July 11-14, 2022

A redo of our 2013 ride only starting in Sisters rather than Oakridge. Eight riders and two in our support crew. Riders: Deb & Dave Wirrick, Ken Wallis, Mark Peterson, Terri Iverson, Betsy MacInnes, Werner Krampl, & Rollie Herman. In support: Judi Richardson & Karen Herman.

View right outside of Sisters

Day 1, McKenzie Pass the easy way
McKenzie Pass the easy way
Yes, 4 days of scenic riding!
If this only kept the Backroads riders quiet

After descending towards Rainbow we stopped on the McKenzie River for a “refreshing” dip. Then in to Harbick’s to relax and recharge.

Our second day was Rainbow to Oakridge and the weather was toasty. No swimming today but we did have headwinds at the finish.

Butterflies were everywhere
Started the day crossing the Belknap Bridge
Then treated to a wall of Sweet Pea flowers

But then it was climbing with plenty of tree cover all the way to Box Canyon Horse Camp for lunch. Then a long descent to Westfir and finally Oakridge.

Day 3 saw us retrace our route back to Rainbow. The long descent of the previous day became an all-morning ascent back to Box Canyon for lunch.

Our second covered bridge, The Office Bridge in Westfir

There was some concern from some of the riders about wildlife. Specifically bears and cougars. This proves that cougars (cats) and deer can peacefully coexist.

The end of the road for this trailer
The site of a cookie break, yum!
Big trees and blue skies
Big bumps

After Box Canyon the new roads returned for a speedy descent to the Terwilliger Hot Springs. Deb, Dave & I made it all the way to the pools after some serious hike-a-bike. The pools were too hot to be refreshing.

Day 4 was the Queen Stage, back to the top of McKenzie Pass- the hard way. Close to 4 hours of climbing.