Ride Director: Maria Nelson
Ride Co-Director: Doug Nelson
Report by: Twain Berg
Central Oregon lies in the precipitation shadow of the Cascade Range. It offers that wonderful combination of a relatively dry mild climate but is close to all the great year-round outdoor activities afforded by the nearby mountains. This is a land dominated by volcanism from the Cascade Peaks on the west side to the Newberry Caldera on the east side.
The ride title says a lot about our 12 days, but there was so much more than Bend. We had 4 different hubs with two or three days in Redmond, Bend, Sisters and Sun River. Each provided different routes and riding terrains. It meant that we did not have to pack up each day and move to new lodging. There were only 4 days of mandatory riding between hubs and many opportunities to walk, hike, and explore the towns. Along with the GPS routes, Maria provided us with a Central Oregon Road Biking Map and Guide that brought all the routes and locations into perspective.
With all the fires in Northern California and Oregon there was concern over smoke, but it was very moderate and mostly showed up later in the day after our cycling was concluded. We had one cold day and one drizzly day that occurred on optional riding days. So again, having several days in each location was perfect.
Cycling Highlights: Most felt the cycling highlight was our ride from Sisters up to McKenzie Pass on a very nice road with light traffic and great views of the Cascade peaks. Other great routes included our day from Sisters up to Mt. Bachelor in the Cascades and down to Sun River. Cycling in Smith Rock State Park and in the Newberry Caldera National Monument is fabulous. For those who missed it on the cold day...... you must go back. How about a ride to the source of the Metolius River where it emerges from underground at cliff as a crystal-clear roaring river! The list goes on. How about nearby hikes to numerous waterfalls or a visit to a fish hatchery.
Lodging Nightlights. We enjoyed two historic hotels, one with secrete rooms including a secret hidden Bar! Sun River was posh to say the least. Excellent food options each night.
Happy Hour Highlights: Great food and wines or beers to start. Each night Maria gave us important info on the route options for the next day including hikes. The Show and Tell night gave us new ideas for traveling on bike trips.
Which brings us to the Beer Highlights! There are about 16 breweries in Bend alone. The real highlight was an invitation to hold a Happy Hour at the home of Lisa and Tim, Maria's sister's home. Tim is a master home brewer of 30 plus years and has a complete high end home system. We enjoyed a half dozen or more of the best beers ever. Yes.... ever. We have Lisa to thank for introducing Maria to cycling!
Finally, the people. What a great group. Fun, kind, willing to share BAC experiences and able to handle any little thing that came along. Of course, a wonderful job by Maria and Doug. If offered again, don't miss your chance to do the Best of Bend {and beyond} Breweries and Bicycling. I hope to do it again.
Bicycle Adventure Club
PO BOX 23998 San Diego, CA 92193
Telephone (858) 715-9510 office@bicycleadventureclub.org