Day 1 – Saturday, July 16

“Gold and Silver” (Mileage options: 28/43/77)

From the gold atop the State Capitol to the splendid city of Silverton, today’s route is a tour of Oregon treasures. The route zigzags east through orchards, berry farms and wheat fields, crossing a 1913 covered bridge before rolling into authentically quaint Silverton and the magnificent Oregon Garden. From here the long route rises and falls dramatically, with 3,000 feet of ascents as it loops through Silver Falls State Park and back to Silverton, ending with a thrilling 7-mile downhill to rejoin the short route. The way back to Salem features lush, curving rollers – quintessential country roads that remind you of the agricultural bounty Oregon enjoys.