I mustered up the courage to brave the downpour in Portland and headed east to explore the newly minted and highly rated Sandy Ridge trail network.
Just 40 minutes outside of the city Sandy Ridge is where it's at. I only got to ride a few of the major loops, but it was more than enough to get an idea of how incredible the trails were. The locals and the IMBA did a great job.
I got there early in the afternoon but only had a couple hours to explore. I ran into a couple of groups just finishing up their rides as I began mine. The long ride up the road only took a half hour before dropping into some bermed corners, technical rock sections and flowing single track all the way to the bottom.
I had so much fun, but I wished I left earlier in the day and that if wasn't raining. Next time for sure.