Best route from Bend OR to Medford?

[James]

I am going to ride Cycle Oregon this Sept. and thought it might be fun to take some additional time and ride to the start line instead of transporting my equipment by automobile.  I will start in Boise ID and would like to ride to Bend Oregon, then south to Medford.  The route to Bend is familiar to me, but I don't have a clue about roads south from there.  Does anyone have ideas for a good route from Bend to Medford?

[bjshred]

I am going to ride Cycle Oregon this Sept. and thought it might be fun to take some additional time and ride to the start line instead of transporting my equipment by automobile.  I will start in Boise ID and would like to ride to Bend Oregon, then south to Medford.  The route to Bend is familiar to me, but I don't have a clue about roads south from there.  Does anyone have ideas for a good route from Bend to Medford?

I have never ridden from Bend, I live near Medford and I would definitely stay off Hwy 97.  I don't know if Cascade Lakes Hwy is hard surfaced, but that would sure be more scenic and safer than 97.

[James]

I understand that S.W. OR is very scenic and I am looking forward to riding it.  Thanks for the info, I will avoid HWY 97.