacking and enjoying the scenery on the Columbia River. If you are a new rider or unsure of the route, let the ride leader know and he is happy to ride with you at whatever pace you choose.

If you are looking for a few more miles or are a faster rider and get ahead of the group continue on Lower River Road past the turnoff for Frenchman’s Bar. The road dead ends about 1.5 miles past the turnoff so it would add about 3 miles onto your ride. If you’ve never been to the end, try it, it can be magical with birds and wildlife, (but also stinky cows and a gravel pit).

The ride leader is also available for assistance with flat tires and mechanical help. It is good plan to have his phone number programmed into your phone.

After the ride, less than a mile from our starting point, we stop at Java House for coffee. We often meet up with the Portland Bicycling Club here and there can be 30+ bikes parked outside. It’s a good chance to compare notes and meet your brethren from across the river.

If you plan to ride all year round or you like seeing wildlife this is the ride for you!

Start time may change depending on weather forecast. General guidelines are start temperature of 42 degrees and probability of rain during ride of less than 20%. Alternate start time will be 1pm if the forecast meets the above criteria and the original start time does not. If neither start time has a good weather forecast ride will be cancelled. Decision will be based on 8am weather report on day of ride.

For any updates, you're welcome to text the ride leader: 503-367-4183

MORE PACES/DISTANCES/ROUTES
All registered riders are welcome and may depart at any time to ride their own pace and distance; please let the ride leader know if you leave the group. We regroup at specified locations.

REGISTRATION

Registration is required and almost always free to both members and non-members. Please scroll to the bottom of this page to register for this event.

ROUTE MAP (Updated 10/12/2024)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48751578

NOTES

Please arrive early to be a part of the announcements and safety briefing.
Riders are expected to have read the Safe Riding Policy and be familiar with the Ride Style Definitions.
Please direct questions to the ride leader or Road Captain.
Helmets are required. Lights (front and rear), RoadIDs and cell phones are recommended.
Please complete an ABC Quick Check prior to arriving at the start (air, brakes, chain and crank; quick releases and a short ride to make sure all is working properly). And an ABC Quick Check once again at the start.
Riders should be able to maintain the stated pace. Please communicate with the leader if you decide to go off route or not return to the start.
Remember - we want to be awesome representatives for cycling and spread a love for our great sport locally by obeying all traffic laws and riding in a safe and courteous manner. Ride safely and have fun!