This is a reprise of a previous edition (except for a different start/finish location). IIRC, the route they used in 2007. I did it that year. (Have done a total of four.) It's a beautiful route, but also hard.


Bring foul weather/cold weather gear and clothing. It was below freezing when we woke up in La Pine. It was also campfire cold at the top of Aufderheid. (Lunch was at a U.S.F.S. campground with a nice fire going.) And at that time of year it can do anything at McKenzie Pass and around Crater Lake. On the flip side, it ended up being pretty darn hot by the end of the day from La Pine to Diamond Lake.


If you feel you need somewhat of a rest, ride up to Crater Lake and ride back down without doing the Rim Road. There are sections which are usually in somewhat bad shape (ridden around twice during CO), and the views of the lake are not constant. The year I did this route they had a baked potato bar lunch at the point where you hit the Rim Road, and there is a nice view of the lake there.


Be extremely careful on the steep descent on the day to Dorena Lake. There were several crashes. One woman in front of me went off the road, bowled over a volunteer who was in a chair holding a caution sign and did a header into his car. Fortunately for her, the hatchback was open and filled with soft sided luggage because she hit face first. Probably the scariest crash I have ever seen. She's lucky that she walked away with only a shiner.


Dorena Lake is just outside the town of Cottage Grove. Hopefully they will again have a shuttle (actually a public bus) to take you into town. If you are a movie fan, Cottage Grove was the filming location of the homecoming parade scenes of National Lampoon's "Animal House." When I was there, there was still a restaurant sign that you can see every so briefly in the film. That night they showed the film in camp.


Aufdeheide out of Oakridge is a pure delight--until the climb, which gets pretty steep as you approach the top. Take you time on this one (stop for a photo op at Cougar) because if they camp in the same place (which I suspect they will), there is nothing to do in Rainbow once you get there.


You will do McKenzie the harder way in terms of climbing effort, but you will avoid having to descend the switchbacks. When we went the other way in '02, several people ended up in the woods despite warning to go slowly. West to east also allows you to enjoy this part, which is more scenic than the east slope, as you climb. Stop on the way up at the plaque in memoriam of the mailman who died in a storm while trying to cross the pass.


In terms of practicalities, don't be surprised if you have to stand in line for meals and wait for showers. Lines for breakfast start forming at least 10 to 15 min. before breakfast is served. I would try to shower and eat at off hours. The earlier you finish the better. You can avoid some lines and get the best choice of places to pitch your tent. Bring ear plugs if you are a light sleeper. You may end up next to a loud snorer. Also, despite being asked not to, people invariably let the pota pottie doors slam in the middle of the night. Camp as far away from porta potties as you can. You have been warned. Try to be organized the night before. It makes packing up the next morning quicker. I put what I plan to wear the next day in my seeping bag with me so it's right there. No need to rummage around in my bag for something.


Ride defensively. There will be times when you are in crowds, and you will have people of varying skills and fitness levels doing the event.


I have noticed that people tend to get a bit grumpy in the final days when the route is difficult. 2002 was the worst. We crossed the entire state--from the border with Idaho to the coast at Florence--in six days with one rest days in Sisters. With the long (114) mileage option on day 3, I think I averaged something like 90 miles/day, and most days were hot and hilly. (Everyone had to do a century going to the rest day in Sisters.) Definitely some grumpiness during the last two days.