2021 Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder Stefan and Mike flew into Sisters 6K5, rode 350+ miles and 30,000+ feet of climbing over 5 days, then flew back to Seattle BFI.
1 On a training ride a week before the event, my rear rim broke. Reynolds sent me a new one and it arrived the day before the trip.
2 Rebuilding the rear wheel with the new rim and spokes.
3 Rear wheel is laced up ready to start rounding and truing.
4 Rear wheel complete. But will it hold up to OTGG? Only time will tell.
5 On our way to Oregon, flying past Mt. Rainier.
6 Approaching Mt. Hood.
7 Mt. Hood up close flyby.
8 The sisters in Sisters, Oregon.
9 Closer view of the sisters.
10 All the stuff we'll need for the next 6 days. You can see "Frankenwheel", my backup.
11 Day 1, a couple hours in.
12 4 hours into day 1 (about half way), stop for a nice view.
13 End of day 1 at McKenzie High School.
14 Day 2: up and ready!
15 Stefan ready to go.
16 Day 2 start, entire group.
17 2.5 hours into day 2, good spot for a photo.
18 Day 2 sunset at the river next to camp.
19 The bridge over the river we'll ride on day 3.
20 Day 3, up and ready!
21 About 3 hours into day 3.
22 About 4.5 hours into day 3.
23 Yours truly, working hard and sweaty.
24 Day 4 start, the group is smaller from folks who've dropped out.
25 Day 4, ready to go, but not sure if I'll make it through the day.
26 Following this river up the mountain, about 2 hours into the ride.
27 About 6 hours into day 4.
28 Day 5 camp in the morning.
29 Day 5: ready to go, but not sure if my butt will make it through the day.
30 About 4 hours into day 5, ready for some pavement.
31 Day 5 finish! 353 miles, 30,000' of climbing. And all the dirt and sweat.
32 Scenic view along the 3,000' descent from the finish back to town.
33 The entire ride, all 5 days, with daily stops marked in pink. This understates the mileage and climb a bit because I had to remove GPS points to shrink it to a size Google Earth can handle.
34 The dirtiest, dustiest my bike has ever been.
35 The new rear wheel held up nicely through the ride.
36 Returning home, past Mt. Jefferson.
37 From L to R: Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams. Mt. Hood
38 From L to R: Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams
