Buddy just rode there this last weekend Said the east side stuff is closed for hunting. The rest is all open. We are good to go.
Unless it snows and blocks me out I'm planning to attend. The Strada is about as fully converted into a Terra as I can make it and look forward to camping out for one last weekend before the snow starts to stick. I'll stop off and snag a set of stickers in Hermiston, probably ride road mostly there (via Lexington, Spray, Prineville) and sneak in from the North at Millican. I'm looking forward to it! Plus, this ride should give me a chance to try out my HID conversion to 50watt low beam and the set of CREE aux lights in the foresty fun of Oregon nights.
That reminds me. In the past I'd been warned not to try to take 22 from La Pine to China Hat road in previous years when I came on 4 wheels (Tacoma pickup). How terrible are those roads for 2 wheels? So far I've not found a road that could not be traversed on my TR650... EDIT: according to google maps: La Pine -> Bend -> camp 25: 60 miles, 1 1/3 hours (apparently 45mph) La Pine -> 22/18 intersection -> camp 25: 44 miles, 2 hours (apparently 22mph) Not sure that takes into account all the stop lights and other delays going through Bend, nor does it take into account a reasonable vehicle for the more difficult roads - reasonably sure a bike could average more than 22mph on almost any navigable road.
China Hat road from the south end of Bend is mostly washboard gravel. Its brutal on 4 wheels, but can be taken at a pretty good clip on a bike. On a Terra I would think its fine if youre up for that sort of riding, but not on a Gold Wing! On a Dualsport I would definitely take China Hat Rd rather than go around, for all the reasons you cite. http://goo.gl/maps/nazGs Like this
The 22 road from La Pine is paved all the way to the intersection with 18. From there it is deep washboard gravel. I rode Bills demo TR on it last year and it handled it very well at 45-50MPH . I couldn't believe how it ate the wash board up.
http://goo.gl/maps/3qyG9 Also, if you want to stay on the pavement (except 1 mile) and bypass Bend from the South, take this route (see link) From Hwy 97, Take exit 143 for Knott Rd toward Baker Rd/Medical Ctr/Mt View H.S (Option, jump over highway to Subway/gas station at this exit...last services on this route) You will CROSS China Hat Road shortly after you exit 97, DONT take China Hat Road, unless you are on a bike and enjoy several miles of rippled gravel. (see posts above) Go 4.2 mile, on Knott Rd (NE)Turn right onto Rickard Rd (at landfill)Go 7 Miles, (last mile is good gravel) Turn right onto Hwy 20 E/US-20 E/Central Oregon HwyGo 11.5 Miles, Turn right at Sign to OHV area, Continue South to camp 25)
Just north of LaPine turn right on the 21 road to Paulina Lake, East Lake and the Newberry Crater National Monument. The 21 road is paved to East lake where it turns to gravel the rest of the way to the intersection with 18 (China Hat Road). This is the shortest (as the crow flies) distance from HWY 97 when approaching from the South and is very scenic.
Shortcuts from the south via Hwy 97 http://goo.gl/maps/Dr99v Excuvator's Newberry Crater route....lots of gravel http://goo.gl/maps/3qyG9 Bend southern bypass Paved (except 1 mile) http://goo.gl/maps/nazGs China Hat Road route, lots of gravel
My favorite is Ford Road from East Bend. I would call it a dirt Jeep road and super fun on a bike. Not recommended for Rvs or low clearance vehicles.
Excited to be able to join you all this year!! There will be 3 of us coming from Salem... Camping in a motorhome, and a tent... Bringing a SM610, TE610, & TR650.
Haha, yes, thank you. We tent camp out by Fort Rock / Cabin Lake every November for an annual 4wheel drive gathering, so we are prepared for it... by then the temps often get down to single digits at night! The motorhome is a 2-person style, so there will be some coin flipping / rock-paper-scissor / fighting over who gets stuck in the tent!
So many good choices... Probably play it by ear, and could depend on the weather. Currently it is windy enough here where dirt keeps blowing under my full face helmet and getting dirt/sand into my eyes.
