As I mentioned before, the route for Race Across Oregon this year is a 516 mile behemoth that features beautiful scenery and loads of rolling hills, steep grades and almost total isolation. The starting line is in the parking lot of the Best Western all the participants stayed in last night, set against the gorgeous backdrop of the Columbia Gorge. Things kick off with a 35-mile, 4,700 foot climb up Mt. Hood and descends into the Deschuttes river valley. After crossing the river itself at Sherar’s Falls, it veers out east towards Condon.

The route will take the racers through the small towns of Ruggs and Heppner, uphill the entire way, then turns south down along 395. By the time the riders are going through the Battle Mountain area, the sun should be down, and they’ll be followed as closely as possible by their support vans. Eventually once the race leaves 395 near Ukiah, the course follows Forest Road 53 and makes its way back towards Heppner. From here, the route will take the riders through Spray, Service Creek, Fossil, Clarno, Antelope, Shaniko, Bakeoven, Maupin, Dufur and Forest Road 44.

Close to the end, there is a brief descent on highway 35 followed by a 2.5 mile climb past the Cooper Spur Resort, and finally the race finishes after a 1.5 mile ascent into the Cooper Ski Area.

The course is challenging, fraught with uphill climbs and high heat during the day. It will prove to be difficult for all of the riders involved, and finishing it will be an accomplishment they can be proud of regardless of how they place. Riders and crews alike will be working hard over the next 40+ hours as they jockey for position and make their bids for the finish line.