Alex Schultz

Here is yet another Oregon Timber Trail Race post. I wanted to post my own pictures along with the rest, plus a few others that @oldmanmountainracks took. So here ya go. And here’s my words:
Riding and racing across an entire state on a singletrack-focused route is one of the greatest experiences in bikepacking. Some even call these journeys life-changing. There is a draw to these routes that brings us together to do hard things. The Oregon Timber Trail is one of those events that will change you.
The OTTR is rugged, relentless, and untouched in many parts. Several sections of the trail have debris scattered all over, including downed trees, sticks, burned soil, and re-vegetation overgrowth. Many parts of the trail are incredible singletrack, from technical rock riding to flowy moist soil. The good parts seem to make up for the bad ones. I really hope this trail is completely rebuilt in parts for future use.
The race starts off hard, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It is 200 brutal miles to the first resupply in Chemult. This is Oregon backcountry; I saw not a single soul the first 200 miles! You get some incredible descents and lots of HAB. Everything about the first 200 is the definition of hard; embrace that feeling.
The resupply points get a little closer together after Chemult and are way more attainable. Get through that first 200, and you will be rewarded. Keep your head high in the bad parts and always look forward to the fun parts; you will eventually get there.

Despite the mechanical issues and debris on the trail, I will be back. This is an amazing trail, and it needs more attention than it currently has. This could be a triple crown-level event. Let’s spread the word and get people to realize how great this thing is.
@oceanandsan

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