I was on a gravel road somewhere between Hell-If-I-Know and Beats-Me when I rounded a corner and came upon a baby black bear. Baby Bear was crossing an intersection of three gravel roads, but my sudden arrival caused him to stop and stare. This was funny because Baby Bear’s sudden arrival had caused me to do the exact same thing.
We stared at each other in amazement for five seconds, which would have been even longer until the intelligent part of my brain managed to push across a single thought: “Where’s Mama Black Bear?”
The route I’ve dubbed the “Alsea/Deadwood Loop” is not for the faint of heart. The pavement is far from perfect, and in some places, nonexistent. Only those who are comfortable taking their street bike on gravel should attempt this way.
Click for full route details.
The route began as the familiar way to Alsea, Oregon via Hwy 34. In Alsea, I took the turn-off for the Alsea-Deadwood Hwy, rode past the turn-off for Alsea Falls, and enjoyed the ascent and 20mph curves as I entered the Little Lobster and Lobster Creek drainage.
Looking back at FS 3505.
FS 3505 is a one lane road with turnouts. It’s paved for the first few miles, then turns to gravel. Unfortunately, the gravel is the worst kind for street bikes: loose rock over hard-packed dirt and the remnants of the old paved road beneath. The payoff was the view of the Coast Range from both sides as 3505 follows the ridgeline.
Eventually I reached Forest Service Road 32, another one lane road with turnouts and spotty pavement. These kinds of roads are easy to get snakebit on as they have enough smooth pavement to make you complacent, then throw in a sudden transition to gravel, pothole, or other obstacle that seems to have been designed to catch a rider unaware.
FS Road 32
I encountered Baby Bear as I approached the intersection with FS 3250. After our stare-off, Baby Bear turned and galumphed his way into the underbrush just as I decided that the best way to avoid Mama Bear would be to continue up the road.
Unfortunately, I soon ran into this:
I backtracked on to another gravel road that seemed to head in the right direction.
After a few miles, the road surface suddenly turned to fresh pavement. This was an amazing stroke of luck, as the road began a long, steep descent that I’m not sure I would have been able to handle had it not been paved. As soon as the road leveled out, it turned back to gravel and soon enough it dumped me out on Indian Creek Road, a wonderfully curvy road with fresh pavement and little traffic. It wasn’t long before I reached Hwy 36 and the homestretch back to Corvallis.
Route: Alsea/Deadwood Loop
Miles: 133
Surface: pavement to gravel and everything in-between
Scenery: 7/10 stars
Time: 4 hours (including a gas and snack break in Deadwood)
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Looks like a very nice little journey. I have become a little more comfortable with dirt and gravel. Sometimes you can find amazing stuff on a road like that. No bears here, but small critters such as possums and raccoons and maybe a deer. I think you were right about Mama Bear being close by.
Ahhh! My bike would just love to explore these roads. Pretty cool that you are not shy to explore gravel roads with your street bike.
@cpa3485: Wherever there’s Baby Bear, Mama is always close behind. This is the third baby black bear sighting I’ve had in a lifetime of traveling outdoors, but the first on a motorcycle.
@SonjaM: The gravel was mostly unintentional. The map I was following showed pavement the entire route. The map lied. As Stacey would tell you, I seem to have a nose for gravel.
This route would be easy for a dual-sport bike.
Looks like a great ride. A baby bear is a great reason to move along. Gravel is always easier to find when you’re not looking for it.
You’re a brave one. And I’m not talking about the bear, I’m talking about the gravel. I always figure I’ll get a flat. There are more flat makers on the pavement than on gravel I’m sure. Some weird thing in my head… like my brain.
Years ago, I encountered a mama and cub while riding my bicycle. Not a pleasant feeling since there was no way I could outrun a bear on a loaded bicycle. They ignored me after a bit but still hung around the side of the road. A few minutes later, a pickup came by and I threw the bike in the back and thankfully hopped in. A couple of miles later, I continued on my trip.
Sounds like a great ride and I’m getting more used to gravel but still don’t feel comfortable with it.
What! You didn’t get a pic of the bear?
Great ride report! I love these kinds of roads, and adventures. Well, maybe sans the bear. ” Hell-If-I-Know and Beats-Me” – LOL, been there!
I’ve been there. Both on those roads ( on an ST1100 ) and between Hell if I know and beat me!
I found Mama bear. She was lumbering across the road in front of me earlier this year by Odell Lake.
You’re an awesome adventurer!
@GAW: Ain’t that the truth! And it doesn’t help when the pavement markings on the map are wrong.
@David: I haven’t seen gravel make a dent in any of my tires, but then again I ride the SV very conservatively off-pavement.
@RichardM: The last time I had a mama-bear-and-cubs encounter was during a backpacking trip, so I can certainly understand that vulnerable feeling.
@bluekat: Pictures would have required prying my white-knuckled fingers from the bars. Perhaps this is an argument for a video camera setup?
@irondad: You too? I’m a proud member of the “taking street bikes to inappropriate places” club.