An extreme gravel-grinder out of Prineville and into the Ochoco Mountains
Ochoco Gravel Roubaix
Good Bike Co. LLC,
Ride Ambassador
Length 119 Miles
Difficulty
Extreme i
You might encounter deer, elk, cows, sheep or cowboys on this incredible grinder of a route, but you can count on pedaling 119 miles with just under 9,000 feet of elevation gain.
Each August this Central Oregon route becomes a race event known as “The toughest gravel event in Oregon,” but you might choose to travel it at your own pace – and maybe as an overnighter.
From the Crooked River Park, head north into farm and rangelands as you leave Prineville, and then swing higher on pavement into the Ochoco National Forest and on up into Harvey’s Gap. By the time you reach McKay Creek Saddle, you’ll have made a 3,000-foot gain, overlooking meadows and cruising through the open forests of sweet-smelling ponderosa pine – and you’ll have found gravel.
At the saddle, you overlook Mill Creek Wilderness and the creek that gives it its name, as well as the two rock spires of Twin Pillars and other rock formations. You might note blackened areas where forest fires raged in 2000. Walton Lake and Big Summit Prairie boast wildflowers in late May and early June, and scenic vistas year-round. Watch for large birds of prey, including turkey vultures, and herds of wild horses.
From Round Mountain and Lookout Saddle, it’s downhill to Ochoco Forest Camp, where you’ll head back into Prineville.
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In Oregon, a bicycle is legally considered a vehicle, and the same Oregon road laws apply. Please “be seen” and practice safe riding. Vehicle traffic, farm equipment and narrow shoulders exist on many Oregon roads, and you may find that construction projects, traffic or other events may cause road conditions or signage to differ from the map results, ride descriptions and directions. For travel options plus weather and road conditions, visit tripcheck.com, call 511 (in Oregon only), 800.977.6368 or 503.588.2941. Routes listed on this website are for informational purposes and intended as a reference guide only.
About The
Ambassador
Good Bike Co. LLC
Good Bike Co. LLC is an independent bicycle shop in Prineville, Oregon, now known as the best little bike town that no one has ever heard of. Join us in the most bike-friendly state for a tour of our beautiful Scenic Bikeways, our rugged gravel rides, or our world-class single-track. Please stop by our shop and saddle up to our bar to share a story, sip a cold local craft beer, discuss building your next custom bike, tell tall tales of big bicycle adventures, or just talk shop.
Our friendly crew is equipped with top mechanic skills and area bike knowledge – we’re here to help make your adventure cycling the best it can be.
