McKenzie River Trail?

B

BBJohn

Member
Anybody on here ever ridden the McKenzie River Trail? We have a trip scheduled in a few weeks and just wondering how technical it actually is. I have read RR’s and seen video’s, but wanted input from guys that actually ride stuff down here to compare. Shoulder is way less than stellar and I haven’t ridden in a month, but I’ve wanted to ride this one for years and really don’t want to miss it on this trip if possible. Certainly no way that I’m going to be able to do any of the IMBA epics that I had planned on this trip.

Btw if you aren’t on here feel free to respond also. :lol: :roll:
 
If you're shuttling it you may want to skip the first section as it winds through lava rock. Though not technical it you could easily fall and shred yourself if you're not 100%. Overall I'd say it's an intermediate ride requiring a fair amount of endurance. I would say it's comparable to SART coming from South Fork.
<a class="postlink" href="http://youtu.be/01MN12D6B5I" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://youtu.be/01MN12D6B5I</a>
Video from our trip a couple of years ago. Mtbshadowman has a few good videos.
 
Thanks Ed! In the video I saw Bernie walking, ruh roh I’m over my head already. :o :D
I was thinking do to the shoulder that I wouldn’t take the lava field at Clear Lake and take the other side which from what I read is supposed to be easier.
Thanks for the comparison to SART, that is what I’m looking for so I can judge if I’ll be up to it by then. Julie will be dropping me off and we are staying down in Blue River so if I’m not up to it 20+ miles is a loooooong way to walk. From what I can see there is zero cell service (Verizon) in the trail area.
How would the ride past Clear Lake compare to El Prieto or Red Box to Switzers other than being much longer?
Thanks again.
Anybody else got feedback?
 
Could be similar in sections to both. I just remember tacky soil, some roots, some exposure, gorgeous views and a hell of a lot of fun. I would definitely not pass it up if you're going to be there. You can always play it safe and walk a section if need be but I don't remember it being overly technical. You'll be fine.
 
Jhon I walked that section just so the rest of the group wouldn't feel bad.
I say don't skip anything. It's so far and only God knows if you make it back there again. Walk whatever you have to walk, take your time and enjoy the scenery. I rode it with a broken egg beater. It made the very top of my list.
 
bigringrider101 said:
Jhon I walked that section just so the rest of the group wouldn't feel bad.
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:lol: A typical Dirt Bag move. How thoughtful! :lol:
Pretty much what I was hoping to hear guys. This one has been on the bucket list for about 6-8 years now and kind of planned this trip around it, figures. It is hard to judge stuff when you read others RR's not knowing their skill level and what they normally ride. What maybe a cake walk for one is way over someone else's head. I imagine some of the RR's I read are from "newbies" (nothing wrong with that, we all started somewhere), but since most of us are very seasoned riders figured I'd get an accurate portrayal here.
Anybody else with input would love to hear it.
I see the OS again tomorrow so I'll know better about that situation too.
 
Two words that come to mind are WOW and worked! Ed, Bernie thank you guys for the help, it was just awesome.
 
hill^billy said:
Glad to hear you are back in the saddle 8-)
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At 60-70% but this was not to be missed. Hit part of the North Umpqua yesterday so 50 miles in two days with no riding for 5 weeks. I'm a bit sore. :lol:
 
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