Spots > Ashland Oregon Scene Report.
by Jason Van Horn
posted 6/23/08
In the very southern-most tip of Oregon, stands Mount Ashland. Named after the city of Ashland, the top of the mountain has an elevation of 7,532 feet. Mount A, as some of the locals call it, it probably better known for its steep (but short) technical ski runs than its mountain biking. However, Mount Ashland boasts one of the longest downhill trails in Oregon. The official trail begins at the Mount Ashland Ski Area lodge at 6500 ft elevation. Beginning with a fast fireroad for the first few miles before branching off and presenting riders with multiple options- it is the perfect terrain for a Super D race. In fact, three years ago, permission was finally granted to local race promoters to put one on.
The Super D is our primary reason for being in town this weekend. My brother lives in the area and I spent a year here before finally settling in the Bay Area leaves me with some roots here, and a bit of local cred. Not that one needs an excuse to come here and ride the trails- Ashland is a more than worthy destination for the gravity oriented rider, especially now that shuttle service to the top of Mount Ashland is again a reality. However, the scene has never really been documented (as far as I can tell) so we decided it was way past time to take this task on for ourselves.
road tripping and the living's easy.
We leave the Bay Area at a decent hour Thursday afternoon, load the bikes upon the X-box, and begin the trek north. Ashland is 351 mles from San Francisco – a 5 hour and a half hour drive. We're not in a rush, so we take numerous safety breaks, and stop at a diner for a late dinner. Unfortunately, at this point Denny's is the only place open, so we bite the bullet and go greasy. We end up rolling in to our destination in Medford fairly late, but as my brother Izaak is up, and the lights are on in the backyard, he takes me out to sample his redesigned pumptrack. The pumptrack has been expanded, and the increased speeds are fast enough to consider strapping on helmet on even for a few laps. After a late night pump track session, we hit the hay.
The next morning we're up bright and early and head over to Ashland to make the 9am shuttle service from Ashland Mountain Adventures. There is a pretty good turn out since its the weekend of the Super D. Our plan today is to ride the Super D course, since I haven't done the entire route, including the climb, for sometime. Izaak did it a few times last week, and is going in with the local's advantage. Since neither of us has been riding as much as we usually do, we're less concerned about racing overalll, and more concerned with which brother will earn bragging rights for the weekend.
Inga is fired up to ride some Ashland goodness
Inga and Mark are down with the elbow taps. The high five is soo last week.
Mark Weir and co in town for the race, and came out bright and early for the early morning shuttle. Everyone loads up, and we head up the 18 miles or so to the Ashland ski area lodge. Much shit talking occurs on route and Inga begins spreading the gospel of the elbow tap.
Favorite local shop: Bear Creek Bicycles (1988 Hwy. 99, 541/488-4270) Tell them we sent you.