I needed a long hard ride to get ready for the MLC. This one is the closest thing we have around here. First up Mary's Peak which is hard enough by itself. I'm convinced now that most of it is steeper than Mt. Ashland, or it could just be the extra weight I'm carrying. It was a hot day, but much cooler in the woods. It's 9 miles from the base of Mary's Peak road, which is the summit of the coast range so I'd already been climbing quite a bit.
After Mary's peak it's down to Alsea, and then up the South Fork of the Alsea to the falls. It's also 9 mile from the start of this road to Alsea Falls, but most of this is gentle uphill, following the river. After the falls it is another 4 miles of slightly steeper climbing to the summit, and then 5 miles mostly down to the community of Alpine (at 316 feet). Then its the roller coaster which is Bellfountain road, always a killer after a long ride.
On the way down from the falls I ran into a young couple resting by the side of the road. They were heading up with loaded bikes to camp. The road is much steeper coming up from the valley.