PAN AMERICA POWER

SECTION 4: SUNRIVER TO SISTERS

As I emerge from my tent on the 4th day of the Oregon BDR filming expedition, I am greeted by the soothing sound of the Deschutes River as it meanders by our campsite. Day 4 is about when I start to feel in the BDR groove, when I can completely focus on enjoying the experience and living in the moment.

This is the shortest section of the route at 63 miles, but what it lacks in distance it more than makes up for in beauty and fun riding challenges, especially the optional harder section up to the top of Three Creek Butte with snow-peaked volcanoes visible in every direction!

It wasn’t long before we were in prime recreation territory for the nearby town of Bend. Watch for hikers and bicyclists in this area, and don’t forget to ride respectfully!

The town of Sisters is named after the nearby Three Sisters Mountains. It is a western theme town with great food, some cute lodging options, and a chance to stop by a motorcycle shop to buy a tube if you need one... you probably do after all of the rocky fun you’ve been having!

SECTION 5: SISTERS TO DETROIT

At this point in the route, there is another sense of transition, similar to the turning point from vast open high desert in Sections 1 & 2. I felt the Cascades calling me home the further north into Section 5 we went. Stopping at Skylight Cave, we ventured into a cavern that once contained an underground lava flow with rooftop vents to allow columns of heavenly light to illuminate your stay.

Mountains mean something out west. Views of the snow-peaked, craggy, towering giants in all directions atop Cache Mountain, an optional harder section that challenges you with a little of everything (deep sand, rocky step-ups, and deep loose volcanic rocks), reminds you of what the Oregon BDR has been hinting at the whole time. Volcanoes are the true rulers of this land, as also evidenced by the caves, hot springs, and volcanic rocks all around you. A spectacular view that was worth all of the challenge it took to get there.

The Santiam OHV area adds a fun bit of sandy whoops to the mix, which we quite enjoyed! The majority of primitive roads in this area are lined with black, volcanic sand. When wet, this sand is hero dirt. When it’s dry, it can be challenging and deep.

SECTION 6: DETROIT TO GOVERNMENT CAMP

The story of Detroit Oregon is one of adversity, survival, and rebirth as the town was hit by one of Oregon’s most devastating wildfires of 2020. The town and surrounding forest is still in the process of rebuilding and will be for many years. Some parts of Section 6 will remain closed for at least a few years as wildfire reclamation efforts are underway.

One of the best parts about the BDR organization is the positive economic impact riders can have on small towns who have fallen on hard times. As you pass through the town of Detroit, consider getting supplies there. If we all do our part, dollars spent will really make a difference in the future of this fantastic little town along the Oregon BDR!

As we rode deeper into the dense forest canopy, shade was a big shift from our initial days in the wide open desert with its intense sun. This forest also gave us our first opportunity to ride in mud. It was deep, wide, tire swallowing mud in puddles long enough to make you stop and wonder if you’ll have the momentum and nerve to get through.

SECTION 7: GOVERNMENT CAMP TO HOOD RIVER

Section 7 starts with your first up close look at the tallest mountain in Oregon. At over 11,000 feet, Mt. Hood dominates the skyline. A stop at the White River Sno-Park gives you a chance to appreciate this towering behemoth and all of its snow-capped beauty.

Barlow Wagon Road, a road emigrants traveled in the mid 1800’s, delights the imagination with an opportunity to ride on the historic Oregon Trail. Riding respectfully on these historic roads gave us a chance to slow down and hear the echoes of folks nearing the end of their journey, and to see Oregon through their eyes.

Bennett Pass Road, built in the 1930’s as a way to access the High Prairie Forest Service Guard Station, is narrow, rocky and built into the side of a cliff. Your attention will constantly be torn between the technical riding, the breathtaking views of Mt. Hood, and the lush forest around you.

With Mt. Hood in your rearview and Mt. Adams in front of you, you’ll descend into Hood River, ending at the mighty Columbia River. The northern end of the Oregon BDR sends you off with one last reminder of the intense natural beauty the Pacific Northwest displays for all of us to preserve and protect. After all, preserving our privilege to ride motorcycles in the backcountry is the primary goal of the BDR.