Bicycling With The Bard 2014

Elevation on the RideWithGPS maps are exagerated. Here are the various rides.

Jacksonville Option 1

This route takes you to the historic town of Jacksonville. For early risers, this would be an excellent place to have coffee and snacks. For more leisurely riders, there are many good restaurants and cafes to have lunch. Option 1 of the four Jacksonville routes is longer and hillier than the other three. The several short, steep climbs are after Jacksonville.

Jacksonville Option 2

This route takes you to the historic town of Jacksonville. For early risers, this would be an excellent place to have coffee and snacks. For more leisurely riders, there are many good restaurants and cafes to have lunch. Option 2 of the four Jacksonville routes is shorter and less hilly than Option 1. The few short, steep climbs are after Jacksonville.

Jacksonville Option 3

This route takes you to the historic town of Jacksonville. For early risers, this would be an excellent place to have coffee and snacks. For more leisurely riders, there are many good restaurants and cafes to have lunch. Option 3 of the four Jacksonville routes is shorter and less hilly than Option 1 and about the same as Option 2. The few short, steep climbs are after Jacksonville.

Jacksonville Option 4

This route takes you to the historic town of Jacksonville. For early risers, this would be an excellent place to have coffee and snacks. For more leisurely riders, there are many good restaurants and cafes to have lunch. Option 4 of the four Jacksonville routes is the least hilly and the shortest of the other three Jacksonville routes. The few short climbs are after Jacksonville.

Orchards and Vineyards

This route meanders through the many orchards and vineyards of the valley. Many of the orchards are owned by Harry and David, sellers of fruit, nuts, candy and other gifts. If you want to take a tour, you can arrange one at its website. The valley is also known for its excellent wines. Tasting is available at many vineyards.

Mt Ashland Short To Callahan's

This is a hilly route. You will ride on rollers past Emigrant Lake until around mile 8 when you turn onto Old Hwy 99. Then you have a long steady climb for 6 1/2 miles through an evergreen forest until you reach Calahan's Lodge. This would be a good place for lunch. The return to Ashland is on the same route in reverse.

Mt Ashland

This classic ride is a very hilly and challanging route. You will ride on rollers past Emigrant Lake until around mile 8 when you turn onto Old Hwy 99. Then you have a long steady climb for 6 1/2 miles through an evergreen forest until you reach Calahan's Lodge. You will continue climbing up to the ski area of Mt Ashland. Calahan's would be a good place for lunch before or after climbing to the summit. The return to Ashland is on the same route in reverse.

Cascade Lakes

This is another classic ride which is very hilly and challanging. You will ride on rollers past Emigrant Lake until mile 11 when it kicks up several notches. Around mile 19 you will see the Green Springs Inn. Good food is available in this rustic cafe. After your refreshments, you will ride through beautiful evergreen forests alongside lakes and streams. You might even see some wildlife along the way. Watch out for deer crossing the road. They rarely cross alone. At mile 37 you will have a long steep descent. Be careful. You will get back to Ashland quickly.

Mountain Lakes Loop

This is a beautiful ride through forests and alongside lakes in the high country above Ashland. It does not start in Ashland. You must drive to Howard Prairie Resort, the starting point. There might be a parking fee, so please be prepared. There is a restaurant and store here so you can stock up on food to take with you along the route. At mile 24, there is a cafe at Fish Lake Resort. At mile 31.5, you can turn in to Lake Of The Woods Resort for food. The ride finshes back at Howard Lake.