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The
Umpqua River Trip - By Sue Weis -
Western Spirit Cycling Guide
Book
this trip: 1-800-845-2453
Oregon is a place of magical waters. This was my immediate
conclusion
when I first came to the area, and I still believe
it to be true whenever I
return to visit. It was my second try at college and
I (as well as my
parents!) wanted it to be a successful journey. My
first attempt in Colorado
was easily distracted by numerous ski and backpack
trips, so I didn't really
see much class time. When asked how my classes were
going at COCC, I was truly able to respond "AWESOME!"
My first quarter, my class load consisted of mountain
biking, kayaking,
tennis, weight lifting, health & fitness, and
nutrition. I was actually
earning college credit for these classes and loving
it! Not to mention that these excursions took me
to rivers and lakes the color of blue topaz, through
forest of enormously tall ponderosa & lodgepole
pines, and past the sweet, intoxicating smell of
Manzanita! It doesn't suck to be a Recreation Major!
Fifteen years later, I’m fortunate enough
to have a job that reunites me with Oregon’s
trails. Now, I visit without the stress of school
work, no papers to write (with the exception of
an occasional article), no exams to take, just pure
trail riding! So, back to the subject of Oregon
being a place of magical waters…I’ve
decided that there are definitely more recreational
trails named after Oregon rivers and lakes than
not...the McKenzie River trail, the Deschutes River
trail, Tumalo Falls trail, Lava Lakes trail...and
about a million more! But, if I had to pick one
of the most memorable mountain bike trails, it would
be the Umpqua River trail.
Please note that this article does not include Oregon
road rides (i.e. ~ Crater Lake, Cascade Lakes Highway,
Columbia Rive Gorge…), as it is only fair
to have two different categories, right? The saying
goes, "you can't compare apples to oranges,"
nor can you compare mountain biking trails to road
rides! That being said, I’m sorry but my thoughts
regarding Oregon road rides will just have to wait
until a later date!
The 79-mile Umpqua River trail is the epitome of
Oregon – very hilly, technical singletrack
accented by luscious green ferns, old-growth forest
and cascading waterfalls. The pristine swimming
holes along the Umpqua River are pretty hard to
beat after a day of riding. I must admit though,
besides all of the natural beauty that the area
has to offer I am extremely fond of the names that
were given to the various sections of trail and
campgrounds surrounding the area.
How awesome is the name "Dread and Terror?”
As a guide, bringing guests onto the trail, you
sometimes have to reassure people that the ride
isn't as daunting as it may sound! However, doesn't
"Dread and Terror" demand one's respect?!
As it should, being a narrow, steep trail with switchbacks,
slick bridge crossings and exposure! The "Panther"
and "Deer Leap" segments always give me
hope that I will luckily spy just such creatures
as I'm pedaling along. Visions of Bambi and friends
leaping over my head make me smile. Even the image
of a panther leaping over my head is enticing, as
long as he keeps right on leaping after Bambi and
stays on course! The “Bogus Creek” campground
name is amusing to me because it really isn't bogus
at all! It has one of the all-time best swimming
holes within a hop, skip and a jump. Plus, there
is perfect trail access for hiking and biking via
the Riverview trail directly from camp. I have to
chuckle to myself a little when I imagine a car
full of college boys driving right on by the campsites
for fear of the name! “Dude, keep cruisin’,
that campground is BOGUS!” Tee hee!
What else can I say? That is that for the Umpqua
River trail. This beauty has access to crystal clear
water in the form of countless lakes, creeks, waterfalls
& one gem of a river! Fragrant forests lined
with every single Crayola shade of green you can
imagine; ferns, lichen, shrubs and vines... All
I can say is if you have the chance, ride it! It's
one of those magical trails that you'll never forget!
Written by Western Spirit Cycling Guide ~ Sue Weis
Please
call 1-800-845-2453 for booking information!
Umpqua
River Oregon Cycling Trip
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