Oregon Backways Adventure Trail (ORBAT) done as a Loop

June 26 – July 2, 2022

Adventure Bike Ride around the best of Oregon

We've taken what we think are the very best routes of the Oregon Cascade Mountains and Coast Mountains, then assembled them into a great adventure. The route includes backcountry sections from the Pacific Divide Route and we've added some spectacular route options to create a 6 day loop around the state. The ride starts and ends in Ashland Oregon. I've also added some hard and easy options (I call it Red and Green options) for riders that simply want a little rougher choice or for riders who simply want to have a scenic relaxed day. Riders will hook up in small groups of 3 to 6 riders with their same ability and desires. This lets everyone have a great time at their own pace.

About the Ride:

The ORBAT is a Adventure for Novice and Intermediate to advanced riders only. No beginners. I have added some easy and harder options for riders that are looking for extra or to relax.

This is a 6 day adventure bike ride making a big loop around the state. We will be staying in different motels each night during the week. Some riders may truck their bikes to the start of the ride and then leave their vehicles at the beginning of the ride for the week. We will be eating in restaurants during the week, so no need to bring cooking equipment or food. The riding should be scenic to rough depending on your choices.

The exciting part about this ride is that riders can choose their own level of adventure exposure each day to meet their desire and excitement.

Each day our route will take us to the next motel and many days we will have an option of lunch on the trail. Each morning riders will grab breakfast and team up with their riding buddies, grab their daily snacks and begin their adventure. The day's adventures are long with many rich options along the way.

After the day's ride, riders perform bike maintenance and join up for happy hour and dinner. Then it is often to bed early as the next day comes quickly.

This ride includes a support truck. Riders can place one small overnight bag in the truck but should carry much of their gear on their bikes as the conditions and weather can change greatly during the day.

Riders should also carry any supplies for bike repairs and maintenance on the trail (like flat tires).

Motel arrangements are double occupancy.

Ride Details

I know many of you also enjoy dreaming about the ride and making your plans, so here is the detail, enjoy!

Signup info:

The cost to join this 6 day ride is $1,195 This covers your lodging for the 6 nights during the ride and the cost of a support truck and driver. It also includes your ride packets which include a custom Garmin GPS Map on a micro SD card and printed ride maps and descriptions.

Now taking signups: You can now reserve your spot on this ride by leaving a $200 Deposit (Ride limit is 24 riders)

After your signup riders will receive an email from me with further ride information and instructions.

Note: Riders must make full payment by April 30th, 2022.

Riders will receive ride packets in the mail one week before the ride.

Refund Policy

Do not sign up for this ride unless you are serious about coming. I take your signup very seriously and start planning for you the minute you sign up. If you need to cancel up to one month prior to the ride start date I will give you a full refund but I will keep $100 to cover the planning work. Sorry but I make non refundable commitments myself so it gets hard for me. "I hate this world of non refundable deals myself." If you need to cancel within one month of the ride I cannot give a refund unless I can find a replacement rider. In the case of finding a replacement rider, I will gladly give you the full refund minus the $100 to cover the planning work. In the event of ride cancellation, you will be given a full refund.

How does the ride navigation work?

This is a self-led GPS ride; all riding is on your own. You are responsible for your own riding. You will be given a GPS map file and instructions on how to use your Garmin GPS unit. People will hook up in small groups of less than 6 riders and tend to ride together. You are not encouraged to ride alone. You are responsible for your own riding and yourself.

(see my ride Navigation Video)

Are you right for this ride?

When something goes wrong on a ride, would your riding friends say that you are more likely to need help or more likely to give help? You should be in the more likely to offer help camp. This ride is filled with riders that are more likely to give help, so most of the time the riders never need help. Additionally there is all the normal stuff, come prepared to maintain your bike, fix your bike on the trail, repair flat tires, deal with bad weather and rain and make a joke or two.

How do I make the GPS stuff so easy?

I develop very high quality ride maps custom for our ride. They come from much of what I and others have ridden. I take the best from all my rides and make new ones.

(See my Custom Ride Maps Video)

Note from me, gpsKevin

My goal for this ride is simple, great riding, so you can count on great routes and places to ride.

But in addition: the ride is about discovering new places, meeting new friends, seeing new parts of the Southwest.

Thanks

gpsKevin

FAQ's

Q:What will the weather be like this time of year?

A: In August, the weather is most often nice, could be a little hot in the lower elevations and it can be cold in the morning and in the mountains. But sometimes there can be rain. Wet and muddy routes can force us to change our plans. Come prepared with extra gear for cold and wet.

Q: Would this be a good ride for new riders?

A: No, this ride is for intermediate and experienced riders only. The riding has easy route choices and tough route options. Each evening we will study the following day's choices. You will find lots of supportive people at the ride.

Q: What are Motel room arrangements?

A: Rooms are double occupancy, meaning each rider shares a two queen bed room with another rider.

Q: What bikes are right for this ride?

A: Bikes including and in between the Suzuki Vstrom and the KTM990 all can do well by choosing the easy or hard route options.

Q; What do I do if I don't have a garmin gps?

A: Buy one, you need it, we will show you how to use it. You can get a great one for under $200 bucks. ( See gpsKevin's gps recommendations)

Q: Is the riding really on my own?

A: Yes, but almost everyone hooks up and rides with a friend, or a new friend or me.