Ok Portland crew, I need some help.
So, my Wife is about to accept a job in Portland and I am starting to do my research on local mtb trails. Riding is basically my life. Currently, living in northern VA, I can ride my xc bike every day of the week cause there are 3 or 4 local xc spots withing a 20 min drive. We also have some epic weekend rides within a 90 min drive. There is also a local Dirt jump spot with some pretty big stuff within 10 minutes and some knarly Shuttle runs within an hour. There is also 2 lift access resorts within 4 hours for weekend trips. The mountains are small compared to Oregon, but there is a good scene of riders who build and maintain the trails that makes them enjoyable. Since the weather is pretty mild here, I can ride all year long. I work form home on my own schedule, so basically I ride at least one of my bikes every day.
I have always assumed that in Portland there would be a much bigger mtb scene and that there would be more local riding options as well as weekend riding spots than there is in Norther VA. However, I am getting worried because I am having a hard time finding good riding in and around the Portland metro area. I have found what looks to be pretty amazing riding 60 to 90 minutes out such as Blackrock, Mt Saint Hellens, Sandy Ridge and a bunch of stuff along the Hood river, but nothing really close enough for a quick mid week 2 hour ride. I ave found a few Dirt Jump spots such as Gratto and Meldrum Bar, and as for Downhill riding, I know Timberline has lift access stuff and there are some shuttle spots out near Post Canyon.
So my questions for you guys are:
Is there any good local Singletack close enough for a weekday ride? If so, where would be a sweet place to live centrally located to various riding spots, including Dirt jumps? Could you possibly live in a spot where you can ride to a few different trail heads from your door?
Where is the best places to look for trails and Get MTB info in the Portland Area, any bike shops I should contact or forums I should post in?
Is there any local races or racing series, XC, endurance and/or enduro?
How is the Downhill, Freeride and Dirt Jump scene? Do those DJ spots still exist? how is the riding at Timberline?
Thanks in advance.
ride on!
So, my Wife is about to accept a job in Portland and I am starting to do my research on local mtb trails. Riding is basically my life. Currently, living in northern VA, I can ride my xc bike every day of the week cause there are 3 or 4 local xc spots withing a 20 min drive. We also have some epic weekend rides within a 90 min drive. There is also a local Dirt jump spot with some pretty big stuff within 10 minutes and some knarly Shuttle runs within an hour. There is also 2 lift access resorts within 4 hours for weekend trips. The mountains are small compared to Oregon, but there is a good scene of riders who build and maintain the trails that makes them enjoyable. Since the weather is pretty mild here, I can ride all year long. I work form home on my own schedule, so basically I ride at least one of my bikes every day.
I have always assumed that in Portland there would be a much bigger mtb scene and that there would be more local riding options as well as weekend riding spots than there is in Norther VA. However, I am getting worried because I am having a hard time finding good riding in and around the Portland metro area. I have found what looks to be pretty amazing riding 60 to 90 minutes out such as Blackrock, Mt Saint Hellens, Sandy Ridge and a bunch of stuff along the Hood river, but nothing really close enough for a quick mid week 2 hour ride. I ave found a few Dirt Jump spots such as Gratto and Meldrum Bar, and as for Downhill riding, I know Timberline has lift access stuff and there are some shuttle spots out near Post Canyon.
So my questions for you guys are:
Is there any good local Singletack close enough for a weekday ride? If so, where would be a sweet place to live centrally located to various riding spots, including Dirt jumps? Could you possibly live in a spot where you can ride to a few different trail heads from your door?
Where is the best places to look for trails and Get MTB info in the Portland Area, any bike shops I should contact or forums I should post in?
Is there any local races or racing series, XC, endurance and/or enduro?
How is the Downhill, Freeride and Dirt Jump scene? Do those DJ spots still exist? how is the riding at Timberline?
Thanks in advance.
ride on!