Advice needed for ride: Eugene Oregon to Bend Or via OR 126

[carchiba]

Hello
I am looking for advice for riding from Eugene Oregon to Bend via 126
Any thought s, Tips, safety advice from people who have made this ride is welcome. Is it better to ride it in one day or two ?
Thank you!   

[adventurepdx]

Carchiba- I've gone from Eugene to Redmond (north of Bend) on OR 126, so I can offer some advice.

Unless you are a particularly strong rider, I would recommend breaking it into at least two days, if not more. The most direct route between the two using 126/242/20 is about 120 miles (195km) and crosses McKenzie Pass, elevation elev. 5335 ft/1623 m. From Eugene which is near sea level, there is a lot of climbing to do to get to the pass, and parts of the climb are steep. You could instead cross the Cascades at Santiam Pass which is lower at 4817ft /1468 m but is longer (126/20) at 130mi/210km.

Traffic can be heavier on 126 closer to Eugene, but after McKenzie Bridge it drops off. Santiam Pass is busier than McKenzie. Shoulder conditions vary.

[staehpj1]

Hello
I am looking for advice for riding from Eugene Oregon to Bend via 126
Any thought s, Tips, safety advice from people who have made this ride is welcome. Is it better to ride it in one day or two ?
Thank you!   

No particular tips, but I will say that it is a nice ride.

[indyfabz]

While I have never done Santiam, I can't imagine it being as cool as McKenzie, which I have done in each direction, albeit unloaded, and which I highly recommend assuming it's open.

+1 on the traffic dropping off after McKenzie Bridge.

There is a (pricey) campground/hot springs a little past the junction of 126 and 242:

http://www.belknaphotsprings.com/index.htm

There is also camping in Sisters.

In '07 Cycle Oregon started in Sisters. I believe we had lunch in Bend on the way to La Pine. I remember the route we took being nice. I will see if I can find the map tonight.

[indyfabz]

This is the CO route from Sisters to Bend:

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/sisters-bend

[carchiba]

Thank you for the advice!

[litespeed]

MacKenzie Pass is not to be missed. I went over it east-to-west. It is one of the most scenic spots in the country - really beautiful with great views of the surrounding peaks. If you go that way plan to spend some time at the top and get some pictures. I was lucky it hit it on a clear, sunny day. The climb from Sisters was pretty mild. I didn't even work up a sweat.