Cycle Oregon Day 3: Over Grayback and back into Oregon

Nothing like a guy dressed up as a pirate to get you through a tough climb.
-Slideshow below-
(Photos © J. Maus)

Tonight we’re camping on the shores of beautiful Lake Selmac after another memorable day of riding. The route took us 54 miles north from Happy Camp (California), up and over Grayback Mountain and then back into Oregon.

Leaving Happy Camp we rode by the world’s largest dreamcatcher. Making it even more interesting was a nifty wooden bike sculpture, which hung from the bottom of it.

Total elevation gain today was 5,200 feet (the entire week will be over 28,000). The climb up Grayback was tough, but at a mere 6% or so average grade, it wasn’t too unbearable. Most people in camp are talking about a killer grunt of a climb a few miles later on the small, one-lane, Bear Creek Road. According to organizers, it was the steepest climb in Cycle Oregon history.

Here’s how it looked from the bottom…

and from the top.

Story continues below

For me, the biggest thrill of the day was the nearly perfect descent down from Grayback. The road was smooth and wide — and after tucking my camera safely in my backpack — I just went for it. Flat out. I haven’t descended like that in years and it was a huge thrill (made all the more enjoyable thanks to my sure-footed campanion).

You won’t see many photos in the slideshow from the descent, because it was just way too fun to stop.

With today’s ride we have pedaled the entire length of the official State of Jefferson Scenic Byway. What a treat it has been. And to think, riding is just one small part of why Cycle Oregon is such an amazing event.

Tomorrow we continue north, 70 miles to the town of Glendale. For 20 of those miles we’ll hug one of Oregon’s most scenic rivers, the mighty Rogue.

For more photos from today’s ride, check out the slideshow below:

Special thanks for our Cycle Oregon coverage goes to Pro Photo Supply for loaning me camera gear, Icebreaker clothing for helping keep me comfy on and off the bike, and Cielo Cycles for the big grin on my face as I pedal.