This book is designed to help you select mountain bike rides in Lane County that best suit your interests and skill level. The authors have attempted to list exact directions and convey the unique conditions and qualities found on each ride. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the rides. However, details in this book are subject to change. Logging, weather, trail and road crews, may cause changes in the ride descriptions.
Please use this book only as a guide, not as the final word. It is a good idea to follow along with a map while reading the ride descriptions. The descriptions alone are not adequate. The amount of detail needed in a map to keep from getting lost and to provide the freedom of alternate routes, is beyond the scope of this book. We urge you to use the suggested maps listed at the beginning of each ride. It is extremely easy to get confused or lost when riding backcountry trails or the maze-like network of logging roads. Intersections come up fast while descending and are rarely marked. Carrying the recommended map and understanding backcountry navigation are essential for fun and trouble-free outings. Collecting a good set of maps for mountain biking is as much a part of the sport as the wheels on your bike.
Forest Service maps usually cover an entire national forest. These maps are useful for locating roads that lead to trails but often do not show enough detail for spur roads or trailheads. Local ranger district maps will show individual logging roads and most trails. These district maps, known as Blue Line maps, can be obtained at Forest Service ranger stations or the USFS Supervisor's Office. Topograpic maps show elevation contours, but provide scant information on logging roads.
The elevation charts in this book represent an approximate cross section of the ride. The charts are intended to provide a quick visual reference of the ride°s elevation profile. Note that the elevation axis of the charts are divided into 500 foot intervals. Trip mileage is also approximate.
The difficulty ratings for the rides are inevitably a subjective rating. They have been divided into two categories: technical and physical. Technical difficulty refers to bicycle handling skills necessary to safely negotiate the ride. Examples of technical skills include the ability to ride over obstacles, negotiate switch-backs, and descend steep trails. Physical difficulty refers to the physical endurance necessary to complete the ride. If the ride is exceptionally long and/or steep, it would be rated physically difficult.
The term 'season' refers to the most appropriate time to ride the trail. Most trails are best ridden during 'dry months' or anytime when the trail is not saturated with water. Single-track trails are susceptible to damage when wet. Do not ride sensitive trails in wet conditions, even if it is in August. Also, most high elevation rides near lakes or streams have an unbearable mosquito season. Mosquitoes are usually much less of a problem after mid-August.
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