Maps of Yamhill County can be found at Third Street Books at 334 Northeast 3rd St., or at the Chamber of Commerce at 417 Northeast Adams St.
McMinnville Rides
Mostly Moderate Rides, With an Occasional Surprise
Ballston Hopewell Loop 53.1 mi
The Hill Climbs of Yamhill County
Gravel Rides
Panther Creek/High Heaven 25.1 mi
Railroad Grade/Putty Gulch 28.3 mi
CAUTIONS!
While many of the roads in Yamhill County are narrow, we have chosen those with lower traffic counts when possible. Sometimes, in order to create a loop, busier roads must be used.
Be extremely cautious on WESTSIDE ROAD at all times, due to heavy traffic volume, blind corners, truck usage, and virtually no shoulders. We rarely ride Westside except late in the evening or occasionally on weekends.
The bridge that connects THIRD STREET and downtown McMinnville to THREE MILE LANE is another area of concern. Narrow, high traffic volume. Be fast to cross it, be safe. THREE MILE LANE is pretty much a freeway in terms of speed, but has wide shoulders. We use it only to connect to other roads that are safer and quieter.
The DESCENTS on many of these rides are both technical and fast. You can’t simply let it go and fly through the corners at full speed. Shade and light will mix depending on the time of your ride, making it difficult to judge bumps and breaks in the pavement. Debris from trees and weather, as well as gravel, may litter the road. And you may be more surprised than the deer that steps into your path. Be careful out there.
Please ride SINGLE FILE on our roads when traffic approaches. Give drivers the courtesies you would expect them to give you. And for pity’s sake, if you have to stop, don’t stop in the middle of the road.