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We will be riding the epic Oregon Outback Trail over 8 days.  The Outback starts in Klamath Falls and crosses the entire state of Oregon to the Columbia River. The route is about 58% paved & 42% gravel and most roads are lightly traveled.

RWGPS for our Oregon Outback Trail Route
RWGPS for SAG route

Your gear must be packed in this type of storage 
Tote https://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-27-Gal-Tough-Storage-Tote-in-Black-and-Yellow-999-27G-HDX/327528802, please purchase a tote for the trip.
Also bring pipe insulation to protect your bike like Everbilt 3/4 in. x 6 ft. Foam Semi-Slit Pipe Insulation K7PXE048078HD1 - The Home Depot

Departing from Klamath Commons (Klamath Falls OR) at 10am Saturday June 21.

Be prepared for an adventure.  While beautiful, weather and road conditions can make this trip much more difficult than it might seem.  Be prepared for loose gravel with bumps and rocks, strong headwinds, rain or even snow. Expect nigh time temperatures below freezing. Rattle snakes are common, and bears have been seen in the lower section.  Road conditions can vary, so you need to be flexible as there might be mid-ride route modifications.

There are some sections which bloggers say are "soul sucking", such as the 20 miles north of Fort Rock known as the "Red Sauce Forest".  Bloggers also talk about blowing out tires & breaking bike parts - so you have to be prepared.  As one blogger put it, "On the Oregon Outback, don’t assume the days will get easier, because they won’t."

There will be a mix of hotel lodging and camping.  In some places you will have a choice, it others camping is the only option.

Minimum tire size of 45mm (or 1.8") recommended. The route goes through some very desolate areas. We will have a SAG vehicle for gear.  The SAG wagon will always be available at the campsites, but it will not always be accessible on the trail - as we will travel areas cars can't go.  You will need to carry lots of water, clothing layers, food, and an expanded repair kit.

Attendees are expected to participate in 1 or 2 planning meetings. We will finalize the SAG vehicle details and other logistics at these meetings.

You may also need to find your own way to the start (Klamath Falls) and from the finish (Biggs Junction or Deschutes River State Park off I-84).

We will be sharing costs and you will have your own additional expenses along the way.  You will be asked to provide money up front (e.g., gas money, cabin and campsite reservations, SAG driver's costs, etc.). Any excess funds will be refunded at the end of the trip.

EBIKES This is a very remote route and distance between possible charging locations can be very long.  We will spend the night in places that don't have electricity (or even water).  The SAG wagon cannot make special accommodations for ebikes.  As such, ebikes are discouraged on this trip.

ITINERARY

Cautions:

• Numerous groups reported seeing rattlesnakes

• Weather can vary from hot (90’s) and clear to cold and even snowy.  Bring a variety of layers.  There can be severe head winds.

• Water and shade will be limited

• The first 150 miles has lots of sandy loose gravel called the “red sauce” which some refer to as soul sucking.  You need wide tires (at least 45mm)

• Run tires with 20-30 psi on trails

• The SAG wagon should meet up with the group every 20-30 miles, but problems can arise and you should not count on accessing the SAG wagon in route

Gear Recommendations:

• Carry cold and wet weather gear with you (on bike)

• A tire boot – several people talk about destroying their tires.  Consider bringing a spare tire in the SAG wagon.

• Multiple spare inner tubes even for bikes with tubeless tires.  One person reported “burping” tires more than once. 

• Multiple CO2 cartridges

• A hydropack or at least 2 water bottles

• Chain lube and something to clean the gears.  One person reported his “drivetrain just took a beating.”