John Hart and I did the Oregon 7 ride on the 1st and 2nd of July. The ride out to Galena was kind of long, but it got scenic on the last part up to the challenge site. We then rode into Burns and back out to Hampton Butte. This was a little different. Easy gravel for the first part, easy two-track for the second part, and if on a big bike, the last part (400 yards or so) was pick your line and keep momentum, as it would have been a bit difficult to get going again should either of us have stopped. The ride down was much easier. We spent the night at the Silver Spur motel. Very basic, but it worked for us. Dinner was at the Pine Room, which was pretty good even though all the food came out at the same time (appetizer, soup, and main course). Day two was a trek down to French Glen and around the Steens Mountain Loop. The roads have been 'manicured' and are currently exceptional for gravel. The views are spectacular, and I'd encourage you to stop at every overlook possible. After the Mountain, we stopped in Fields for their famous burger and shake. I had the double bacon cheeseburger, and it was enough for three people! From there, it was on to the Playa for a spin. John had never been here, so he was in awe at the possibilities 🙂 My little drone got caught in a dust devil and struggled to regain its composure, but thankfully did. We didn't soak at the Alvord hot springs, and then took the road off the main gravel road to Mickey hot springs. I thought this was a cool, fast-flowing two-track with a few hidden rocks. Well worth going out to see the springs. After that, it was the long haul back to Nampa. We stopped in Jordan Valley for a drink and snack. It was an easy two-day ride. If you wanted to spend more time, I'd take no more than three days.
