Road Rides
"I've never ridden a more welcoming and friendly bike event. The route, scenery, support, food - everything is top tier!"
- Sam Stuckey, Molalla OR
WARNING: You may encounter friendly locals, birds of prey, bighorn sheep, wide open roads, wild flowers, water features, cattle guards, and cows and their droppings. Welcome to Lake County.
The Road Bike routes (3 different routes) for the Tour De Outback 2024 will no doubt be rides to remember. All rides, including the gravel ride, will start in the quintessential ranching community of Adel Oregon, (population 106, elevation 4548 ft). Adel is located just east of Lakeview, Oregon.
Short Route
Medium Route
Long Route
For those of you that experienced the Medium and Long Road Bike Routes last year, you will find this route somewhat familiar. In a backwards kind of way. We are flipping the route so that you may see how different it is riding the route backwards. Cyclists who chose the medium or long route will head west towards Lakeview climbing out of Adel in the high desert plateau eventually dropping down to the “Plush Cutoff” road. We wanted to reward you before the climbing got crazy with an up-close view of Deep Creek Falls just 2 ¾ miles out of Adel. Stop and enjoy.
For the first 15 miles you will climb 1320 ft to the highest point at an elevation of 5877 ft. Your second reward of the day will be a 16+ mile downhill into the small town of Plush (population 95), the home of Oregon’s state gemstone, the Oregon Sunstone. Once in Plush, where you will resupply at the rest stop, you will make a decision on the distance you feel like riding as you will have the option to head back to Adel or continue under the towering rim of Hart Mountain for the long route. This route includes a portion of the Oregon Outback Scenic Bikeway.
If you choose the long route, you will wind through ranching properties as well as pedaling alongside the Warner Wetlands. All the while watching the 8000+ ft Hart Mountain rise in front of you.
If you decide to head back to Adel on the medium route, you will be treated to several lakes at the base of Fish Creek Rim.
Should the short route be your desire, know that it will not disappoint. You will break away at the start from the medium and long route riders and head straight towards Plush, having Hart Mtn keep you company the entire time. You can enjoy the rest stop fully until you are ready to head back to Adel the same way you came. We would suggest adding a few miles onto your trip, however, by heading west towards the falls on hwy 140 and then turning back to Adel.
Each participant must wear a helmet that meets CPSC requirements.
Will there be a lot of traffic on these roads? In a word - no. These roads are more like a long bike path without vehicles.
Aid Stations along the routes will be manned by Lake County Search & Rescue units.
Each participant must wear a helmet that meets CPSC requirements.
