Sisters to Salem?

[mattdwyerva]

Probably not taking this route, but wondered if anyone has taken US 20 and OR 22 from Sisters, Oregon to Salem, Oregon.   

Thanks, Matt

[BikeliciousBabe]

Probably not taking this route, but wondered if anyone has taken US 20 and OR 22 from Sisters, Oregon to Salem, Oregon.   

Thanks, Matt

I remember taking the bus from Portland to the start of Cycld Oregon in Sisters back in 2007.  We were on U.S. 20 for part of the trip.  Possibly east of Santiam Jct.  Lots of traffic.  Google Maps Street View confirms this.

If I had the time, I would take McKenzie Pass the Eugene and head north.  Amazing ride up to the pass and down.  Lava rock observatory at the top.  And west to east is not nearly as hard of a climb as the other direction.  Just don't overcook the corners on the descent switchback.  Despite being warned, a few people ended up in the woods during 2003's Cycle Oregon.  Fortunately, all emerged unharmed. 

[mattdwyerva]

Good info, thanks. 

I love descents, but gravel in the shoulder of corners seems to be common and does make me nervous.  Once upon a time, I wiped out in Afton, VA - just road rash but the cookie lady was unnerved by all my bleeding.

[davidbonn]

... And west to east is not nearly as hard of a climb as the other direction.  Just don't overcook the corners on the descent switchback.

Don't you mean East to West is not nearly as hard?  From Sisters to the summit at Dee Wright Observatory it is a 2200 foot climb, while from Belknap Springs to Dee Wright it is a 3800 foot climb.  And there are a lot of switchbacks on the West side.

[BikeliciousBabe]

... And west to east is not nearly as hard of a climb as the other direction.  Just don't overcook the corners on the descent switchback.

Don't you mean East to West is not nearly as hard?  From Sisters to the summit at Dee Wright Observatory it is a 2200 foot climb, while from Belknap Springs to Dee Wright it is a 3800 foot climb.  And there are a lot of switchbacks on the West side.

Yes.  Sorry about the mixup.  We did east to west in 2002 and west to east in 2007.

[jamawani]

Two passes to choose from

a) McKenzie Pass on Hwy 242
Seasonally open June to October, sometimes earlier for cyclists
Much less traffic, much more scenic, almost 1000 feet higher
Narrow road, mostly without shoulders, but traffic is not in a hurry

b) Santiam Pass on US 20 / 126
Open year-round, main connection between western & eastern Oregon
Moderately heavy traffic, fast-moving, easier grades and lower elev.
Fairly good shoulders most of the way, but nothing special to ride

If you have time westbound, you can take Hwy 242, then swing east (actually north) on Hwy 126.
Both of these sections have fairly low traffic and you get the best of both worlds.

West of the Cascade passes -
Hwy 126 - The ACA route has good services and light to moderate traffic, mixed shoulders.
US 20 has the least traffic, but the most climbing, lots of up & down, few shoulders, limited services.
Hwy 22 has moderate traffic which increases after Detroit Lake, moderate to wide shoulders as you head west.

Via US 20 - west of Sweet Home you can get on county roads.
Via Hwy 22 - west of Lyons you can get on county roads.

If you are heading to the coast, US 20 then back roads thru Corvallis to Newport is quite nice.
If you need to make time, Hwy 22 is o.k., try to catch the Wheatland ferry north of Salem.

[mattdwyerva]

Excellent summary of options, jamawani, thanks