BAKER CITY, Oregon__Motorists can expect to see 1,500 bicyclists on eastern Oregon routes this week as Cycle Oregon continues its week-long event that started Saturday in Baker City. The annual two-wheeled pilgrimage saw hundreds of bicyclists travel along OR86 between Baker City and Halfway on Sunday. The group will ride the Hells Canyon Scenic Byway and other routes as they visit Wallowa Lake, Elgin, Pendleton and La Grande, before returning to Baker City next Saturday.
Motorists are advised to drive with extra caution, watch for bike riders and share the road. Heavy bike traffic can be expected on the following routes.
Monday September 10 – Halfway to Wallowa Lake State Park via Hwy 86, FSR 39, Hwy 350 and Hwy 351.
Tuesday September 11 – Wallowa Lake State Park to Elgin via Hwy 82.
Wednesday September 12 – Elgin to Pendleton via Hwy 204, Pambrun, Thornhollow, Cayuse and Mission Roads, and Court Avenue.
Thursday September 13 – Pendleton to Pendleton via Echo following Hwy 37, Despain Gulch Rd, Hwy 395, Thielsen and Rieth Roads.
Friday September 14 – Pendleton to La Grande via Court Ave, Mission Road, Old Hwy 30, I-84 between Mileposts 248 and 259, with a lunch stop at Hilgard Junction State Park off Hwy 244.
Saturday September 15 – La Grande to Baker City via Hwy 30, Hwy 203, Hwy 237, Anthony Lakes Highway, Pocahontas Rd and Hughes Lane.
Oregon Department of Transportation crews performed road sweeping operations along state routes prior to the ride and will continue to monitor the shoulders and construction work zones to help provide safer travel for the bike riders. Highway variable message reader boards will display safety reminders along with the temporary roadside signage set out by Cycle Oregon staff.
The signature week long ride is a popular annual event that exposes cyclists from all over the world to the communities and natural beauty of Oregon.
More information about the ride is available at http://cycleoregon.com.
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