Fischer, Jim E (Corvallis)

For those of you NOT doing the Mary's Peak HC, read no further.

For those of you up for some seriously challenging climbing, read on...

The Siuslaw Natl Forest owns the road we're using. There is a
relatively flat 150' section in the middle of the course which is
GRAVEL. It has been gravel for years. They mistakenly told me it would
be paved. They actually slurry sealed the lower part of the mountain,
but never had any intention of paving this section, so we're out of
luck.

The gravel is 1-inch crushed rock. It has been recently graded which
evenly spreads the 1-inch rock uniformly across the surface. (Hard to
pick a smooth line, even going uphill.)

In other words, it has the potential for pinch flats.

Bring an extra set of wheels if you like. We'll try to deposit them at
this location (or just beyond it), and will collect them on the way down
the mountain. There will be no neutral wheels at this spot. Wheels
in/wheels out, so if you don't bring any, start walking, pumping,
patching or thumbing.

I've never flatted on this section nor have I ever been riding with
anyone who has. BUT, it's there and I want you to know about it.

I would bring a spare tube, a CO2 and a tire lever and skip the wheel
hassle, but that's me.

I will attempt to sweep a path through the gravel, but I don't know how
effective I will be.

Just wanted you to know.

Regards,

Jim Fischer
Organizer