Hi!
Damjana and I liked our 2008 roadtrip through W USA so much we decided to do a repeat this year.
This time we're taking a different route though.The plan is to go from San Francisco through lake Tahoe (again, but it's got lots of trails and is on the way), more or less straight through Nevada on I-80, go through north Utah past Salt Lake City and check out the Wasatch mountains while we're there and then go more or less straight to Yellowstone NP, probably through Wyoming.The plan from there on is to cross Idaho (maybe do a short stop in Montana if there's good stuff to ride somewhere near the border) east to west, continue through Oregon on U.S. 20 to Bend and then head south on U.S. 97 towards California and go to Lassen NP on the way back to San Francisco.
So, my question on this forum is obviously about riding in the Oregon part of the trip.We heard about good riding around Bend, but it there's anywhere worth stopping on the way, do tell.
As far as our preferences go, we like rolling singletrack and technical stuff, too.Elevation is not a problem, as isn't an elevation gain in the range of 3000-5000 ft.
Key question: what time of the year are you planning this trip? What's the timeline?
Bend is great, but Oakridge has potentially more elevation because the valleys are so much lower on the west side of the Cascades.
I wouldn't bother with Montana, not that there isn't great riding and the amazing Glacier NP, but don't forsake Idaho. Sun Valley/Ketchum has some awesome riding and so does the Stanley basin.
But if you're planning this trip for this year, you'd better hurry . . .
problematiks said:
Hi!
Damjana and I liked our 2008 roadtrip through W USA so much we decided to do a repeat this year.
This time we're taking a different route though.The plan is to go from San Francisco through lake Tahoe (again, but it's got lots of trails and is on the way), more or less straight through Nevada on I-80, go through north Utah past Salt Lake City and check out the Wasatch mountains while we're there and then go more or less straight to Yellowstone NP, probably through Wyoming.The plan from there on is to cross Idaho (maybe do a short stop in Montana if there's good stuff to ride somewhere near the border) east to west, continue through Oregon on U.S. 20 to Bend and then head south on U.S. 97 towards California and go to Lassen NP on the way back to San Francisco.
So, my question on this forum is obviously about riding in the Oregon part of the trip.We heard about good riding around Bend, but it there's anywhere worth stopping on the way, do tell.
As far as our preferences go, we like rolling singletrack and technical stuff, too.Elevation is not a problem, as isn't an elevation gain in the range of 3000-5000 ft.
Yup, that's another thing that crossed our minds.We're coming to SF this friday (18th) and returning on october 6th.The roadtrip will take place from a couple of days after our arrival up to a few days before take off.
We do realize it can probably get cold up north, but have no idea about the weather patterns for this part of the year.How probable is it to get rained (or even snowed) on this time of year?
While in Oregon you might also consider the McKenzie River trail, Waldo Lake and the Newberry Caldera. I would put an emphasis on the McKenzie River, contact cogwild.com, they do a great shuttle service.
Yup, that's another thing that crossed our minds.We're coming to SF this friday (18th) and returning on october 6th.The roadtrip will take place from a couple of days after our arrival up to a few days before take off.
We do realize it can probably get cold up north, but have no idea about the weather patterns for this part of the year.How probable is it to get rained (or even snowed) on this time of year?
You should be fine weather-wise. You might get some precipitation but it won't be enough to stop you. A little moisture actually makes central OR trails pack down nicely, and late September/early October is the ideal time to ride in Bend, IMO. Just pack a light windbreaker.
The higher elevation trails above Bend will still be rideable. I'd suggest anything from Swampy Lakes on up. If you have only one vehicle, perhaps park at Skyliner Sno-Park and climb North Fork > Metolius/Windigo > Flagline > South Fork.
Dude you're going to have an awesome trip! How many days of riding are you looking for? Things that would be on my short list:
High elevation loop bend riding that Nat mentioned. Beautiful high alpine trails, some lava rock, little bit dusty but not bad. Great views of the cascade peaks. No shuttle needed.
McKenzie River, top trailhead is ~ 1 hour from Bend. 25+ miles, trail starts up in techy lava and desert area and flows down towards the Willamette valley. Gets much more flowy and into old growth. Views of waterfalls and the river. You'll want to organize or pay for a shuttle.
Waldo Lake- 25ish mile loop around one of the purest lakes in the world. No sustained climbing but lots of short ups and downs, some tech, that will wear you out. If you want a bigger day, add on the Twins trail on the east side of the lake. No shuttle! and its between Oakridge and Bend.
Oakridge- Tons of options but the classic is Alpine Trail. I would do Alpine --> Tire Mt Trail --> Cloverpatch Bute, or do Alpine --> Tire Mtn --> Winberry Divide --> North Shore Tie. Totally different scenery than the above rides, on the other side of the Cascade mountain range, awesome views and forest singletrack that'll fuel your dreams for a while. If you are riding lots of days in a row you will want to shuttle out the gravel road climb (~4000 feet) and you'll still gain about 2000 feet on the way down if you do either of the longer options. Get ahold of Randy and Oregon Adventures if you want to shuttle.
That's the plan :thumbsup:
It's not going to ba a cycling only trip, so we're looking at about a week of riding all in all.The rest will be taken up by checking out tha national parks and just generally enjoying life
Thanks for all the suggestions, btw.The more information we get the better.If someone wants to volunteer as a guide, we wont say no either
Marko
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