North Cascades National Park is inarguably one of the most beautiful places in the world. Why not bike it? This could be done as a 60 miles one-day trip, dropping off at Washington Pass and stopping at the Visitor’s Center. It could also be done as a 153 mile/3-day bike camping tour from Mazam to Bellingham. Either way, this ride would probably be the most amazing in September.
Planning Ahead: The Scenic Bikeways of Central Oregon
I think it would be super fun to stay in Sisters or Sunriver and enjoy some of the Scenic Bikeways of Central Oregon. The first on the list is McKenzie Pass, 38 miles one-way, which I think would be best enjoyed as the first ride of the adventure.
Sisters to Smith Rock might pose as a fun add on to a one-way McKenzie Pass ride, or a fun loop on it’s own right. Twin Bridges Loop is 36 miles total and makes for a perfect day trip. Madras Mountain Loop is also another perfect 29-mile day trip. Can’t go wrong!
There is also Crooked River Canyon, a 36-mile round trip scenic ride that would be fun as a day trip.
Planning Ahead: Willamette Valley Oregon Scenic Bikeway
I’m starting to plan my 2021 biking goals. I want to try my hand at a solo-week long bike camping tour….annnd maybe even two. A goal like this is ambitious and requires training. One of the rides I’m looking at is the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway. I already rode on every stretch of this bikeway, and many of them several times. However, my route always happened to be planned for other reasons, and I never paid specific attention to the Bikeway itself. I’d like to ride this bikeway, for the sake of the Bikeway in nothing else. I’m in the early stages of planning, but this might be a 2 or 3 night trip (134 or 174 miles, depending on route), and might involve me sleeping in a tent or in at BnB or motel. More planning to come.
Camping Spot Ideas:
Reach the Beach Washington
This looks like an awesome ride and an awesome route. Is it in my future? I LOVED RTB Oregon….
Washington Rides
Cascade Bicycle Club sent me a newsletter that listed major rides throughout the state. I was pretty proud to see I've already done a number of them! I circled the rides I did in red; a total of 15 of Washington States' quitensential bike events. I added up 4 more I'd really like to do, and highlighted a couple that look like viable options to do this year.
Upcoming rides?
New rides. Hm. What's next? What's in store? Next year? The years after that? What's the next big ride to train for? I have no idea. There is some talk about riding a National Park during car-free days with my friend, Heather. We don't have any definite plans yet.