SPRD has taken on scenic annual bike ride

The Ride for Two Rivers, which crests the Cascades over the Old McKenzie Highway, has taken a new name and ownership in Sisters.

Sisters Park & Recreation District (SPRD) has taken over this iconic ride, not only as a fundraiser for the district but also to add to its increasing repertoire of events. Now known as the Crest the Cascades Ride, the majority of the ride is on a highway closed to cars and is supported with three aid stations. The ride will be held on Saturday, June 18.

This ride began as a benefit for the National Forest Foundation, protecting both Whychus Creek and the Metolius River. Both rivers were in need of restoration along the river corridors, and fish habitat needed improvement. Proceeds from The Ride for Two Rivers benefitted these local waterways.

Beginning this year, the ride transferred ownership to the Sisters Park & Recreation District. SPRD's tax-rate is one of the lowest rates in Oregon, so the District pursues a variety of events to fund the organization. Proceeds from the Crest the Cascades Ride will benefit SPRD, which continues to provide affordable recreation and enrichment opportunities to the Sisters community.

The Crest the Cascades Ride begins at the SPRD campus, which is adjacent to the Old McKenzie Highway. This highway used to be a wagon toll route that meandered its way through the lava flows. That same wagon route was turned into a paved, two-lane highway that is open only during the summer months. The route is closed seasonally between the east and west gate, which provides Crest the Cascades Riders 44 miles of riding with no cars on the road.

Riders begin the event at SPRD and cycle toward the east gate and first-aid station which is about nine miles into the ride.

The climbing begins in earnest at the east gate, where the pitch averages an eight- to nine-percent incline where it finally peaks out at the top of the pass at 5,200 feet, at Dee Wright Observatory, about 15 miles into the course.

There's a dramatic change in landscape from SPRD to Dee Wright Observatory, with riders beginning in large pine forests, passing through Douglas fir forests, and finally ending in the alpine lava landscape that characterizes the Dee Wright Observatory.

The view from the observatory offers a panorama of the Cascade Mountain Range.

Mountains as far away as Mt. Adams, a large volcanic mountain in Southern Washington nearly 200 miles away, can be seen on clear days.

An aid station is available at the summit of the ride, where riders can fuel up on water and light snacks before continuing their journey.

Some riders choose to turn around at the observatory while others continue along the route toward the West Gate. For riders that continue toward the west gate on this out-and-back ride, the scenery is comprised of alpine meadows, mountain views, and roadside ponds as riders wind their way down the west slopes of the Cascades. The west gate is the final destination of the ride. Some riders continue beyond the final aid station, which is approximately 31 miles outside of Sisters. Belknap Hot Spring is just another eight miles down the road for the most ambitious riders.

After returning from their ride at SPRD, registered participants are invited to enjoy post-ride festivities including music by The Anvil Blasters and a taco bar. The Anvil Blasters, self-described as "Western music for Central Oregon: rowdy and mellow story-songs," greet the riders beginning at 3 p.m., while a traditional taco meal including beans, rice, veggies and meat will be served at a taco bar.

More information, including a course map and registration for the event, is available at http://www.CrestTheCascades.com. Currently, registrations taken on or before May 15 are $35 and registrations after May 15 are $40. Participants can pre-order T-shirts for $15 during their registration.