Overview & Key Dates
| Date | Event & Key Times | Riders (Dad & Chris) | Grandpa (Sherpa) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Sept 7 (Day 0) | Check-in & camp setup. Parking & campsites open 11 a.m.; check-in 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; dinner 5–8 p.m. | Arrive early, pitch tent next to the RV area, pick up rider packets (bring ID). Wear wristbands all week. | Drive directly to the RV/van camping area (self-managed, dry camping). No tent-porter or baggage service needed. |
| Mon Sept 8 (Day 1) | Prospect loop — Main 40 mi (2,778 ft). Start by 9 a.m., finish by 5 p.m. | Includes a ~2.5-mile gravel section. Rest stops around ~mile 12 & ~mile 24; water near ~mile 33. | Relax in Prospect or recon Diamond Lake later. Welcome crew for the finish back in Prospect. |
| Tue Sept 9 (Day 2) | Prospect → Diamond Lake — Main 38 mi (3,226 ft). | Rest stop ~mile 12 (Farewell Bend), water ~mile 25, scenic viewpoints near ~mile 31. Finish at Broken Arrow Campground. | Drive to Diamond Lake RV/van area and set up the simple camp. Explore the lake or lodge area. |
| Wed Sept 10 (Day 3) | Crater Lake out-and-back — Main 51.5 mi (5,300 ft). | High-altitude climbing day (Cloudcap Viewpoint). Water ~mile 5; rest ~mile 14; return via North Entrance Rd. | Lay-over day: enjoy Diamond Lake, photos, shuttle/lodge, or book a rafting outing. Rest & be the finish-line crew. |
| Thu Sept 11 (Day 4) | Lemolo Lake lollipop — Main 34 mi (1,950 ft). | Water stop near start, rest ~mile 16, second water near ~mile 30. Nice recovery day after Crater Lake. | Top up the Tesla mid-week (see EV plan). Explore local sights and lunch spots. |
| Fri Sept 12 (Day 5) | Diamond Lake → Prospect — Main 38 mi (700 ft). Course closes ~3:30 p.m. | Water ~mile 14 (Claude Lewis Sno-Park), rest ~mile 27 (Union Creek Wayside). Finish at Prospect School. | Break down the simple camp and drive to Prospect to meet riders. Head home after showers/pack-up. |
Riders: Essential Tips
- Safety & Rules: Helmets & two bottles mandatory; obey traffic laws; ride single file at Crater Lake; maintain ≥ 8 mph to stay ahead of sweep.
- Hydration & Nutrition: Breakfast 6–8:30 a.m.; dinner 5–8 p.m.; no official lunch. Rest stops open 7 a.m. with snacks/water/mech support. Aim ~1 L water/hour.
- Packing: You’re self-managing camp at the RV area. Bring tent + bedding to pitch next to the Tesla, warm layers, rain shell, lights, tools, cords. Carry water jugs (no hookups).
- Navigation: Download each day’s Ride with GPS routes ahead of time (limited connectivity). Treat stop signs as yield in Oregon—but stop at Crater Lake park gates when directed.
- Enjoy the Extras: Free yoga, nightly music, karaoke, and a great Beer & Wine Garden vibe.
Grandpa: Sherpa & RV Manager Tips
- Driving & Parking: Head to the RV/van camping area (self-managed, dry camping). Quiet hours typically 10 p.m.–6 a.m. Keep speeds slow near camp and follow posted event routing.
- Self-Managed Camp & Baggage: No tent-porter or baggage service needed. You’ll sleep on an air mattress in the back of the Tesla; Dad & Chris pitch a small tent nearby. Keep gear in the vehicle.
- Leisure & Lunch Spots (Google Maps):
- Prospect Café & Bar — easy breakfast/lunch stop near Prospect.
- Prospect Market & Gas Station — deli food/snacks and general supplies.
- Beckie’s Café — classic stop near Union Creek.
- Diamond Lake Café — breakfast/lunch inside the resort.
- Mt. Bailey Grill & Sports Bar — lodge-side bites and drinks.
- South Shore Pizza Parlor — casual pizza near the south shore.
- Emergency & Info: Medical tent in camp; follow evening announcements at the main stage. Coordinate meet-ups since cell service can be spotty.
Pro tip: Snap photos at the finish area each day and text them when you have coverage—great morale booster for the riders.
EV Charging Plan (Tesla Model Y)
Plan ahead; verify stations in your Tesla/PlugShare apps on the day of travel.
- En-route to Prospect (Sun):
- Creswell Supercharger — convenient first top-up southbound.
- Medford Supercharger — fuller charge before heading east toward Prospect.
- Mid-week top-up (Wed/Thu):
- Beaver Marsh Supercharger — roughly ~20–30 min from Diamond Lake area; good for topping off during layover days.
- Camp power: RV/van area is dry (no hookups). Use the car sparingly for device charging; bring power banks. Keep enough buffer for morning moves.
- Cold nights: If sleeping in the car, test “Camp Mode” usage beforehand; expect noticeable range draw overnight. Consider extra blankets to minimize battery use.
Route Maps
PDF overviews + cue sheets; download Ride with GPS routes to your phone/bike computer in advance.
Final Notes
- Connectivity is limited — download routes, music/podcasts and offline maps ahead of time.
- Weather changes quickly at altitude — pack layers and check nightly stage announcements.
- Have fun: celebrate finishes at camp, enjoy the Beer Garden, and take in the rim views at Crater Lake.