Sisters Cycling Guide

BIKEWAYSOregon Scenic Bikeways Near Sisters

EVENTSSisters Cycling Events and Festivals

MAPSMountain and Road Rides

PETERSON RIDGEFull Trail Map of Peterson Ridge Trail System

Cover art by: Paul Leighton of Steller Design

SISTERS, OREGONCYCLE -n- Style

Sisters 2012 Cycling Guide made possible bygenerous community sponsors such as:

Sisters 2012 Cycling Guide created and provided by:

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Cycling in sisters Country

S I S T E R S T R A I L s A L L I A N C E

With flat farmland roads, winding mountain climbs and epic forested singletrack all within a few miles’ radius of Sisters, this area has become a magnet for cyclists from all over Oregon -- and beyond. The area offers a wide variety of cycling experiences. Traffic is generally not a problem and the weather is consistently good from March through October. Whether you are looking for a pleasant morning tour of the countryside or a challenging climb into the craggy magnificence of the Cascades, you’ll find plenty of riding options to suit. Avid cyclists recommend several routes for cyclists. Blazin’ Saddles Bike Shop will provide you with maps and routes highlighted and tailored to your particular needs and interests. You can ride as far and as hard as you wish in Sisters, Oregon.

Established in 2001, the Sisters Trails Alliance (STA) is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to planning, constructing and maintaining walking, hiking, cycling and equestrian trails in Sisters Country. It operates as an independent Community Partner Program of the Sisters Parks and Recreation District (SPRD). The STA believes that trails are an indispensable ingredient of quality of life and economic vibrancy in Sisters Country – providing both healthy recreation and environmentally sound transportation. STA’s

first Trails Plan in 2003 identified some 80 miles of trails for signage and construction. The current Trails Plan, adopted in 2010, proposes an additional 150 miles of trails, pathways and

lanes, including commuter links, singletrack, and a paved path from Sisters to Camp Sherman. The Sisters Trails Alliance works closely with the US Forest Service, the City of Sisters, the Sisters Chamber of Commerce, the Sisters Schools District and many other community organizations and businesses to implement its plans. Everything the STA does depends on the passion, time and money of community volunteers and businesses. Please join us in our work to enhance trails in Sisters Country – contact us at: SPRD (541 549 2091) or [email protected].

O r e g o n S c e n i c B i k e way s n e a r s i s t e r s There’s only one state in the nation that has Scenic Bikeways – Oregon, and three of the six

designated bikeways originate in Sisters. Oregon State Parks just announced a new round of Bikeways, and the new routes offer more of the cream of Oregon road riding – epic back-country loops, short and family-friendly options, scenic mountain passes, multi-day trips… it’s all there. Here’s a quick rundown of the three new rides out of Sisters:

McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway – The jewel of the Cascades, this seasonal pass takes you up through deep forests and past starkly beautiful lava fields, with a 360-degree view at the top that takes in a dozen peaks.

Metolius Loops Scenic Bikeway – The Camp Sherman area, centered around the fly-fishing paradise of the Metolius River, is one of Oregon’s treasured natural wonders. A series of routes provides options for all kinds of riders, and they all encompass backwoods beauty.

Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway – From the quintessential New West town of Sisters, roll out through high desert landscapes and rimrock canyons, crossing the famous Deschutes River on your way to Smith Rock State Park, set on the canyon-carving Crooked River and home to sheer rock walls that attract climbers from all over the world.

Find more detailed descriptions of each ride along with route maps and turn-by-turn cue sheets at www.OregonScenicBikeways.org


The Sisters area is one of the premier mountain biking regions in the state. The best known and most popular trails include the Peterson Ridge Trail System with its trailhead within the city limits, the Suttle Tie Trail between Black Butte and Suttle Lake, and the nearby McKenzie River

Trail, which is widely regarded as one of the great epic bike trails in North America. Mountain bikers have got the word: the Sisters Country is a great place to hit the trail. The Peterson Ridge Trail is located at the south edge of town just across Whychus Creek on Elm Street. This trail has been expanded to 25 miles, and offers options for riders of all abilities. East and west legs, and a dozen connectors between the two, provide loop opportunities from one to 20 miles. For a fabulous 360-degree view, ride or hike the experts-only trail over Eagle Rock, only two miles from town. Recommended parking is at the Village Green Park, across from the Sisters Fire Hall on Elm Street, where you will find restrooms and water. The trailhead is only a quarter-mile away.

The Suttle Tie Trail begins 10 miles West of town past Black Butte at the intersection of George McAllister Road and Highway 20, across from the turnoff to Camp Sherman. This easy to intermediate trail climbs through the forest to Suttle Lake, crossing bridges and a couple of small creeks. Cap this pleasant forest cruise with a three-mile lap around the lake trail. Ten miles out and back with a great view from a short hike at the top, the Green Ridge Trail is another segment of the Metolius-Windigo that is popular in the spring and early summer before horse traffic makes it too soft to enjoy. This trail is accessed from Green Ridge Road that turns North off Highway 20 just before Black Butte. Check with the Forest Service for detailed directions to the trailhead. Information and trail maps covering these local trails and others can be obtained at the Peterson Ridge trailhead, the Sisters Ranger District office, Eurosports or Blazin Saddles on Hood Avenue in Sisters, the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, and other locations. Mark your calendar Memorial Day weekend for the Sisters Stampede mountain bike race or the last weekend in September for the Sisters Mountain Bike Festival


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M ckenzie R iver TRAIL Whether Biking, Walking or Running - this is one of the most spectacular trails to travel. Through lush 300 year old growth forests and lava fields, along side lakes so clean you can see over 100 feet to the bottom! Traverse handmade log bridges over the multiple streams and rivers that join to make up the majestic McKenzie River. Follow the river as it abruptly stops and disappears into a lava flow and mysteriously starts again some distance later seemingly out of nowhere. Stop and wonder how the Tamolich pool could be such a vibrant topaz blue. Continue down the trail following a wild mountain river and her many large and small waterfalls. Once you’ve spent some time here, its easy to see why Bike Magazine and her readers gave the McKenzie River Trail the prized #1 spot for best trail in America. The trailhead is located about 1.5 miles East of McKenzie Bridge on Hwy. 126. Look for a turnout and parking area behind a guardrail. There are 11 parking areas scattered along the length of the trail. This trail begins at an elevation of 1,450 feet and meanders along the banks of the McKenzie River. It ends 2 miles above Clear Lake at an elevation of 3,200 feet. The trail is part of the National Recreation Trails system and provides many opportunities for camping, fishing, photography, exploring, and wildlife viewing. Portions of the trail above Scott Creek also travel through part of the National Wild and Scenic River system, which was designated on the upper McKenzie in 1988.

514-549-6081WWW.BLAZINSADDLESHUB.COM

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18 MILES OF BIKE PATHS RENTAL SHOP LODGING DINING POOLS SPA GOLF

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At the Heart of Local’s Favorite RidesAt the Heart of Local’s Favorite Rides


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Twin Bridges Loop

Maps provided by:

ADVENTUREMAPS.NET

Visit Blazin Saddles Bike shop for full weather

resistant maps.

Popular Roads for Cycling:Low Volume, with shoulder or bike laneModerate Volume, with shoulder or bike laneHigh Volume, with shoulder or bike laneLow Volume, no shoulderModerate Volume, no shoulderLarge volume road or highway not recomended for cycling


sisters, oregon

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S isters Trail R ides

Time: 2.5 to 5 hoursLength: up to 20 miles Technical: Easy to Inter.

Aerobic: ModerateSeason: Spr/Sum/Fall

Trailhead: From downtown Sisters head south on Elm St./FS 16 and go 2 blocks to the Village Green Park. This is a nice place to begin and end the ride with plenty of park-ing, fresh water, restrooms, and nice lawns for relaxing. Highlights: Ride directly from Sisters. This loop has it all including rolling singletrack, great views and even a rideable creek crossing. Be sure to ride out to the scenic overlook at the far end of the loop. This trail system has changed con-siderably over the last couple of years. It is now a true loop with many options to shorten or lengthen your ride.

Time: 2 to 3 hoursLength: 13.1 milesTechnical: Intermediate

Aerobic: ModerateSeason: Spr/Sum/Fall

Trailhead: Head ten miles west of Sisters on US 20, turn left on Geo. McAllister Road and park immediately. Highlights: A fun intermediate ride. As you pass through climate zones, notice the trees and understory begin to change heading towards Suttle Lake. Avoid riding the Suttle Lake Loop on summer weekends and control your speed at all times on this section. The route is marked by brown “roads to trails” signposts and follows old logging roads in places.

Time: 4 to 5 hoursLength: 24.3 miles Technical: Advanced

Aerobic: StrenuousSeason: Sum/Fall

Trailhead: From downtown Sisters take Elm St./FS 16 south for approximately 18 miles to Three Creeks Lake.Highlights: Technical singletrack, up close views of the Three Sisters, riding along Whychus Creek, and the flowing descent down the Sisters Loop Trail. Create a fun day of riding with great variety. The singletrack portion of this ride follows the Metolius/Windigo Trail, which is marked by wooden horseshoe markers attached to trees.

Time: 2 to 3 hoursLength: 11.1 miles Technical: Advanced

Aerobic: StrenuousSeason: Sum/Fall

Trailhead: From downtown Sisters take Elm St./FS 16 south for approximately 10 miles to Upper Three Creeks Lake Snow Park. Highlights: High alpine scenery, a fun, technical descent and a large pumice field. The singletrack portion of this route follows the Metolius/Windigo Trail which is marked by wooden horseshoe markers attached to trees.

Time: 2.5 to 4 hoursLength: 12.8 miles Technical: Advanced

Aerobic: Strenuous Season: Sum/Fall

Trailhead: From Sisters, head west on US 20 for about 13.5 miles, turn left on Suttle Lake/Blue Lake access road. Stay on this road for about 1 mile where you will turn left on FS 2066, which heads up the hill to Scout Lake. Park at the day use area on the left, look for the trail which leads south along the shoreline. Highlights: A challenging loop with plenty of climbing and technical sections. The view from Cache Mountain is spec-tacular. Experienced riders will enjoy the tough singletrack descent. This ride is definitely best done as described on the map. Be sure to look for the rope swing at Scout Lake at the end of your ride.

Cache Mountain - Loop Upper Metolius/Windigo - Loop

Metolius/Windigo-Sisters Shuttle

Suttle Tie & Loop - Out & Back

Peterson Ridge - Loop

Black Butte Stables

Open Year RoundCall For Reservations

541-595-2061

www.blackbuttestables.com

S isters road rides

Time: 3 - 5 hoursLength: 47.1 miles

Climbing: ModerateSeason: Spr/Sum/Fall

Head north from Sisters on Camp Polk Rd. to Indian Ford Road. Follow Indian Ford to Forest Road 11 and a quick jog left/west to Hwy. 20. Follow Hwy.20 northwest for 4.1 miles to Camp Sherman Rd. on the right. When the road splits stay left on Forest Road 1419 and continue on to Forest Road 1217 and go right. Cross the Metolius and head left/north on Metolius River Rd. Stay on this until intersecting Forest Road 14/Camp Sherman Rd. and either go left to Wizard Falls or turn right to Camp Sherman. Follow Forest Road 14/Camp Sherman Rd. and retrace your route back to Sisters.

Time: 2 - 4 hoursLength: 38 miles


Quiet forest roads along meadows and through forests with some nice mountain views. A great low traffic ride from Sisters. Head north out of town on Camp Polk Rd., turn left on Indian Ford Road and follow until it T’s into forest road 11. Turn right on 11 and follow until it turns to gravel, then re-trace your route back to Sisters. While not high volume, the traffic on Indian Ford Rd. and Forest Road 11 may be traveling fast.

Time: 1.5 - 2.5 hoursLength: 29.4 miles

Climbing: EasySeason: Spr/Sum/Fall

Head east from Sisters on Hwy’s 20 and 126 on wide shoul-ders to Goodrich Rd. on the left. Follow Goodrich around to Holmes and back to Hwy. 126. Cross 126 to Fryrear Rd. and head south to Hwy. 20. Jog right/north on 20 to Plainview Rd. on the left/west. Follow Plainview, Gist and Cloverdale Roads back over Hwy. 20 to Hwy. 126. Go left/west on 126 to Camp Polk Road and follow this road as it loops you back around to Sisters.



Head east from Sisters on Hwy. 126 which has heavy, fast traffic but also very wide shoulders and usually a tailwind when riding east. Continue on 126 until Cline Falls Highway on the right just before crossing the Deschutes River west of Redmond, head south, past Eagle Crest Resort, to Marsh Rd. on the left. Follow Marsh to White Rock Loop then Twin Bridges Rd. and cross the Deschutes River. Turn right on Swalley, right on Tumalo Rd. and the left on Cline Falls Hwy through Tumalo. From Tumalo, cross Hwy. 20 and follow Tumalo Res., Collins, Couch Market and Tweed Roads back to Hwy. 20. Take Hwy. 20 west/north for a couple of miles to Fryrear Rd. on the right. Follow Fryear to Hwy. 126 and 126 back to Sisters.

Time: 2.5 - 5 hoursLength: 49.5 miles


Head east from Sisters on Hwy. 126 which has heavy, fast traffic but also very wide shoulders and usually a tailwind when riding east. Continue on 126 until just after crossing the Deschutes River west of Redmond, turn left/north on 67th then skirt the west edge of Redmond on 67th, Kingwood, 59th, Maple, Helmholtz, Coyner, Northwest Way and 31st St. to Lower Bridge Way. Head west on Lower Bridge to Holmes Road, climb up Holmes and then straight on Edmundson to Goodrich to Hwy. 126. Follow 126 back to town or jump on Camp Polk Road to loop back into Sisters.


Climbing: StrenuousSeason: Sum/Fall

Head west from Sisters on Hwy. 242 as it climbs gradu-ally and then progressively steeper to McKenzie Pass. Turn around when the Highway starts to drop back down the oth-er side. It is a long steady climb of 2,100’ to the open lava fields of MeKenzie Pass. Great views of the Three Sisters as well as Belknap Crater and Mt. Washington. Continue along the flat summit area for a few miles after the true summit for more views. A fun descent on the way back down. In later spring/early summer, before the road at the summit is cleared of snow, bikers can pass by the gate and ride up until hitting snow without traffic. When open, expect heavy traffic along this route as it is a popular scenic drive.

Sisters - Lower Bridge Loop Sisters - McKenzie Pass Out & Back

Sisters - Twin Bridges Loop

Sisters - Fryrear Road Loop

Sisters - Camp Sherman Loop

Sisters - Forest Road 11 Out & Back

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R o a s t e r s o f G o u r m e t C o f f e e S i n c e 1 9 8 9

Hood Avenue Co�eehouse 273 West Hood Ave

Sisters, Oregon 97759www.sistersco�ee.com

�e Pearl Co�eehouse1235 NW Marshall St

Portland, Oregon 97209 www.sistersco�ee.com

Come and enjoy the immense natural beauty of Sisters, Oregon

Start Elev

3195 ftDistance

37.1 mi 5335 ftMax Elev

2152 ftGain

-3593 ftDescent

ELEVATION (feet)

5,000

3,000

1,0000.0 4.0 8.0 12.0 16.0 20.0 24.0 28.0 32.0 36.0

5.0 mile Cat 2 climb

2.25 mile Cat 4 climb

McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway 37.1 mi

The 38 mile McKenzie Pass ride is without a doubt the most spectacular ride in Central Oregon. The ride begins at the Village Green Park in the center of Sisters, Oregon. The vast majority of the route is on Oregon Route 242. The route heads west past hay meadows and ascends 2,000 feet through ponderosa pine forests. The road follows an 1860s wagon route, emerging from the forest at Windy Point and revealing a view of Mt. Washington and a 2,000-year-old lava flow. The 25 mile, 4,000 foot descent snakes down exhilarating switchbacks to the dense, verdant Cascadian forests and rushes out over the McKenzie River. It is these dramatic transitions through such diverse natural environments that define the uniqueness of this bikeway.

Most of Oregon Route 242 is closed during winter months, but bicycles are usually allowed in the spring before it reopens to cars, providing miles of traffic-free road riding as the snow melts. Please check www.tripcheck.com for current road closures. Restrooms and potable water can be found at the Village Green Park in Sisters and at the McKenzie Bridge store. There are restrooms at the summit and various campgrounds throughout the descent. For maps and any last minute bike accessories you may need to ride by Blazin’ Saddles Bike Shop on your way out. They are located at 413 W. Hood in Sisters. While it is a challenging ride, it is possible to do the route over and back in one day. There are also lovely campgrounds on either side of the route – perfect for a great night out under the stars. Currently there is no shuttle available bringing riders back from one side or the other to their vehicles – however, there are bike tours from Bend-area businesses that ride the McKenzie River Trail. Talk with the guys at Blazin’s Saddles if you need help coordinating a shuttle service from the west side to Sisters.

SHARE THE ROADSafe cycling is riding on you!

www.bikecentraloregon.org

Bicyclists have the same right and responsibilities as drivers of cars. Obey traffic laws and ride predictably.Cyclists must obey these traffic laws:

Ride in the same direction as traffic.

Ride in the bike lane when one is available. You may move intothe travel lane in order to avoid a hazard, turn left or pass. Usecaution when entering the travel lane and yield to traffic.

Ride no more than two side-by-side on the roadway. Becourteous to following traffic.

Stop at stop signs. Stop at all red lights and remain stopped untilthe light changes to green.

Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.

Use a white front light and a red rear reflector attached to yourbike when riding at night. It is also good to wear brightly coloredclothing.

When approaching an intersection, be aware of right-turning vehicles.

Remember to signal all lane changes and turns, including exitsfrom roundabouts.

R oa d C y c l i n g i n S i s t e r s C o u n t r y Take a tour of rural backroads. Dig in for a heart-pounding mountain climb. The Sisters Country offers something for every cyclist, from weekend warriors to elite riders. With flat farmland roads and winding mountain climbs all within a few miles’ radius of Sisters, this area has become a magnet for cyclists from all over Oregon — and beyond.

The area offers a wide variety of cycling experiences from easy tours to challenging climbs and everything in between. Traffic is generally not a problem and the weather is consistently good from March through October. Avid cyclists recommend several routes for cyclists. Local bike shops will provide you with maps with routes highlighted and tailored to your particular needs and interests. Maps are available online from the Sisters Trails Alliance at www.sisterstrails.com. Blazin Saddles welcomes cyclists of every persuasion, from elite riders to people just getting interested in the sport. They’ll be happy to help you get started on the roads of the Sisters Country.

Cyclists should be aware of the particular demands of the Sisters Country. Take plenty of water along. Many of the best rides don’t offer the chance to refill a water bottle. Temperatures can vary wildly from the flats to the summits. Wear leg and arm warmers and a windbreaker on your rides into the mountains. The weather is changeable and thunderstorms can brew up quickly in the summertime. Road conditions are generally good. Some of the back roads can be rough and there may be cinders on the road shoulders from snow management early in the season. The cinders are usually swept away by the time spring riding season rolls around.

Cycling Guide Layout Eric Liddell

[email protected]

Cover Illustration Paul Leighton

[email protected]



S isters Group RidesGroup Road Bike Rides

Blazin Saddles will be the spot for road bikers to gather and enjoy a variety of group road rides. There will be several different rides with all levels of experience welcome. Visit BlazinSaddlesHub.com or call 541-719-1213 for more info. Group rides will begin the first week of May weather permitting.

Group Mountain Bike RidesEnjoy the trails of Sisters with others! Become familiar with the great trail systems we have in our back yard. All levels of experience welcomed. Check out BlazinSaddlesHub.com or call 541-719-1213 for more details. We will also have details on our womens specific rides!

The Basics to Bicycle MaintenanceLearn the basics of your bicycle. Covering basic adjusting, maintenance and emergency repairs. We will also cover bike fit adjustment suggestions as well as proper bicycle techniques from safety and rules of the road to diet and training suggestions. Visit BlazinSaddlesHub.com or call 541-719-1213 for more details.

The Sisters Stampede is an XC mountain bike race sanctioned by the Oregon Bicycle Racing Assosiation (OBRA). It was spawned from the inception of a new, revised network of trails in the Sisters, Oregon area called the Peterson Ridge trail. The trails were built by the Sisters Trail Alliance, who are passionate about making this beautiful area accessible to cyclists, runners, and hikers. New to the OBRA calendar, this thrilling race course features stunning views of the Three Sisters Mountains and rolling singletrack scattered with Central Oregon lava rock. This course is mainly singletrack which will test riders’ strength and stamina. A very unique start/finish will be located just steps away from the Three Creeks Brewing Co., which will be launching a “Ridge Trail” ale for the event and will host the after-race party. Five Pine Lodge, which is on the same campus, will provide lodging. Camping is also available in the city park, just blocks from the start/finish line. Cash prizes for top three Men and Women - either Pro or Expert. Others will recieve from the bounty of swag provided. There will be a raffle after the awards. Medical personnel will be at the Start and Finish to treat minor scrapes and bruises. Emergency AED equipment will also be on site.

sisters stampedeMay 27th, 2012

www.SistersStampede.com

Featured Cycl ing event stour des chutesJULY 14, 2012

the cascade cycling classicJULY 17-22, 2012

XTERRA - Central OregonSEPTEMBER 8TH, 2012 Off-road triathlon returns to Central Oregon. XTERRA Cen-tral Oregon is an off-road triathlon consisting of a swim in

Suttle Lake, a mountain bike on Cache Mtn, and finishing with a trail run around the lake.

www.xterracentraloregon.com

Blazin Saddles Bike Shop Block PartyANNIVERSARY PARTY DATES TBD

Ride for two Rivers2012 ride dates to be announced. Check with Blazin Saddles bike shop for more information.

SISTERS MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVALFor dates and more information on the Sisters Mountain Bike Festival please visit the Sisters Trails Alliance Website.

www.SistersTrails.com

SISTERS Multi sport Sisters Multi Sport hopes to provide quality, mostly low-key races that introduce people to a variety of different athletic events around the Sisters area. It is our goal to showcase the amazing trails, community, and athletic resources we have right here in our backyard, while simultaneously supporting positive local causes. For a complete list of events and dates visit:

www.SistersMultiSport.com

Sisters Folk FEstivalSEPTEMBER 2012

Free Bike Valet for the Sisters Folk Festival provided by Blazin’ Saddles Bike Shop in Sisters, Oregon. For more informatation about the Folk Festival visit their website at:

www.SistersFolkFestival.com

Celebrate Life! A bike ride in support of cancer care and survivorship! This multi-distance cycling event takes you on some of the most scenic roads in Central Oregon! Choose your distance: Family Friendly 7-mile, Intermediate 25- or 48-mile, more Challenging 72-mile, or the Epic 100-mile. Yes, the Tour des Chutes Century ride is back! After you ride, enjoy the Tour des Chutes Post Ride Party: Burrito Bar, Live Music, Vendor Village. Tour des Chutes 2012 is July 14. Registration begins 3/1/12. Because of the great people at Longboard Louies we are expanding to 1500 riders. This year will be the best yet, with the Century ride up McKenzie Pass back in the lineup, and better than ever Post Ride Party! Join us on July 14th for this great event benefiting the LiveStrong Foundation and St. Charles Cancer Center/Survivorship.

The 32nd annual Bend Memorial Clinic Cascade Cycling Classic will be held July 17-22, 2012. For 2012, The Cascade Cycling Classic has been given an NRC ranking of 2.2. It is the longest consecutively run elite stage race in the country and has attracted most of North America’s top cyclists and teams over the years. The quality of the race courses, the beauty of Central Oregon and the fun atmosphere of the race has made it a perennial favorite and has the competitors returning year after year.

Mt Bachelor Sports Education Foundation

[email protected]


Documents

Sisters Cycling Guide