Pints of Beer and Tri-Flow on the 2015 Oregon Outback
Photos and words by David Klayton

Looking back on the 2015 Oregon Outback I’m inclined to call it the best yet.

This year was my second run of the Oregon Outback and I finished in two days and 11 hours. Day 1 included a bit of rain, but overall it was a blast and I reached my goal of getting to Fort Rock. Day 2 started rather abruptly as rain fell on my open bivy, but I rallied and rode out with Team Swift and Limberlost.

Thankfully the menacing red sauce of year one was packed down and the ride towards Prineville was exceptional after the sun came out. In Prineville the Good Bike Co was a big stop for many riders, picking up extra tubes, pints of beer and Tri-Flow.

The ride out of Prineville at sunset with new friends along bucolic pastures and farms couldn’t have been more enjoyable. Despite the long climb, the sky was clear and the stars were out for the first time. Classic Oregon Outback. Morning came early and packing up was a snap. The descent to Ashwood was fun and the day warmed up quickly.

Rolling into Antelope I felt strong and was anxious to finish. After refilling my water I rolled on towards Shaniko. The ice cream in Shaniko was a treat I’d been thinking of for miles and provided the energy to push on for the final 60 miles. As I finished the ride Sunday evening, the light was incredible and the wind punishing…but I was happy.

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