Day 58 Prineville, OR to Mckenzie Bridge, OR

Yorktown, VA to McKenzie Bridge, OR, Completed 3,970 miles
Average 71 Miles/Day, Estimated Finish July 12, 2015

Biking Detail Prineville, OR to Mckenzie Bridge, OR

Day 58 Wednesday, June 8

Left Prineville at 6:15. Legs had an unexpected wake-up with a 2 mile 6% climb out of town on 126...not really reflected on the ACA elevation map. LOTS of morning traffic on 26 in both directions on two lane highway with very small shoulder. Must have been morning commute, but pretty nerve racking. Shoulder much wider after Redmond which was good because traffic still heavy on ride to Sisters. Was nice to get our first glimpse of the Cascades as we rose out of Prineville this AM. Three Sisters and Mt.Hood becoming more and more prominent as we headed west. Seeing the Cascades made me feel like we were almost home!! 

Got to town of Sisters and opted to take the main route over McKenzie Pass. Alternate route over Santium Pass has less elevation but 11 miles longer. So glad made decision to go over McKenzie. Road is restricted to smaller vehicles...no trucks or RVs to contend with. You share the traffic lane (no shoulder) but was not a problem. This pass is spectacular! Most beautiful ride of the trip for me. The snow-capped Three Sisters, Mt.Washington in the distance, the craters and lava fields at the top, and the lush green forests on both sides of the pass. Incredible biking. Road winds through the lava fields. 

Coming down was close to 20 miles of 15-35 MPH curves. Last big pass of the trip and the most beautiful...saved best for last. Only reason to use the alternate route over Santium would be if McKenzie pass is closed!!!!! Stayed at Horse Creek Lodge in McKenzie Bridge. Awesome fully equipped cabin and reasonable. Got there at 1:30 and had the afternoon to enjoy the beautiful setting.

First View of the three Sisters

Not much happening here

Improved road and shoulder between Redmond and Sisters

Good view of Mt Hood 200 miles North

Staring the climb from Sisters, into the pine forest

No trucks or huge RV's allowed, means nice riding

Water break time, no shoulders and no traffic

SAG lady and me enjoying the ride

I never seem to catch the white SUV, Margie signals to pick up the pace

Lava field near the top of the pass

Explanation for the lava flows 1500 years ago

One of the sisters with lava flow in front

Enjoying the view

Nicely jagged peak

Observatory on top made from lava rock

Last pass on Transamerica Trail, 5,325 ft

Margie and I celebrate at the top!

Quick ride down for 26 miles

Last view as we head down

Our cabin at Mckenzie Bridge