“Living in the Wild West” is not complete without a visit to the majestic Lake Simtustus. If you’ve ridden other Dirty Freehub rides along Lake Simtustus, such as Over the Rainbow or Lost Wagon Train, then you already know that the lake is a hidden gem. But with this ride, you’ll get to visit the super cool part of the lake. Along the way, you’ll enjoy big views as you pedal along the Deschutes River.

This ride passes through the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, a 1,019 square mile region in north-central Oregon. The reservation is governed by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, which is comprised of three tribes: the Wasco, Tenino (Warm Springs), and Paiute.

Established by the treaty of 1855, the reservation’s boundaries were under dispute for 101 years due to inaccurate measurements, until the McQuinn Strip boundary dispute was resolved in 1972. The reservation’s total area spans across eight counties, with over half being forested. … The reservation is home to speakers of the Chinook Jargon, Kiksht, Numu, and Ichishkiin Snwit languages. It also houses the Museum at Warm Springs, which showcases a large collection of Native American artifacts. The tribes’ primary sources of revenue are hydroelectric projects, forest products, and commercial fishing in the Columbia and Deschutes rivers. [Wikipedia]

Big One6 is an out & back ride. The first two-thirds of the “out” of the route (also the final two-thirds of the “back” of the route) are rolling hills with good pavement and little traffic. You’ll pass by sporadic farms, an old defunct church, and basalt cliffs. You’ll also ride through un-fenced lands where wild mustangs graze. But this route is named for the final one-third of the “out” (also the first one-third of the “back”). At thirteen miles, you’ll reach a gravel road with an intimidating “16% grade ahead” sign. This is where you blast down to the lake, excited about the descent, but full-well knowing you’ll have to suffer up this climb on the way back. Rest assured, though — the Big One6 isn’t all that big. This is straight from the horse’s mouth: the grade averages 8 to 10%, with just a wee section of 16%.

When you reach Lake Simtustus, hold your horses. Take your time to enjoy the views, explore a bit, and wonder at the geology before you get back on your saddle to face the up-section of the Big One6. On your return, you’ll appreciate that the gravel section is a stair stepper climb. Grab your reins! You can do it!