Have an adventure in the rolling hills of the Tualatin Mountains on your way to a rouleur award. This route starts at the excellent bike-friendly Cafe Cinco Siete in Sellwood (open 7am on weekends) and crosses the city on fast bikeways en route to the car-free, forested Saltzman Road climb over the west hills. You'll skirt the edge of suburbia through Bethany on your way to North Plains, and from there head up into the mountains proper on quiet roads. Enjoy Smoke Ranch Road, an important car-free connector for several major routes in the area. Follow the spine of the hills through Rock Creek and on to Skyline Blvd for your return to the city.
Gravel quality over Saltzman and Pumpkin Ridge is mostly excellent smooth hardpack, with some short chunkier spots over the gated section of Smoke Ranch Rd. Be alert for logging activity, as Smoke Ranch crosses industrial timberlands. 32mm minimum tire size recommended, but if you go smaller just use caution over Smoke Ranch especially, and pack an extra spare tube. Ride 42mm+ for speed & comfort on the gravel.
Note that the turnoff onto Smoke Ranch from Pumpkin Ridge Rd is unmarked. Watch for the second yellow gate to the right just before the summit of Pumpkin Ridge. Bikes are allowed past the gate. Once you're past the gate, pay close attention to the GPS track and cues as there's an important left turn close to the Smoke Ranch exit gate that's easy to miss.
Best bet for services is the market in North Plains, as there are no resupply points from there all the way back into Portland (70km). Next door to the North Plains market is a shop (Pilgrims) with super tasty candied nuts, worth checking out. Around mile 22, Helvetia Farms makes for a pleasant early cafe stop if you're in need of a coffee.
Registration open until midnight 8/5/26.
Email to follow on 8/6/26 with waiver and cue sheet.
Check-in 7-7:55 a.m. Ride start: 8 a.m.