Little Shasta Loop

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Elevation Profile

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Ride Description

One of the most scenic and pleasant rides in close proximity to Medford and Ashland, this route is pure cycling pleasure on any nice day of the year. In the winter months a later start, 10:30 or 11:00 am, may avoid the colder air at the somewhat higher (than the Rogue Valley ) elevations of this ride. Similarly, an earlier start in the summer months can avoid the time bake of the late afternoons, coming through the Shasta River Canyon, on the return to the start. Though there are no steep, extended, climbs on this ride, it still has its challenges: a very steady uphill grade leading from the Klamath River to a summit overlooking Montague provides a real training challenge, if one chooses to "push the envelope"; another climb from Montague over to Yreka, on the return leg of the ride, is also a good challenge, when the legs are beginning to feel the intensity of 60+ miles; then, a short climb up the Shasta River Canyon caps off a most rewarding day. Between these challenges is pure scenic splendor - 25-30 miles of flat, smooth roads, with Mt. Shasta's snow-capped peaks in the foreground continuously, a reasonable choice of eating stops in Yreka (somewhat limited on Sundays), and a lovely traverse of portions of the Shasta and Klamath River valleys on the way back to the start.

About

Begin the ride by heading back north on the shoulder of I-5 to the first exit at Copco Rd. From this exit, head east to the bridge at Ager Rd. where the route crosses the river heading, more or less, south toward Montague. This road can be followed all the way to Montague's main intersection ( Webb St . ) where the route goes left, across the railroad tracks. Very shortly thereafter, one encounters a gas station on the left, which is a good place to catch a breath and refuel. From here the route goes east and then south, steadily closing in on vistas of Mt. Shasta , until it intersects with Hwy. A12. Turning back west on A12 to Grenada, there are three alternative routes to Yreka: continuing west, across I-5 to the frontage road north; or, heading north on Montague-Grenada Rd. to either Oberlin Rd. (the first left) or Montague Rd. (the second) heading directly into Yreka. From Yreka, head north (right) on Main street, which turns into Hwy. 263 and ultimately intersects with Hwy. 96, bearing right along the Klamath River and back to the Collier rest stop. In total, the route covers 63 to 66 miles, depending on the alternatives chosen.

Directions

This loop ride is best begun at the Collier rest stop, south of the agricultural-inspection station (no longer in operation), at mile post 786 of I-5, about 25 to 30 minutes from Medford . One can park a car safely at the rest stop in its rather large parking area, preferably under a tree (for it may be quite warm when you get back.)

Traffic

Many are concerned about the short leg up the I-5 shoulder, but it is quite wide and the traffic tends to give cyclists a wide berth. After that, there is almost no traffic on any of the roads (excluding Main St . in Yreka) for the entire trip.

Scheduled Rides

View All Scheduled Rides

Monday, Oct 2
- Monday Coffee Ride
 
 9:30am: Meet at Colver Park in Phoenix
 
 25-30 Miles, Moderate / Brisk (14 - 18+ mph), Some Hills
 
 Contact: Dennis Cramer - 541-773-5804
 
 {"id":676,"title":"Monday Coffee Ride","description":"The ride includes moderate to brisk riders who travel along a fairly flat route from Phoenix to Jacksonville. The route includes mostly lower volume roads without shoulders or those with moderate traffic with moderately wide shoulders. The exception is on ODOT's OR238 (i.e. Hanley Road) where there are no shoulders and the volumes are moderate. \r\n \r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/ridewithgps.com\/routes\/19152561\" rel=\"nofollow\">https:\/\/ridewithgps.com\/routes\/19152561<\/a> \r\n \r\n","start_location":"Meet at <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/oNb33UeC755DmBmd8\">Colver Park in Phoenix<\/a>","unprefixed_start_location":"<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/goo.gl\/maps\/oNb33UeC755DmBmd8\">Colver Park in Phoenix<\/a>","pace":"Moderate \/ Brisk (14 - 18+ mph)","terrain":"Some Hills","distance":"25-30","ride_leader":"Dennis Cramer","phone_number":" 541-773-5804","email":"scramer5804@charter.net","formatted_time":{"hour":"9","minutes":"30","meridiem":"am"},"time":"9:30am","date":{"timestamp":1696264200,"formatted":"Monday, Oct 2","midnightTimestamp":1696230000,"dayOfWeek":"Monday"}}
Thursday, Oct 5
- Thursday morning Ride
 
 Start time Varies: Meet at Jacksonville Library
 
 20-40 Miles, Moderate / Brisk (14 - 18+ mph), Hilly
 
 Contact: John Fries - 541-973-1586
 
 {"id":6916,"title":"Thursday morning Ride","description":"Tony Hayes and I are starting a regular Thursday ride for vaccinated members who like to climb hills. Routes will be 20 to 40 miles ridden at a brisk-light pace with 1500-3000 feet of elevation gain. \r\nUnless specified, rides will start from the Parking lot across the bridge from the Jacksonville Library. The planned starting time for September 1st is 8:00 AM, however, starting times may be delayed or canceled due to poor weather or air quality conditions. I will endeavor to send an email notice by 7:00 AM when these situations occur. Although this is a \u201cshow and go\u201d ride, initially I will appreciate notification by email if you plan to participate.","start_location":"Meet at <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Jacksonville+Public+Library\/@42.3151272,-122.9694233,825m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x54cf78f236921923:0xc6d49959ea1e3a9e\">Jacksonville Library<\/a>","unprefixed_start_location":"<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/Jacksonville+Public+Library\/@42.3151272,-122.9694233,825m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x54cf78f236921923:0xc6d49959ea1e3a9e\">Jacksonville Library<\/a>","pace":"Moderate \/ Brisk (14 - 18+ mph)","terrain":"Hilly","distance":"20-40","ride_leader":"John Fries","phone_number":"541-973-1586","email":"friesj@sbcglobal.net","time":"Start time Varies","date":{"timestamp":1696575540,"formatted":"Thursday, Oct 5","midnightTimestamp":1696489200,"dayOfWeek":"Thursday"}}
Saturday, Oct 7
- Velo Melo
 
 Start time Varies: Start Location Varies
 
 25-30 Miles, Mellow (11-14 mph), Some Hills
 
 Contact: Lisa Brill -
 
 {"id":6284,"title":"Velo Melo","description":"Start time and location vary. 25-30 miles, Mellow pace (11-14 mph). Some hills.","start_location":"Start Location Varies","unprefixed_start_location":"Start Location Varies","pace":"Mellow (11-14 mph)","terrain":"Some Hills","distance":"25-30","ride_leader":"Lisa Brill","phone_number":" ","email":"lisa4bikes@gmail.com","time":"Start time Varies","date":{"timestamp":1696748340,"formatted":"Saturday, Oct 7","midnightTimestamp":1696662000,"dayOfWeek":"Saturday"}}
- Brisk Ride
 
 Start time Varies: Start Location Varies
 
 50+ Miles, Brisk (>18 mph), Hilly
 
 Contact: Dennis Cramer - 541-773-5804
 
 {"id":674,"title":"Brisk Ride","description":"Brisk rides are for strong riders who want to ride at a brisk *average pace, with occasional sprints, and brisk climbs. The route and starting point will vary - expect some climbing and, in fact, on most days, a lot. Riders should know how to make repairs. Riders are expected to review online and understand the planned route. The Brisk group is NOT a no-drop group, slower riders are discouraged. \r\n*Average Speeds \u2013 The speeds listed are average speeds maintained for the entire ride, not the minimum or maximum speeds. To maintain the average ride speed, riders will ride far faster and far slower at times. While not required, a cycle-computer is helpful to judge average speed. In some situations, leaders may feel the conditions justify a slower average minimum speed.","start_location":"Start Location Varies","unprefixed_start_location":"Start Location Varies","pace":"Brisk (>18 mph)","terrain":"Hilly","distance":"50+","ride_leader":"Dennis Cramer","phone_number":"541-773-5804 ","email":"scramer5804@charter.net","time":"Start time Varies","date":{"timestamp":1696748340,"formatted":"Saturday, Oct 7","midnightTimestamp":1696662000,"dayOfWeek":"Saturday"}}

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