The McKenzie Pass has to be one of the most spectacular road rides that I have ever done, even better than some of the mountain passes we have ridden in the Pyrenees in France.
22 miles of climbing, gaining approx. 3,500 ft / 1,070 mts, with the summit at 5,324 ft / 1,622 mts. This is the only road I have seen so far where cyclists are allowed to take up the whole lane.
We rolled out of Paradise Campground at about 8:30 am and climbed gradually for the first 10 miles or so. We got to enjoy the scenery as we rode through the forest until the real climbing began. The next 9 miles was a steady up hill between 6-8% gradient with switchback after switchback after switchback. I tried to stay on the middle chain ring as long as possible, my legs fighting to turn over then I just gave up and dropped down to my small front cog to spin my way up the pass.
The climb just seemed to go on and on and on, my legs burning and turning slower and slower the higher we ascended. We stopped for a quick break twice through this steeper section but were happy to keep on spinning just so we could get to the top quicker and end the agony sooner.
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| The easy lower section |
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| One of the places we stopped to rest |
Eventually the steep gradient subsided to a false flat and our legs got a bit of a rest before we had to keep climbing again. A group of road cyclists from Bend, Oregon out on a 2 day expedition were riding this scenic byway and they rolled along beside us on the false flat to have a chat then sped on by when the gradient kicked up again. Our load really does slow us down a lot on the inclines.
Soon the scenery changed from lush forest and tall pine trees to black lava rock fields. We stopped and walked out over the Belknap Crater which was pretty cool.
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| On top of Belknap Crater |
The last 3-4 miles to the summit was much easier and as we got closer to the summit the Three Sisters came into view still partly covered in snow. Bare, lifeless trees sprouted out of the lava rock in contrast to the mountains in the background. The views as we rode up to the summit was such an awesome reward and made the whole climb so worth it. As I was riding and enjoying the grand scenery I felt such immense happiness that we were actually doing this. This ride and this view is what this journey is all about.
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| Three Sisters and the lava fields |
At the summit we were greeted by the riding group from Bend who handed us cookies, chips, an apple and OJ from their support vehicle. A most welcome surprise and memorable moment. The people here in Oregon are so laid back and friendly.
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| We made it! |
The De Witt Observatory at the top of McKenzie is also pretty special. Made out of the lava rock, they have created windows through which you view each of the surrounding peaks - Mt Washington, Mt Jefferson, Mt Hood, Black Butte, North Sister and South Sister plus a couple others I can't remember now. The 360 degree view from here is spectacular.
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| De Witt Observatory |
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| Mt Washington and Mt Jefferson |
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| View from the observatory |
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| Black Butte thru the observatory window |
From the summit we coasted down for 15 miles to the cool little town of Sisters, rolling into camp at 1:45pm. The descent went way too fast for my liking.
All in all, this has been my favourite day of the ride so far.
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| Tiffany, Katie and Lexi at Three Creeks Brewery in Sisters |
CRANKING ODYSSEY STATS
Total Odyssey miles: 335
Overall Fastest Speed: Steve (39.9 miles per hour) Mandy (35.3 miles per hour)
Bonks: nil
Dog chases: 1
Dummy Spits: nil
Flats: Katie (1)
Wrong turns: 5
Beer of the day: Three Creeks Hoppily Ever After
Lesson of the day: Squatting to pee hurts your quads in the middle of a climb
No. of our luxury items that Katie has used: 3 (duct tape + rope + pliers)
No. of days with no shower: 1
Starting weight: Steve (90kg) Mandy (51.5kg)
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