If you’re old enough, you’ll remember classic late 80’s early 90’s mtb races. They were done on fully rigid bikes doing a big, single loop of almost exclusively logging and Forest Service roads and rarely had any singletrack. Kind of sounds like a modern gravel ride, huh? Back in the day, the big mtb race was called Revenge Of The Siskiyous. It started in Lithia Park of Ashland and went up to Mt Ashland and then back down. 50 miles of climbing, high country vistas, and tons of gravel to grind.
In the spirit of the Revenge Of The Siskiyous, there’s a new Honey Badger route, but instead of starting and finishing at Lithia Park and climbing up to the ski area, we’re going to start and finish at the Mt Ashland lodge. That will keep us a bit cooler in the summer heat, maximize the alpine views, and if there’s any smoke in the valley keep us above it.
The route is doable on a gravel bike, but you’ll probably be more comfortable on a XC type of mtb. If you choose a gravel bike, I’d say at least a 45c tire would be preferable. If you grab your mtb, I’d recommend a XC oriented model. There’s a lot of climbing and gravel roads to be lugging around the shuttle rig.
The route has lots of creeks to get water from, but be aware that cattle are around so bring a filter. It also crosses the PCT a few times so while the singletrack will look inviting, bikes are a strict no-no.
Make sure you’ve downloaded the route to your GPS beforehand. It’s really easy to drop to either the Applegate or the Klamath side and wind up a very long climb back to Mt Ashland.
Honey Badger Rides 