Oregon Cascades Volcanic Arc 2.0
As you’re reading this, I’m in Klamath Falls preparing to do what I love best: Riding my bike at a spirited pace over long distances. I’m giving the Oregon Cascades Volcanic Arc 400 another shot. Last year, I set the FKT (Fastest Known Time) on this beautiful and challenging route that spans 415 miles (670 km) as it traverses the entire state of Oregon along the crest of the Cascade Mountains, mostly on remote gravel roads.
Why would I do the OCVA 400 again, when I already hold the FKT? The truth is that I’m not that interested in rankings. FKTs are interesting to me as benchmarks that put my ride into perspective, not because I want to ‘beat’ other riders.
Last year’s FKT ride was a bit more of an adventure than I had planned. I hiked through more than 11 miles (18 km) of deep snow, pushing and carrying my bike. I found a bridge on the McKenzie River Trail missing. There was a heat wave, too, with the thermometer at Clear Lake showing 97 degrees (36° C). It made for a great story—which you can read in the current Bicycle Quarterly—but it also left me feeling that I can do better. Last year, it took me 49:58 hours it took me to ride from Klamath Falls to Portland.
The main reason I’m returning to the OCVA is that I had such a blast last year, despite all that snow. Whether it was descending more than 3,000 ft (1,000 m) in one setting in the Calapooya Mountains or climbing the Cascades one last time on steep gravel roads under a full moon—last year’s ride left such strong impressions and memories that I want to do it again.
I’m riding my Rene Herse that we built for the Oregon Outback. Being fully analog—with Nivex rear and lever-operated front derailleurs—it’s totally reliable and a lot of fun to ride. I’m running 26″ x 2.3″ Rat Trap Pass Extralight tires and TPU tubes—in fact, the same tires and tubes that already did last year’s FKT ride.
I plan to start my ride on Monday, June 29, at 8 a.m. You can follow my progress on the tracker (link below). If you’re near the course, feel free to come out and meet me. However, as an unsupported rider, I won’t be able to draft, nor take any support. However, a friendly smile, wave and maybe a few minutes of conversation are always appreciated!
More Information:
- Tracker for the 2026 OCVA 400 FKT attempt.
- The story of last year’s FKT ride is in the current Bicycle Quarterly (BQ 90).
