Bickleton - Sunday, September 14, 2008 |
SUMMARY 
For 2008, this ride is a variation on previous Bickleton routes. Rather than go into Goldendale via BZ Corner and Glenwood, we take WA Hwy 14 as far as the Hood River Bridge and cross over to I-84 for a short stretch east to the little burg of Mosier. A less known route through town takes us up into 'Isle of Man' type curves over open country and down the hill into the south side of The Dalles. In The Dalles it's back over the Columbia again through Dallesport and back on to Hwy 14 to take in the famous Wishram curves that no self respecting ride in this area would be without. At Maryhill, we finally turn north into higher country to gas up in Goldendale before heading out into the empty spaces and canyons east of town. Lunch is in tiny but hospitable Bickleton, which boasts Washington State's first tavern. Just east of town, the road goes south to lonely Roosevelt and then turns west along the big river's north bank for the home stretch. No gas stations here, as roadside signs confirm. Route back to Portland is via Hwy 14 westbound or I-84 for those in a hurry. Dry heat and strong breezes are the norm in the summer months. An 8:00am start gets us back to Portland 4:00pm - 5:00pm.
ROUTE DETAILS
OUT
- Meet at Elmer's Restaurant at 9660 SE Stark St., Portland, OR 97216 Tel: (503) 256-0333 at 8:00am
- Go north on I-205 over the Glenn Jackson Bridge and take the first exit to Camas and WA Hwy 14.
- Continue east on Hwy 14 as far as the Hood River Bridge and cross over to Hood River, OR. This is a steel grid bridge which carries a 50c toll for motorcycles.
- In Hood River, turn left onto I-84 and go east and leave the freeway at Exit 69, Mosier.
- In Mosier go east on the Historic Columbia Highway (Hwy 30) to Idaho St and turn right
- Go left on 3rd St and follow main road uphill over Pioneer Road / State Road / Old Mosier Road / Seven Mile Road and turn left onto Chenoweth Creek Road in The Dalles.
- Chenoweth becomes W 10th Street. Follow 10th through town until Union Street.
- Turn left on Union as far as E 3rd St and turn right on to 3rd which becomes E 2nd St.
- Follow 2nd until the intersection w/ OR Hwy 197 and go north across The Dalles Bridge
- At the intersection of Hwy 197 and Hwy 14 turn right and go east on Hwy 14 approx. 18 miles an and fork left going north on Hwy 97 to Goldendale
- Approaching Goldendale, turn left at the 76 gas station onto Hwy 142 going west. STOP FOR GAS. (124 miles)
- Continue west approx. 200 yards and turn sharp left onto Bickleton Hwy, and go east to to Bickleton and STOP FOR LUNCH at the Bluebird Inn.
BACK
- Go south from Bickleton on East Road until Roosevelt and WA Hwy 14.
- On Hwy 14, go west until Bingen and STOP FOR GAS. (126 miles)
- From Bingen, go west on Hwy 14 to Portland and END OF RIDE (72 miles)
STATS
- Total Miles: Approx. 320
- Longest Gas Interval Miles: Approx. 126
- Conditions as of 9/11/08: Route only partially pre-ridden. No special hazards. Filling up or topping off at gas stops is strongly recommended. Eastern portion of route has NO GAS.
PHOTOS
© 2008 Open Road Rider / Contributors: Photographs and Itinerary
