Owyhee Uplands Loop GRAVEL/MTN Tour in Eastern Oregon

Mandatory trip coordination/planning Zoom session on June 1, 7 pm.

RWGPS Route

This 5-day gravel self-contained bike packing loop tour starts and ends in Jordan Valley, OR. Meet in Jordan Valley the evening of June 20. Camping or lodging options info TBD. Along the bike tour we'll camp at Three Forks hot spring first night, cycle eastward on a portion of the Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway, and return north via Bachman Grade and Flint Creek Roads to Jordan Valley. 5 days (4 nights) of riding with ample afternoon time to relax or explore near camp. Daily riding mileage 25 - 35 miles per day. We will have plenty of time to soak in the vibe of this amazing volcanic plateau and river canyon landscape. Access to stream or reservoir water daily.

Tour pace intended to be relaxed (anticipate 6 - 10 mph, we're not in a rush), but not effortless, that includes one steep descent down and ascent up and out of the hot spring (hike a bike is likely). Suitable for conditioned cyclists ready for daily ascents and descents mostly less than 5% gradient, (and a couple more short steeper climbs as well) while riding atop the plateau. Exploring nature will be our goal, not being gnarly, but be willing to make a steady sustainable effort where needed, whether on the bike or off! If you enjoy botanizing, geology pondering, bird watching, and being in awe, this trip is for you. The trip requires participants having bike touring and camping skills, bike handling skills on gravel roads, and a safety first commitment to staying together with the group and willingness to cooperate with group consensus and trip organizer decisions that reduce risks for injury or searching.

Organizer has not personally scouted the roads or conditions, but we have good information about the roads we'll ride. We will explore together and conduct the trip in a safety first manner mindful of weather, riding, and participant conditions. The roads are maintained packed gravel, and largely passable for 2-wheel drive vehicles or medium clearance passenger car.