The View From The End Of The Highest Paved Road In Oregon ...

... does not disappoint.

I burned some of my PTO accrued from the last year on a road trip to the state's crown jewel, Crater Lake National Park, late last month for some overdue rest and relaxation.

While the road that runs along the rim of the lake is only 32-ish miles, its rollercoaster-like elevation profile presents a formidable challenge — and serves up some stunning views.

At the southeastern corner of the park is a spur that branches off the primary road and winds its way to the Cloudcap Overlook (~7800 feet), where I paused for a moment to document this stunning scene.

The climb wasn't easy, but it was 100% worth it! You can read more — much, much more — about my route at BikeTiresDirect.

xoxo

No Sleep Till Pacific City!

With spring nearly upon us, one of my favorite events, Reach The Beach, looms on the horizon.

On Saturday, May 18, I’ll be pedaling my trusty steed from Portland (well, ok, Beaverton) to Pacific City, a popular getaway on the Oregon coast.

Organized by the American Lung Association, the single-day, 104-mile ride snakes south through wine country and a series of sleepy towns before emerging on the far side of the Siuslaw National Forest.

A staple of Oregon’s cycling calendar, the annual event is capped at 2800 riders, each of whom are asked to raise a minimum of $150, with proceeds earmarked for clean air initiatives and advocacy efforts.

This will be my third year participating and I'm dedicating it to my paternal grandfather, Donald, who passed in 1986 from throat cancer.

Between 2017 and 2018, I helped raised more than $4,000, a figure I hope to top this year (that’s your cue to throw heaps of cash at my profile page).

To help increase the size of my charitable footprint, I’ve roped friends, both old and new, into joining me and naturally, I’m excited to see how we do as a squad.

To learn more about why I’m passionate about this cause, click through to the following interview I conducted last year with the ride’s orgs and social media team.

Embedded below: Video of me going under the inflatable finish arch in 2018 and photos snapped from my handlebars the year prior.

Looping Oregon's Only National Park On A Road Bike Is Hella Fun

The route at Crater Lake isn't particularly challenging but it doesn't come free: there's roughly 4,000 feet of climbing spread across the route's 33 miles! More snaps at my Facebook ...