Barlow Trail Century

The 2006 BARLOW TRAIL CENTURY was a mad success! Registration was up approx. 50%! Inspite of the heat, people seemed to generally enjoy themselves. I think ANY - BIG - ride in such heat after such a abnormally cool & rainy Spring would knock a few tough turds over. We were running SAG like CRAZY!! People were really good about drinking though. We tried to provide salty foods and cool drinks where ever we could.

Pre-registration kind of sucked for me, but I was so distracted by the dangers associated with the heat, I didn't focus heavily enough on dialing in this process for the all-volunteer crew in the AM. Volunteers were ready to work at Paesanos at 6AM, but it just wasn't early enough! People wanted to leave by 6AM! Unfortunately, we were not prepared to receive so many people, so early! I guess that is a testimate to the popularity of this new event though. I have to be proud about that. So you all know, it's only the 3rd year and a TRUE labor of LOVE. I pesonally put in over 80 hours this week, working hard to create as welcoming an atmosphere as possible for ALL you riders who want to try out this VERY challenging event.

My applogies to any of you who took me up on the, "Optional 60-miler." It certainly created some new challenges that I most certainly will address (parking, maps, difficulty?) MANY more of you opted for this route then I ever expected. It makes sense, in retrospect. Yet, I was surprised because in 2005 & 2004, so many of you showed interest in comleting the full meal deal I figured you would all go for it again. This is such a tough ride if you are either: lacking in conditioning, OR challenged by environmental conditions (like a sudden, unexpected heat wave), yet you soldiered on! (I think a "flatter -80- mile option might be better; i.e. Paesano's to RS2 & back - it cuts out the big climb to Lolo.)

I was really proud of my dedicated volunteer staff and want to give a personal thanks to all of our sponsored teams who particpated in this rapidly growing event. We may have to start a cut-off next year! Paesano's and the poor Springwater Cooridor can only handle so much.

Major Proposed Improvements:
More organized and efficient registration (I know you all simply wanted to get riding! I would have too!)

Fix the T-Shirt fiasco.

Food and water at Start (Sorry, you didn't get the 140 bagels Noah's donated, cause they were never put out!)

Even better food distribution at the Rest Stations
(I will take suggestions on food types - but remember it IS remote!)

Larger Dan Henry's, Corner Marshals at tricky intersections. (Please though, USE YOUR MAPS, THEY ARE SO PRO! THX GB!)

INSULATED COOLERS AT FINISH

Medics at each Rest Station, especially if herendously hot, like 2006).

Thank you ALL for committing to this ride. It is amazing how many people are attending and are happy with it. I have put a lot of thought into the small details, and if I am to continue with it again, there will be continued improvement!

Let me know your comments, good and bad. I can only learn.

Your Ride Director,

Jason Bietz
jasonb@rivercitybicycles.com

What a beautiful, challenging, HOT!!!!!!!!!!! ride. Lolo pass was great,wild flowers and view made the climb well worth it. The food at the top was tops.Down hill was a blast. It really let me see just how much climbing I did overall. Though by the last 2 steep climbs out of "Little Switzerland" the heat was getting really crazy. I was starting to get a stomach ache and the goose bumps, beginnings of heat exhaustion. On the last downhill (shipley) with all the chipseal lost my back blinky red light, flew off in the the bushes, glad it wasn't a really important part to my bike. Had a cooler with ice and 2 cold cokes waiting for my girl friend and I at the car. Thankyou for AC!!!
I would do it again but make a better judgement with reguards to the weather forcast.

Despite the extreme heat, this ride was enjoyable and awe-inspiring. It was my first event of the sort, so I went for the 60-mile version to get a feel for my ability level. I encourage the organizers to keep the 60-mile course exactly as it was. Accomplishing the ride was a pivotal moment for someone who is segueing from basic bike commuting towards more serious rides; I highly recommend the uplifting experience to anyone looking to do the same! The pasturelands and wildflowers of “Little Switzerland” made for a beautiful warm-up, and the rest stop at the base of the Lolo Pass climb was a perfect opportunity to fuel up, stretch, and crack jokes about surviving the ascent. As for The Climb, the initial steep portion brought a brief glimmer of doubt, which was easily cast aside with other determined riders in sight. Strangers were noting words of encouragement and humorous commiseration in passing as we made our way up…and up…and up. By the halfway point, the stunning close-up of Mt. Hood and the sweeping valley of pines made me smile. The grueling burn of exertion was displaced by a feeling of steadiness, peace, and impending celebration. I bet that other first-timers would have similar experiences of transcendental cycling bliss!

Constructive criticism would be that the forecasted heat wave should have resulted in extra plans and provisions in the form of course roaming water suppliers (in addition to the wonderfully-stocked rest stops). On the scorching return trip, I fantasized about being pummeled by cold water balloons, Super Soakers, and mist-making machines. Like an answer to my prayers/heat-induced hallucinations, someone at the Bull Run Rest Stop (technically my end-point) had the brilliant idea of affixing a lawn sprinkler to a fence. After partaking in its offerings and chugging a cold purple soda, I felt so great that I decided to ride the rest of the way to Paesano’s, rather than getting a lift with my friends. Unfortunately, I missed the turn at Boring and went way out in the wrong direction. This is admittedly the mistake of a beginner (oops!), but I also think that markings for critical turns could have been more visible.

My biggest piece of feedback would be a big Thank You to the event organizers, hard-working volunteers, and sponsors for pulling off such a superb event. My friends and I had a blast. You can count me in for the full century next year!

Great ride! This was my first year on the Barlow (I did the 100) and I thought you guys did an awesome job. I loved the fresh fruit, HEED and especially the watermellon. Please don't change the route for the 100 (except the return over 26 and into Boring--a lot of traffic on this stretch). The climb to Lolo Pass is awesome. I have done this climb several other times and I just love it. So beautiful, and thankfully quite shady. Actual the whole ride had quite a bit of shade. That certainly helped on the return as the temps went up.