The Rattlesnake Grade

So far the most common cultural traits of the Americans I've met are: we ask lots of direct questions and love to scare eachother. Shitless.

In other words, I should have known better when people were warning me about the Rattlesnake Grade. This infamous stretch of highway, connecting Flora, Oregon with Anatone, Washington, twists its way down one side of the Grande Ronde Canyon before snaking its way back up the other side. The locals would have you believe that it's also edged with venomous reptiles, fraught with heartless logging trucks, and extends for at least 50 miles.

Having rode through it this morning, I'm alive to tell you: it's not that bad. I didn't see any snakes, the truck drivers were courteous, and it was probably only 10 miles of uphill. I could have saved myself some stress by getting accurate information, so here's some truth for the next person who attempts bicycling the Grade :

1. No doubt, it's an unsettling ride down. Go slow (less than 30 MPH) and watch for loose gravel. There's lots of rough pavement to maneuver as well, but it will be no problem at a cautious speed.

2. Go early. Motorcycle riders love the Rattlesnake Grade, and they'll roar through there in huge numbers, especially on weekends. Fortunately for us bicyclists, the Hell's Angels aren't an "early-to-rise" crew. If you start your descent by 8am, you should be fine. By 10am,expect more motorbike traffic.

3. Be thoughtful. If you hear a big truck coming,pull over and dismount. There are no shoulders, and that means you need to share the road. The drivers don't want to endanger you, so don't endanger them by forcing them into the other lane to pass. I got a big smile and thumbs-up from a logging truck driver when I pulled off the road to let him pass. It's slow-going that way, but sure beats getting run over.

4. And above all... don't psyche yourself out! You totally got this, and you're in good company : Cycle Oregon did this stretch one time. If the roadies made it, so can the rest of us.