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Dandelion

5 Star Route / Fossil, Oregon / Published: May 2018 / Directions
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Gravel girl leaving Fossil on Hwy 218
Leading out of Fossil
Gravel Girl on Oregon Route 218
Barn along the Journey Through Time Scenic Byway
Cyclist riding gravel on Cottonwood Creek Road by Fossil, Oregon
The turn onto dirt
Cyclist summitting dirt section of Cottonwood Creek Road by Fossil, Oregon
Near the top of the dirt climb
Cyclist descending Cottonwood Creek Road by Fossil, Oregon
On the back side of the climb.
Near Huntly Canyon Oregon
Cyclist climbing Shaniko Fossil Hwy
The beginning of the 3.5 mile road climb.
Gravel Girl on Shaniko Fossil Hwy
Half way
cyclist descending Shaniko Fossil Hwy
Descending
Cyclist on Oregon Route 218
The last turn before Fossil
*
Route:
Loop | 22 mi
*
Gain:
2,400 ft
*
Surface:
45% gravel road, 55% tarmac
*
Technical Difficulty:
Easier
*
Navigation:
Straightforward
*
Locale:
Rural
*
Tire Suggestion:
40 mm
*
Options:
---

Dandelions are flowers often called weeds, but in the wild they are impressive survivors. Sort of like this ride: a sweet ride that starts in the town of Fossil and winds through farmland and harsh central Oregon desert. Beautiful and yet hardy. And loaded with flowers.

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Map
Brown = gravel / dirt road
Blue = single track
Red = paved road
Purple = paved bike path
GPX Download   Version 1.0
Ride Details

Terrain & Riding

The route has two impressive climbs, followed by two impressive descents. So there’s a lot of bang for the buck on this twenty miler.

Spoiler alert: The first climb will kick up to 11% …. and the second is a long seven percent-er. So it’s not a long route or a rough one, but you did say you needed a good shake out after that drive to Fossil?

The tiny town of Fossil is a destination in itself. The main grocery store has quite the impressive dead animal and quilt display, all mixed in with the milk, eggs and beer. It’s next to the gas station and post office, which is about the extent of the town. There’s a sign for Wheeler County Medical Center but we try to stay away from those places. And Fossil has the ONE and ONLY public fossil field which is located behind Wheeler High School.

We loved touring the local cattle farms, the road slices through the middle of several farms. Plus the quality of the gravel, lack of traffic, and sweeping views, all make it a great ride. Toss in the tour of Fossil and you’ve got a full day of fun.

The Start

Lat / Long: 44.996331, -120.216250

At the Fossil Mercantile store, at 555 Main Street.

Food & Water

  • None.
Notes & Options
Comments

Have you ridden this route? Got a question? Join the discussion!

Ridden and Reviewed by:

KevinE

KevinE / Team Dirty Freehub

He should have “Never Stop Exploring” tattooed on his chest! He loves adventures on bikes and is a Co-Founder of Dirty Freehub.

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