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than just about scenic bikeways, though –
way more.
The Cascades Lakes Highway is but one
of a myriad of road bike routes scattered
throughout Central Oregon. Riders should
consult the various bike shops and
websites to determine favored rides.
Deschutes County’s website includes maps
and information on more than two-dozen
popular bike routes in the area.
Road biking can be risky for families
with young children, but other alternatives
are available. Both the Eagle Crest and
Sunriver resorts have miles of safe, paved
bike trails open to the public. Black Butte
Ranch – a resort near Sisters – also has a
network of scenic trails, although only
usable by guests.
Stumps and bumps
Depending on where you are in Central
Oregon, world-class mountain biking can
Popular places to pedal
M
ove over Moab. There’s a new kid on
the block, and she’s about more
than just mountain biking. Central
Oregon has become a premier destination
for all forms of cycling.
Road cycling
Central Oregon boasts four designated
state scenic bikeways. The first – the 36-
mile Twin Bridges Loop – begins and ends
in Bend’s Drake Park, and offers cyclists an
intermediate-level ride on rolling terrain.
One of the most popular rides close to
Bend, the rider is treated to panoramic
vistas, mountain views, and quiet, rural
roads.
The other three are centered around
Sisters, and include the family-friendly
Metolius River Loops – starting from nearby
Camp Sherman and travelling along the
scenic Metolius River – and the Sisters to
Smith Rock route. This 35-mile route takes
riders past a variety of historical sites,
shows the gentle curves of the Deschutes
River and frames spectacular views of the
Cascade Mountains, ending with the
dramatic walls of Smith Rock State Park.
Riders can extend the ride to 50 miles by
taking the O’Neil Highway into Prineville.
The McKenzie Pass scenic bikeway
begins in Sisters. Cyclists follow Oregon
Route 242, which began as a 1860s-era
wagon road over the Cascades. After a
strenuous 2,000-foot ascent through
ponderosa pine forests and a scenic lava
flow, cyclists are rewarded by a 25-mile,
4,000-foot descent through lush Cascadian
forests. It’s this variety of environments that
makes this route exceptional.
Due to snow it’s usually closed to traffic
by about November, but come spring, the
McKenzie Pass bikeway offers a cycling
experience like no other.
Road biking in Central Oregon is more
PRINEVILLE
PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH
1771 NW Madras Hwy. ~ 541-447-1017
“Welcome to our church family”
10 a.m. Tue. . . . . . . . . . Craft Group
10 a.m. Sun. . . . . . . . . . . . . Worship
10-11:30 a.m. Thur.. . . . Bible Study
• MARKET & DELI •
Cold Beer • Snacks & Sodas
Fountain Drinks • Hot Deli
Fishing Supplies • Lottery
541-416-0233
896 S Main St. • Prineville
Corner of Lynn Blvd. and Main St.
1195 SE Kemper Way • Madras
541-475-4253
• Recreation Swim
• Lap Swim
• Water Aerobics
• Swim Lessons
• Parties
• Swim Team
26 • THINGS TO DO 2013
