This is a ride that all Bend cyclocross and adventure riders should have in their quiver of rides. It is a great training ride, close to town, scenic, and can be done in about 2 hours. For those visiting Bend with limited time, we would suggest the Water and Lava or the West Side Tour routes as better choices.
The ride will take you into the Skyline Forest, through the Two Bulls fire area and along the back and east side of Shevlin park. There are two short sections of the ride that can be challenging: a section of deep dust / sand ( ~ 150 yards) and a section with larger rocks (golf ball sized) in the road as you descend to the crossing of Shevlin creek (about .2 miles in length).
Adventure / Gravel Route
– Loop: 20 miles / 1300 ft gain
– Gravel (mostly, ~1.5 miles of pavement)
– Location: Bend, OR
– Date Posted: November 2016 (updated September 2018)
Difficulty
For the experienced beginner. Can have some loose and sandy sections.
The Start
At the Shevlin Commons public parking area, just off Skyliner road.
Food / Water
None.
Downloads
Legend
Red = paved road
Brown = gravel / dirt road
Purple = paved bike path
For help with Ride, GPS files, etc see the “Help with …” page. To learn how to download the routes for free, see “Using Our Routes …” page.
Ride report: Feb 3, 2018
Wow! That was sticky mud, peanut butter. In the sun, the roads were soft, but doable. I the shade it was some snow, ice, water and lots of mud.