Vernonia Loop

[mrltt]

I posted this question under the Eastside Dealerships thread but thought I'd go ahead and give it it's own thread - has anyone been up in the hills around Vernonia in the last week and are the roads drying out (not slick)? i was thinking of trying to ride the loop from Portland this weekend at some time if I can steal a few hours, but was reminded that it's still butt-cold in the hills out there... thanks:mrgreen:

[stevewz]

Right now, what I'm seeing pretty much everywhere except high-traffic freeways/highways, is sanding gravel everywhere. I'd rather ride in the pouring rain than on roads that have that sanding gravel on them. Very unsafe!

Plus there are still some slick patches anywhere it's shady. Freezing fog and general frost builds up over night but doesn't completely go away where the sun don't shine.

Just a caution/thought. Be careful out there.

[Nighthawk22]

Talked to a buddy that lives out that way. He is waiting to ride into work until more of the gravel is gone. I'd either stay on the main highways, or find the smaller side roads that aren't normally sanded. Still need to be aware of shaded corners. I've seen a sunny day, dry roads and a shaded corner with white frost just in the shaded area. Ugly. If you go, take it slow and watch ahead.
By the way, the Vernonia/Scappose loop is fun, I've done it a number of times.

[mrltt]

Thanks for the input - I'll probably try for a different route this weekend and stick to the more travelled, less gravelled highways. Have a good one everyone!

[Nighthawk22]

So, mritt, how was your ride? Hope you found a nice route to take advantage of the great day. Let us know.

[mrltt]

So, mritt, how was your ride? Hope you found a nice route to take advantage of the great day. Let us know.

As luck would have it, my youngest was playing hockey in Sherwood at noontime yesterday so I took the back route (Scholls Ferry thru' Scholls) from Portland on down to Newberg then doubled back hwy 99 for his game. What a gorgeous day for riding - there was hardly any gravel on the roads and absolutely beautiful views around each twistie. There was one point where, out of the corner of my eye, I caught all the mountains over my left shoulder as I crested in a right hand corner. I had to work to keep on the road and slow down to look behind - Mt. Rainier peaking out behind St. Helens. The other highlight was coming out on the S. side of those hills to look over the valley (Yamhill?) outside Newberg. My dl1k is still new so I'm getting the feel of it on different roads - so far I LOVE being on it! My ride back to Portland wasn't as spectacular - just lost myself a little in the hills nw of Sherwood before finding 217/26 home...

Thanks for the prompt to tell my story. Anyone else have a nice ride?

[Nighthawk22]

Yea, that's a fun area to ride. I saw a few sweepers this weekend working on the gravel issue. Should be fine for next weekend. I'm shooting for breakfast club, then wondering around on the west side. Glad you had a nice ride, hope to be free for Saturday.