Eagle Crest 2012

We've been a little busy lately with the new business. Bicycling has had to take a back seat. We're still riding, just not quite as often, nor quite as far when we do ride. We did get to go to Eagle Crest for a few days and got a couple rides in.

Eagle Crest to Sunriver, Thursday, 8/9/2012 Ride Distance: 84 miles   Elevation Gain: 4,586 feet   Average Moving Speed: 14.60 mph

One of our favorite rides is what I have dubbed the Cascade Lakes Super, which we did in 2010 and again last year. However, we knew with our lack of riding miles lately it would be too much to bite off. Thankfully, Amy's parents, our hosts at Eagle Crest, were willing to pick us up in Sunriver (bless their hearts!), allowing us to experience most of the scenery on the Super route without all of the grueling miles.

We have, without a doubt, lost some endurance over the last couple months. This wasn't even a century but it felt considerably tougher than one, particularly the last 20 miles or so. All the initial uphill miles and climbing up to Mt. Bachelor were not a problem. We're still fit. But endurance isn't the same as fitness. Had to stop an extra time or two on the back stretch just to, well, back stretch.

It was a hot day, and from past experience we knew to start early. But when you start early you arrive at Bachelor before the store opens. Been there done that. But we also knew from past experience that 7 water bottles between us would be sufficient to get us all the way to Sunriver. And so it went. We rode. We drank. We arrived. Exhausted but not parched.

Tumalo Loop + Bend OB, Saturday, 8/11/2012 Ride Distance: 42 miles   Elevation Gain: 2,103 feet   Average Moving Speed: 16.14 mph

The main reason I mention this ride here is because the one drawback to the route - crossing Highway 20 at Tumalo - has been dramatically improved. On this day, as opposed to two days prior, I noticed some new "scenic bikeway" signs. (You can read about this particular Oregon Scenic Bikeway or all of them.) As we rode through Tumalo the new sign indicated we should go right on 7th instead of going straight to the main intersection for crossing Highway 20. We did go right, and when we rolled up to Highway 20 we discovered a new bike/pedestrian crossing median. Very cool! It is still a high volume/high speed crossing, but now at least you only have to cross one direction of traffic at a time. Plus, since cars cannot cross nor go left onto the highway from 7th, you don't have to share the road with a stack of commuter cars turning left to go into Bend.

We thoroughly enjoy riding in Central Oregon. We really wanted to ride McKenzie Pass again, or for that matter the Bend/Prineville/Redmond loop, but will have to save those for another stay.

RIDE MAP IN GOOGLE EARTH: Eagle Crest to Sunriver: Red/Orange Tumalo Loop + Bend OB: Yellow/Orange

Maps showing all rides: 2012 • 2011 • 2010 • 2009 • All Rides