- 70 miles
- ~7,400 ft elevation gain
- 95% dirt
- Start/End: Flying M Ranch, Or
- Services: none
- Map/Cue Sheet/Garmin Data
- Results
Millions around the world were sadly disappointed yesterday when the rapture failed to carry them off into the heavens. Little did they know that the REAL rapture was going down at the Flying M Ranch. This rapture was not jeebus-approved, as it included beer, bikes and bullshitting. The day also included a healthy amount of blasphemy to ensure that if the god-based rapture did actually happen, we’d all get to stick around earth to ride for a few more months before the earth caved in.
For most, this was their first taste of coast range riding. Because of that, lots of folks underestimated how hard a 70 mile dirt ride could be – especially one including 7,000+ feet of climbing. Although we shortened the route up by ~10 miles from the original plan, no one finished their ride complaining it wasn’t hard enough. I think the end result was just right – especially with the final kicker on Puddy Gulch to cap off a great day.
As predicted, no one could keep pace with Nelson. He’s now dominated the Stampede, Dalles Mountain and the Rapture - beating Ira, the next fastest rider by 42 minutes. Insane. Nicette, who took home the woman’s spur at the Stampede, closely beat out India for tops woman. Both posted impressive times and India swears the Stampede spur is hers this year. Game on! Results aside, we’d really like to thank everyone who came out and enjoyed the Rapture with us. It’s because of you we put on these events throughout the year and we look forward to seeing many of you at the Stampede in September. We’d also like to thank 21st Ave for supporting VeloDirt - which helps us put on these events for all of you.
I didn’t ride Saturday, as I opted to hang back at the pavilion and drink beer all day instead. So I’ll let the real riders speak for themselves. Check out the full write-up on Velodirt for photos, write-ups, etc., from the riders.
For those that didn’t get the chance to come out, the ride was hosted at the Flying M Ranch. We took over their pavilion for the day and we also took advantage of camping and Sunday breakfast. Those that camped Friday night woke up to the ranch’s horses chowing down on fresh cut grass outside our tents. Those that camped Saturday night woke up to planes landing in the yard for Sunday breakfast. I highly recommend utilizing the year-round camping for weekend+ touring and adventures into the coast range. Just note that if you try riding the actual Rapture route, the course marking are likely no longer there (orange arrows spray-painted on the ground at several tricky intersections). It’s still do-able, but it might be a little trickier.
Beer, cue sheets and maps.
With word of a horse herpes outbreak at the ranch, Dr. Chevil brought party favors.
Good thing he did, those gorgeous blue eyes were irresistible.
Eric breaks the record for quickest mechanical:
Thanks!