Cyclists will roll through Sisters in big numbers

Sisters sees a whole lot of folks on two wheels on an average day in the summertime. But this week, the numbers are going to increase a whole lot, with two major events sending cyclists through Sisters.

On Wednesday, July 19, the first stage of the Cascade Cycling Classic, which starts in Prineville, will send riders through town and up the McKenzie Highway (242) to finish at the Dee Wright Observatory.

The 2017 Oregon Bicycle Ride "Crown of the Cascades" will be touring through Central Oregon July 22-29. This week-long, fully supported road-bike ride will start and end in Sisters and will make a scenic loop that will include Crater Lake and multiple passes over the Cascades.

The ride is staged by Bicycle Rides Northwest, who notes that a recent study shows that recreational bicycle tourism brings about $400 million a year into the state of Oregon. Bicycle Rides Northwest tours showcase the rural regions that make Oregon special, through scenic routes, historic landmarks, parks, public lands, scenic bikeways and friendly communities.

Covering over 450 miles in seven days, the Oregon Bicycle Ride is a true Oregon experience that will include some of the most challenging and beautiful roads in the Cascades and Central Oregon, including Cascade Lakes Scenic Bikeway, Crater Lake Rim Road, Aufderheide Memorial Drive and McKenzie Scenic Pass.

Overnight camping will be at Sisters Middle School.

Bicycle Rides Northwest expects about 300 riders for this ride.

Sanna Phinney, executive director for Bicycle Rides Northwest, said, "For 2017 we've picked one of the classic Oregon routes in 'Crown of the Cascades.' Besides the highlight of riding the Rim Road around Crater Lake, this route showcases some of the state's finest forest roads and mountain vistas. Our riders will be surrounded by natural beauty every day, and staying in welcoming communities along the way. They always cite the interactions with people in the communities along the way as among the most memorable parts of the tour."

For more information, visit www.bicycleridesnw.org or contact Sanna Phinney at [email protected] or 541-382-2633.