riding spots close to Eugene?

marina c · Thu Jun 26, 08 6:28 am **riding spots close to Eugene?**

hey nw crew,
reconnected with an old friend who now lives in Eugene and wanted some extra motivation to go visit:-) Are there any good close riding spots to Eugene? thanks for any help you guys can give me! Was thinking of going in August.....

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

Try fern ridge, its about 4 miles West of eugene. I've been there a few times over the winter, here are some pics:
http://www.nwkite.com/forums/t-7174.html&highlight=fern+ridge
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fern_Ridge_Reservoir

Water is much cleaner and warmer in the summer because it is a resevoir

Winds are usually thermal and set up in the late afternoon/early evening, almost always form the north.
http://www.tritonyachtclub.org/fernridge.htm

Best place to launch this time of year is probably the point on the south end of the lake
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=fern+ridge&sll=45.52699,-122.80061&sspn=0.157783,0.301781&ie=UTF8&ll=44.102379,-123.269005&spn=0.16173,0.301781&t=h&z=12

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1216 Posts Portland BRACKISH

I'd not miss Florence if the coast is blowing... only a 1-1/2 hr and on that bike you could shorten that signficantly! I would barely call Fernridge aka the "ditch" a kite destination but you could probably claim a "session". It could also be real hot and possibly shut down... alt activities:
-climb Spenser's Butte
-goto Wildwood Falls
-hang out on 13th
-Alton Baker Park on the Willamette for some river boarding and PBR slammin'

marina c · Thu Jun 26, 08 7:43 am

thanks guys!

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

He's right, though fern ridge is close, you're better off going somewhere else if you can find wind. I've only ever kited on fern ridge when there was no good wind anywhere else.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

the ditch is doable on southerlies as well as westerlies
northers are pretty gusty

further east is Lookout Point reservior
warm water and light wind most afternoons
up by Oakridge is Hills Creek reservior

but the Euganites are mostly down here in Flo

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

you'd better pay if you are going to use Forest Circus facilities
parking, the toilet or anything else
and don't speed on the way out there or drive on the beach
parking on the jetties is free
thanks to one local surfer and the Surfrider Foundation support

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

he's from eugene his name escapes me (perhaps Cory?)
but a very cool guy
Last time I saw him last year he said he was getting some kites

trigger · Since 06 Apr 2008 37 Posts

I just moved to Eugene 4 days ago. I'll go check that place out Cool

mantisman · Since 12 Jan 2008 4 Posts eugene,OR New Member

I also live in eugene and kite the ditch(fern ridge) all the time. Its not the most consistent of places to ride, but if u know the spots to ride and wind conditions, its great! I've rode the past 3 days there and it was epic! 20 to 25 wind and warm water make for some great riding! Launches and landings r tricky but possible. I've only seen a few kiters out there so usually u have the whole lake to yourself! PM me for more info. I ride out there all the time with varying degrees of success. I dont always have time to go to florence so the ditch works well in a pinch! Lookout reservoir is good for lightwind riding too sometimes. Also fall creek reservoir can be good on the west side of the lake. Florence is always good and well worth the drive. I've heard odell lake is good in the summer also but I have yet to try it! Good luck!

DROCK999 · Since 31 May 2007 852 Posts Left Coast Opinionated

Hey mantisman have you ever gone out at Dexter Lake, seems like there would be a good launch there.

registered · Since 12 Jul 2005 1319 Posts tsunami Sandbagger

dexter is good on west winds and is full year round. and cold.

manatis man dan is the local lake riding guru... he is your best bet for the local inland info.