June 16, 2025
Day 6 McKenzie Bridge to Sisters
They’re all sisters
The USFS campground was quiet, dark and peaceful. Perfect sleeping conditions. After awakening we loaded up and road back to the Obsidian Grill for breakfast. I’m glad I added the avocado to my breakfast croissant as I was going to need it. The scenic McKenzie pass byway is closed during the winter. It officially opened this morning. Not that bikes haven’t been riding it since May, but the Oregon DOT frowns on that.
Five miles up (and it is up) we turned off the main highway and really started climbing. The narrow road was vacant. Only one other cyclist and an occasional car every 5 to 10 minutes. After 7 miles the road ramps up but never more than 10%. But after 12 more miles I wouldn’t want it any steeper. Finally we topped off, the first time. This is volcano country. So we dropped down and back up a few calderas. After a few more pitches up we were in the Belknap Crater surrounded by lava fields. Eventually snow capped peaks or more accurately dormant volcanoes popped above the horizon. The North, Middle and South Sisters lay to the south. Literally they are all sisters. Hidden behind the Sisters was The Husband and Mt Bachelor. Mt Washington was to the north. By now more cyclists, riding up from Sisters, and more car traffic appeared. Everyone was simply enjoying a leisurely ride.
It took us over three hard hours to climb up to the summit at 5325’. But it was pure joy winding through the ferns, alders, hemlocks and firs.
The ride down was a cruise. We met Dan the Writer at the summit. He’s written books on cycling through Oregon. He gave us a few pointers and said the ride into Sisters was worth the effort. 10+ miles of fresh tarmac. Only 1 car. All down hill. Now on the east slopes we were soon riding through Ponderosa Pine forest. Oh to be on an unloaded road bike and really send it. I’m guessing we hit the city limits in 35 minutes.
We navigated the tourist and rodeo traffic and found our motel. Perfect! After a bit of a rest and shower we walked our fatigued legs into town and found The Barn, a local brew house with an outdoor courtyard hosting several food trucks. The pizza was excellent.
We are whooped but grateful. We are taking a rest day in Sisters tomorrow. Besides the rest, we have some chores to attend to; laundry, bike shop, misc shopping.
but for now, the bed fills so comfortable…
Today's ride: 42 miles (68 km)
Total: 325 miles (523 km)
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1 month ago