Over the summer, Garrett Murphy of the Move with Murph YouTube channel rode the rugged Oregon Timber Trail on a rigid bike with drop bars, participating in the annual grand depart. He shot and edited an hour-long video capturing the unforgettable experience. Watch it and find a brief reflection from Garrett here…

Words, photos, and video by Garrett Murphy

In the summer of 2024, I decided to ride the entirety of the very rugged, remote, and challenging Oregon Timber Trail. Because I firmly believe in the phrase “the best bike is the bike you have,” I rode the primarily singletrack mountain bike trail on a fully rigid bike with drop bars. Best case scenario, I could tell this would exceed my understanding of challenge. The more I read about the trail, the more I realized I was quite underbiked. I couldn’t find any information out there about anyone else successfully riding rigid. Frankly, I was quite scared and almost backed out multiple times. But when I found out the grand depart for the Oregon Timber Trail race would let me register in the “touring” category—a non-competitive, party pace—I was fully committed.

Oregon Timber Trail 700
  • Oregon Timber Trail 700
  • Oregon Timber Trail 700

At my first-ever grand depart, lining up next to 20 other cyclists, all on extremely light hardtail mountain bikes, I felt pretty overwhelmed. As you might have heard, last year was not an easy year to ride the OTT. With over half the riders who started that day scratching, the extreme heat and the forest fires made it a real challenge. Somehow, I managed to make my way up to Hood River. What I didn’t expect was to be immersed in a race culture that was encouraging, humble, friendly, and downright inspirational. It’s hard to deny how lucky I was to be part of such a special group.

  • Oregon Timber Trail 700
  • Oregon Timber Trail 700

For a while, I was a bit confused about the difference between bike touring and bikepacking, but I think I’ve finally figured out the distinction. Typically, while touring, I am not sleep-deprived or hungry. I rarely lose track of my path forward. I can pack whatever I want. I am never more than a day’s ride away from salvation. But in my short time on the OTT, I experienced all of those things multiple times.

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