Photo courtesy of TransAmerica Bike Race
Some race routes save the best riding for last. But others, such as the TransAmerica Bike Race, hit you with the good stuff right away.
The TransAmerica Bike Race is a fully self-supported, ultra-endurance race (read the rules here) that starts in Astoria on June 7 and ends in Yorktown, Virginia. The Oregon section of the race route is detailed on Ride Oregon Ride in two sections: Astoria to Eugene and Eugene to the Idaho border. Riders will wind their way down the Oregon Coast to Otis, cross the Willamette Valley to Dallas and turn south through Corvallis to Eugene. From there, they’ll follow the McKenzie Highway to Redmond, roll east through John Day and Baker City and, finally, cross the Snake River into Idaho. The route includes some of the state’s very best roads, including sections of the Old West Scenic Bikeway, the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway and the McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway.
The complete 4,233-mile route to Yorktown crosses 10 states and takes several weeks to finish. There’s no entry fee and no support. There’s also no prize — unless you count the natural high you’ll experience after propelling yourself across the entire country.
So, why does this epic route start with Oregon roads, when it could take off from anywhere on either coast? Our theory is that the Oregon section of the TransAm route is just so satisfying that starting here will fill you up with the energy you’ll need to make it through the rest of the race. Kind of like giving your bike power assistance that runs on good vibes.
Of course, there’s only one way to test that theory: Grab your bikepacking gear and head to Astoria on June 7.
Learn more about the TransAmerica Bike Race at http://www.transambikerace.com/.
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