This route features roads that are not often explored on brevets.
It first heads north over the Columbia River and visits the Maryhill Stonehenge Memorial for an information control. Look to the southwest for great views of Mt. Hood!
Back over the bridge at Biggs Junction at mile 25 you will find your LAST opportunity for water until Mile 46. Riders are STRONGLY encouraged to fill all three water bottles at this location, as there is a lot of climbing in those intervening 21 miles. On a hot day, you will go through that water quickly.
The climb up Fulton Canyon Road is long, but well graded. And nearly devoid of cars! Along the way you'll be treated to fantastic scenery.
Climbing Fulton Canyon Rd. |
The old church at Locust Grove |
Junction of Fulton Canyon & Van Gilder |
Moro. |
After some amazing views of the Mt. Hood and Mt Jefferson, the roads drops down an incredibly twisty, seriously fun canyon road, through Buck Hollow and down to the Deschutes River at Sherar's Bridge.
Mt Hood |
The Deschutes River near Sherar's Bridge |
Once you summit Tygh Ridge at mile 97, pat yourself on the back. You've done nearly all of the climbing there is to be done! Most of the rest of the ride is downhill, with just 600 feet left to do over the remaining 29 miles.
A rippin' descent on Dufur Gap Rd will take you to an info control (keep an eye on your odometer and don't miss it!) and then on into Dufur. Kramer's Market will be a welcome refuge on a hot day with lots of tasty options for food and drink.
Ask not what Dufur can do fer you. Ask what you can do fer Dufur. |
If you travel to The Dalles and need a place to stay before or after the ride, Cousins is always a great option,with a convenient Denny's a short walk away for an early a.m. breakfast.
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Again, due to the likelihood of high heat, the distance between controls, and the exposure to sun (ie. lack of shade) on many of the roads you will be traversing, you are strongly encouraged to carry three water bottles.
Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3882435
Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3882435