Course Detail ctd.

RAO climbs continued: Bennett Pass to Maupin

Once you crest Bennett you’re looking at a 50 + mph ten mile drop. Be careful as it’s going to be easy to miss the FR 44 turn. I strongly recommend driving ahead to mark this turn. Great place for a relay exchange. Of course the rider who takes over may not be especially happy as he or she will be greeted with a 6 – 10% four mile grade. The climb eases a bit but continues steadily for 12 miles. There are not a whole lot of places for relay exchanges. The 12 mile drop to Dufur is FAST. Hwy 197 consists of long non-stop ‘rollers’. Kind of hard to call these rollers as they are anywhere from 1/2 to 1 mile in length. They maintain approximately a 6 – 8% grade. You’ll top out at Tygh Ridge Summit and face a 5 mile descent into Tygh Valley (Time Station #1). Pass through TS #1 and you’ll begin a 6 % four mile climb upon entering hwy 197. Look forward to the twisting descent into Maupin.

Previous: Course Detail ctd. -- Next: Computrainer
Back to the Race Across Oregon Blog