2021 Routes
Day 1: portland to la pine
There are a few things to note on Day 1. We will be heading through the mountains and into the high desert so temperatures may go from pleasantly cool to pretty hot. As always, we suggest layers, including a waterproof one. If you opt for OR 20 instead of OR 22, be aware that it is a tighter curved road with almost all blind apexes, so stay off the centerline.
A Taste of Oregon
If you have just crushed a bunch of miles to get here from out of state, this is a route worth considering. Following US 26 will take you up and over Mt. Hood before hitting the high desert. The drop into the Deschutes River Valley at Warm Springs is stunning, so make sure to hold your line as the views can be distracting. You’ll have endless open spaces the rest of the way to Bend before finishing through the Lave Fields before La Pine.
Backroads and Mountain Tops
For those of you who have taken US 26 a hundred times, this is a great option. Heading out of Portland through the farmland of the Willamette Valley will drop you in Silverton before hitting some twisties on your way to join up with OR 22. Cruise up and through the Cascade Range reaching the high mountain pass before descending into Sisters, a beautiful reminder of Oregon’s old west past. Then head past Bend and on to camp.
A bit Longer
If the last route looks tempting but isn’t quite enough saddle time for you then this is your route. This route will feature the beautiful scenery as above but dips further south to catch up with US 20 at Sweet Home. This is a more technical road than OR 22 with tighter curves. It also allows you to ride the McKenzie River loop for some added twisties before making your final descent into Sisters.
Day 2: La Pine to Condon
The most important thing to note on Day 2 is that the last 5 miles into camp is a gravel road. It is a very well-maintained gravel road, but a gravel road nonetheless, so take caution and DO NOT pass your fellow riders on this stretch. Also, the Antelope Fossil Hwy and Weiher Canyon Rd are very technical roads, so ride with caution and stay off the centerline.
MITCHELL Straight Away
If you are looking for a day filled with sightseeing and relaxation as well as a break from the really twisty stuff, this route may be your option. By taking a more direct path from one location to another, this route still has plenty of good roads and great scenery while allowing for more time for stops. Spend the morning exploring Bend and the afternoon taking in Mitchell and the Painted Hills.
mt. bachelor Route
Ever dream of waking up, having a cup of coffee, and then attacking some mountain curves? Well dreams do come true. Start the morning by leaving camp and immediately heading up and around Mt. Bachelor. Then cut through Bend on your way to the northern portion of OR 27 and head north to Prineville. Then hop on one of the prettiest stretches of US 26 and head to Mitchell and the Painted Hills before finally heading north towards camp.
Antelope Fossil Highway
This route is similar to Mitchell Route, however, it skips past Mitchell in order to take the Antelope Fossil Hwy. After reaching Prineville, this route takes US 26 in the opposite direction, to US 97 in order to catch OR 218, the Antelope Fossil Hwy. This is an incredibly well-engineered road filled with visible apexes, beautifully banked curves and almost no potholes to be seen, a truly amazing motorcycle road.
Day 3: Condon to Lyle
There is nothing but great motorcycle roads on Day 3, which means lots of curves and great scenery. Pay attention and look out for wildlife and local drivers who know these roads well and travel on them fast. Also, after crossing the bridge over the Columbia River out of Biggs Junction note that the Route 14 intersection is a couple of miles up the hill.
Quick and Easy
This route is exactly what the name says. The truth is, Condon and Lyle are not that far apart so this route is designed for those who are looking to spend a lot of time off their bike during the day. So if you are looking to spend a good part of the day at a swimming hole or checking out main streets in the towns along the way, this is the route for you.
Greatest Roads
The whole reason for heading out towards the Fossil area this year is because it is home to most of the best roads in Oregon! This route is designed to take advantage of that fact. Instead of heading straight towards Lyle, we are headed the opposite direction to make a loop of the area that hits a whole bunch of these greatest roads. Along the way you will also pass through the Umatilla National Forrest as well as Cottonwood Canyon State Park, a great place to stop and swim in the John Day River.
The Long Road Home
This route takes full advantage of the day by filling it with great curving roads and gorgeous scenery. Similar to the above route, this one extends the loop past Monument and up to Ukiah in order to ride the Blue Mountain Scenic Byway to Heppner, one of our favorite rides ever. From Ukiah you’ll climb directly up to the top of Blue Mountain before descending down the opposite side into a perfect valley straight out of a western. You can catch a swim at the Willow Creek Reservoir in Heppner and again in the John Day River at Cottonwood Canyon State Park on the way to Lyle.