It was a really lovely ride today. Via the highway it was only about 30 miles between La Pine and Bend, but we made a 50 mile day out of it. We started out on really quiet roads coming out of La Pine. Rural residential for the most part. At 15 miles we headed due west on another really quiet road and got back in to National Forest pine forests as we cycled toward Mount Batchelor. A few mountain views as we went......
A fairly flat first 22 miles and then 10 miles of a really nice climb up towards Mount Batchelor - a ski area. For about 30 miles (15 to 45) it seemed that there were way more bikes than cars on the road. I just love it when we don't have any traffic issues to contend with! At about 30 miles we turned east again onto the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway. A spectacular road! Wide shoulder and smooth pavement. A nice grade up to the top and just a wonderful 10+ mile descent. In addition to all the bikes, most of the cars that we did encounter were carrying some combination of mountain bikes, kayaks & SUPs. Very great vibe!
Into Bend - our largest community in many weeks!
We actually had a pretty easy route in. I detoured to the funky Old Mill section of town and found a few of my comrades already settled in for lunch - Ann, Fiona and Mike.
I didn't stay long. A Calgary friend's sister, who lives in Bend, had offered to take me out kayaking on the river for the afternoon. Thank you, Billie and Joe - a perfect way to spend the day, and nice to catch up with you again.
Really a nice day. I think I'll need to make a return trip to Bend at some point in the future. Very outdoorsy and funky little city.
Stats for the day:
83 km / 51 miles from La Pine OR to Bend OR
2137 feet up
2815 feet down
Weather: Another stellar day. Started out about 11C and went up to about 30C by early afternoon. Bright sunshine. Beautiful!
Wonderful travelogue of Crater Lake, Sue! I have not been there since three high school friends and I camped out close to the rim - must have been July-August. In those days you could camp just about anywhere you could pull off the road. But I've never been to most of those great places you described - thanks for the intro.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you got to see Billie. She really enjoyed Sue-sitting!!
ReplyDeleteIt was so fun to have you. You always take me on great little adventures so glad I got to pay back!
ReplyDelete