Smith River 600k
June 11, 2022

Unofficial map and downloadable track: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/36432823. Contact for more information: rba@will-rando.org

Start

5:30am, Mandy's Family Diner, 15th and Willamette, Eugene OR.

Finish

by 9:30pm at Falling Sky brew pub, 1334 Oak Alley, Eugene, OR

Two Loops from Eugene

Our 600k brevet is structured as two loops from downtown Eugene. The first loop is an extended version of the Smith River 300k route, but continuing Siuslaw Highway to Lorane, over the hump to Cottage Grove, and north to Eugene. Most riders will want to take their overnight stop somewhere near downtown Eugene, although Cottage Grove could also work. The second loop is north through Brownsville and Lebanon and then northwest to Independence, then south through Albany and Harrisburg to Eugene --- much flatter, with a good chance of a tailwind when you turn south.

• First day is about 360k with a considerable amount of climbing. The second day is shorter (240k) and flatter.
• The section from Reedsport to Lorane is long and remote. The Smith River Store about 20 miles in is your last chance to resupply before the staffed control at Oxbow Summit. You should carry at least three bottles of water for that stretch. Top up in Reedsport and again at Smith River Store.
• You will not have cell service from a little past Reedsport until at least the Oxbow Summit control, where the signal is very weak and intermittent. We appreciate riders texting from Reedsport to give us an idea of when to expect them at the control.
• Many of the road intersections between Reedsport and Oxbow Summit are unmarked. Our route is entirely paved. If you find yourself on a gravel road, you have taken a wrong turn. A GPS navigation unit is helpful. Also study the map ... there is a portion of the route in which we keep the Smith River on our right, until Smith River Road branches right and we continue straight on South Sister Road. With that single exception we are on the “main” road at each intersection.
• A 5:30am start this close to the solstice means that you will get a lot of sunlight.
• Mandy's Diner (the start point, open 24 hours) serves hearty portions but it is not fast. Our only 24-hour meal option has not returned to 24 hour service; your first on-route food opportunity will likely be near Triangle Lake. If you take a hotel, you may wish to have some ready-to-eat foods there.
• Hotels close by are heavily booked for an international track meet. There is free parking through the weekend at the faculty permit parking lot at Baker Center, 975 High Street, as well as in municipal parking structures.

Requirements

As a condition of participation, you will be asked to sign a release and waiver of liability at the ride start. Read it now so that you are familiar with it. Be sure you know what you're getting into and are prepared and comfortable with the risks.

This brevet is sanctioned by Audax Club Parisien and Randonneurs USA, and is subject to RUSA Rules for Riders. If you are not familiar with these rules, please read them well in advance so that you can be prepared. They are not the same as a club century ride.

RUSA membership is not required to participate. However, only RUSA members can buy a nifty medal to commemorate their achievement.

Your bicycle must be equipped with front and rear lights, even if you expect to finish in daylight. After dusk, you must use your lights. You must carry adequate reflective garments, preferably conforming to RUSA reflectivity guidelines. If you are observed riding in low light conditions with inadequate lights or reflectivity, you will be disqualified.

Familiarize yourself with procedures for riding a brevet, incuding collection of times and signatures on the control card. The card must be signed and turned in at the finish.

What to expect

This is a self-supported ride except for one staffed control at Oxbow Summit. There is no SAG. Bring at least three bottles (I take two regular bottles and one folding water bladder) and fill them in Reedsport, then top-up again at the Smith River Store.

You will not have cell service for significant portions of the first day.

This is an all-conditions ride. There will be some kind of weather. Maybe it will be wonderful, and maybe it won't. Come prepared. Unless you feel your life or health are at risk, ride through.

Expect this to be a demanding ride. You need to be comfortable riding long distances in remote areas. Carry the tools you need to manage minor mechanical issues. You need not be a fast rider, but it takes some discipline to move efficiently through the controles. Remember, the clock doesn't stop, even when you do! The slower you ride, the more important is your “controle discipline.”

Most important: Be safe, and enjoy the ride.