Cycle Oregon V

Sept. 13-19, 1992—Eugene to Medford

Day One: Eugene to Oakridge, 42 miles

The ride begins in Eugene, on the campus of the University of Oregon.  This is the birthplace of NIKE, one of our sponsors, so don’t forget to wear a swoosh on your shoes.  We cycle through Springfield and head out into the country for lunch at Lowell’s scenic North Shore Park.  In the afternoon, we ride by our first covered bridge, then head deep into the cool shadows of the Willamette National Forest and the timber town of Oakridge.

Day Two: Oakridge to McKenzie Bridge, 65 miles

From Oakridge, we pass through Westfir, a rustic mill town, then ride the spectacular Aufderheide Memorial Drive.  This scenic route follows the old roadbed for the trains that once hauled 50 million board feet of timber each year from the North Fork drainage.  The Drive, managed by the Oakridge, Blue River, and McKenzie Bridge ranger districts, winds by a wealth of hiking trails through 200-year-old trees, river-access campgrounds and covered bridges, and concludes with a breath-taking tour around Cougar Reservoir.  We camp tonight at the gateway to the McKenzie Pass Scenic Highway.

Day Three: McKenzie Bridge to Redmond, 62 miles

We head east and cycle over McKenzie Pass.  There’s a seven-mile climb on a narrow winding road through the Cascade mountains to a spectacular view from the Lava Bed Observatory, constructed of geologically recent lava flow.  The reward at the top is a panorama of eleven mountain peaks.  It’s downhill to Sisters, a small town with a distinctive western character.  Then we pedal on to Redmond, a high desert community where the cowboys have real dirt on their boots.  Tomorrow’s ride is easy, so stay up late and enjoy the party.  Remember to wear your cowboy hat.

Day Four: Redmond to LaPine, 55 miles

See why Central Oregon is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the country.  Join your 1,999 new friends as we ride through the scented sage and juniper flats that adorn this big sky scenery.  We ride the Old Redmond Highway and bypass the busy Mt. Bachelor ski town of Bend.  Tonight we camp in the lush green grass at LaPine High School.

Day Five: LaPine to Chemult, 66 miles

There are 50 lakes within a 50-mile radius of LaPine and we ride by many as we head west through the LaPine Recreation area and pedal quiet country roads by Crane Prairie and Wickiup reservoirs.  Crane Prairie, an outstanding fishing area, is also a breeding ground for osprey.  Watch for them as they dive for fish from more than a hundred feet above the water.  Turning back toward Highway 97, we cruise down to Chemult.  This friendly community is experienced at welcoming cyclists – this ranger station town served breakfast to Cycle Oregon II!

Day Six: Chemult to Prospect, 68 or 78 miles

(Add 10 miles for optional climb to Crater Lake.)  The climb to Crater Lake is long – about 9 miles.  But we return to this national park by popular demand.  Riders on Cycle Oregon II insist this is the single best day of bicycling in the West.  Cyclists not up for the climb, or the few extra miles, instead may meander a backroad through the Umpqua National Forest and proceed directly into camp in the logging community of Prospect.

Day Seven: Prospect to Medford, 50 miles

Southern Oregon is a cyclist’s paradise.  Today we ride through rolling hills to the Lost Creek Reservoir.  We have lunch at Shady Cove, just upstream from the renowned Rogue River.  Backroads bring us to the finish line in Medford, which promises a welcome that will make Cycle Oregon V the most memorable tour yet!