Cycle
Conditions Report
Today I rode a system of trails in Southern Oregon in the Ashland Watershed. The trails are all melted out and firing from the recent rain. Ashland, Oregon is located about 10 miles from the California Border, right along I-5. The freeway is actually the shuttle route!
I got a ride to the top from the local shuttle service, Ashland Mountain Adventures. They will do a great job of uplift, and are happy to lead you in the right direction. From Mt. Ashland lodge, you can drop right in to Bull Gap trail, or pedal up to Time Warp, which is what I did.
Time Warp is a classic Southern Oregon ride. You drop straight into an alpine meadow for the first half mile, and then pin it full speed into old growth forest. This trail was the original route up to Mt Ashland before I-5 existed, and was used in the 1950’s.
After a mind numbing 15 minute descent, you hit a fire road which I turn right on, and its a flat 4 miles to Four Corners trailhead. From there I opted to pedal up to Missing Link instead of making my way down. This trail is too good to miss.
After Missing Link you cross 4 Corners and have the option to ride the Marty’s Jump line or go straight onto Catwalk trail. If you keep on Marty’s, it gets steep, rocky and loose so I like the right turn cutoff after the jumps to get the most bang for my buck.
Catwalk trail is fast and fun, and it is the course for both the Mt. Ashland Challenge and the Spring Thaw race. A downhill bike is overkill in my opinion- 5-6″ bike is ideal for all of these trails.
New this year is a trail called “Lizard”. It starts near the top of Caterpillar and has a nice set of jumps and berms. It takes you right to the top of Jabberwocky.
Pay attention to the sides of the trail at this elevation! There is poison oak everywhere, especially south facing stuff. A cold shower with Tecnu or dish soap is a standard post- ride ritual this time of year.
The trails take you right into iconic Lithia Park in downtwn Ashland. There is a reservoir and creek right there which is clutch for hot days. There are many great restaurants and bars there with bike-friendly patios.
Overall, I was stoked to ride these trails in such perfect conditions, and cant wait for my next trip through!
Stay tuned for weekly trail reports this summer from Canada- Whistler Bike Park and Coast Gravity Park. And where ever else I decide to ride.
