I rode to Marys Peak today. What a great ride. This is southwest of Philomath about 25 miles or so. Beautiful country, but isn't most of Oregon? Here is a map of how I went.
My Map on GoogleHere are some pictures I took along the way
Nice little ride. I like riding from Salem to Corvallis this way. There was a detour just out of Salem that I had never taken before. The road had a lot more curves and was much slower and a lot more fun. Going through Corvallis and Philomath was a bit boring but got much better as I headed towards Alsea.
You need to be on the look out for the turn off to Marys Peak. It comes up before you know it. It is well marked though. As I was coming back from the peak I got to the Philomath-Alsea road and there was a group of bikers right at the turn off. I slowed and realized I knew quite a few of them. It was the Willamette Valliey Riders Group. I stopped and found out that unfortunately they just had a rider go down. He was up and walking around and his bike wasn't hurt too bad. As I was talking to the others the downed rider started to feel dizzy so they had him lie down. As he laid there he finally started to realize that his shoulder was broken. One of the other riders called the paramedics and we made the other fellow as comfortable as possible. Just remember if you go down to sit down for a while as you will be in shock and not realize what your injuries are for a while.
I was talking to him and he said the turn just came up too fast and as he tried to slow his back tire locked up and started to slide out. About that time he let up on the brake and the bike threw him over. He said his last bike had ABS and he was still getting used to this one. He was wearing a good protective jacket and pants and helmet so the only injury he had was his shoulder. Or at least that is all he realized at that time.
I only mention this incident so maybe we can all learn something from it.
There were plenty of other riders there so I took off. On my way back 3 police cars and 3 firetrucks passed me going to his rescue.
Well except for that one unfortunate accident it was a really nice day and a great ride for me. I recommend it. Oh there is a small, maybe 60 foot, stretch of road to the peak that looks like they just took the pavement out. It is hard dirt and gravel. There is a loose gravel sign before it so make sure you slow down for it. Although the speed limit up the road is only 30 MPH all the way. And there are places where you don't even want to go that fast. But it is beautiful all the way up and at the top. Also look for the small waterfall on your right as you go up. It is about half way up and right on the side of the road. You can't miss it.