Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder 5-Day

On this gravel adventure you’ll find roads less traveled, mounting challenges and smack in the middle of it all a singular experience.

The point-to-point format of Oregon Trail takes you deep into the wild west of the Cascades and nightly bike camp culture gives you the luxuries and camaraderie needed to keep you pedaling strong each day.

Day One

Big challenges and big scenery

There is no easy start for the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder with Day One boasting 76 miles and 6800 feet of climbing for the pioneers and not far behind are the settlers at 66.4 miles and 4606 feet of climbing. Once again the Santiam Wagon Road is sure to dish out pain and suffering with soft sand and volcanic pumice greeting riders at the top of Santiam Pass. This soul sucking trudge will test riders physically and mentally. Once riders crest the Cascade Mountain Range the roads quickly turn from hell to heaven as the westside moisture and road composition makes for buttery smooth and solid riding conditions. Some of the best gravel to be found anywhere!

Day Two

Tour the Willamette National Forest

This route winds along crystal clear streams, through dense green forest, past old growth trees laden with moss and a canopy of ferns. Riders will come around corners and be faced with stunning mountain views and forests as far as the eye can see. Day Two’s camping is located on the banks of the Willamette River. Soak in crystal clear water fresh from the Cascades to ease the stress in your legs.

Day Three

OTGG Queen Stage

This is the day you test yourself and push your limits. Both the Pioneer and Settler will start with a 20+ mile climb from the community of Oakridge up into the high reaches of the Cascade Mountain Range. Alpine lakes and expansive views like no other will tease and challenge you to keep your eyes on the road. As riders cross back over the Cascade Mountains on the historic Oregon Military Wagon Road. You may recall old-timer tales of loose sand but you will be greeted with a super fun double track that rolls past hundreds of alpine lakes. Be warned you have over 9,000 feet of climbing on this day!

Day Four

A day to regroup

A revamped course for 2021 features super fun roads with amazing views. At only 2,000 feet of elevation gain this is also the flattest of the 5-days. The course features panoramic vistas of Davis Lake, Wickiup Reservoir and the surrounding snow-capped mountain peaks. Riders will roll through large stands of massive ponderosa pines and open forests. A good opportunity to ease back before the final day.

Day Five

The climax

Be sure to leave plenty in the tank to reach the final destination of Sisters, Oregon. With a lot more pavement on this day do not be lulled into the false hope of an easy ride. The legendary 370 Road is lurking at mile 40. This challenging gravel road takes riders to the highest elevation of the 5-day adventure at nearly 7000 feet above sea level. The mountains are so close you can nearly reach out and touch them. The finish in 2021 will be at the beautiful Three Creeks Lake.

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