The only sections that seem to give people problems are as follows: We recommend using a GPS and the Benchmark Oregon Road & Recreation Atlas. It’ll suck, but trust me, it’ll be worth it in the end… The only nice thing that can be said about this section is that once it’s over you’ve ridden the worst parts of the route with all the very best sections yet to come. The “Red Sauce Forest”, as it’s now affectionately known, is a 20-mile section of the route north of Fort Rock as you pass through the Deschutes National Forest.
Conditions tend to degrade the further you go, climaxing with the worst section between miles 66 and 72. The surface conditions change dramatically from section to section and although conditions have improved significantly with the added bike traffic, there are several portions that will sap you mentally and physically.
The OC&E traverses through a variety of topography before climbing up into the Fremont National Forest. While the route primarily links up decent dirt and gravel roads, there are two sections of the route that are particularly loose, shitty and soul crushing: 1) portions of the OC&E Woods Line State Trail and 2) the “Red Sauce Forest”. However, it can be done on various other bike type. We see no reason to stray from our standard bike & tire recommendation – a rigid 29er (or similar) with ~2” tires with some tread. Or ride back to Portland along several recommended alternatives. If you haven’t arranged transportation back to Portland and points beyond (one good option is Portland Sag Wagon), riding 18 miles west will put you in The Dalles at a Greyhound station. The route technically finishes at the Deschutes River State Recreation Area which has camping and showers but little else. This allows the train travelers the opportunity to fully enjoy the experience and a net 4,000 foot elevation loss. Although the prevailing winds might dictate otherwise, we recommend riding the route south to north. While it’s been done in as little as 28 hours, we recommend spending 5 to 7 days on the route. It’s not a deal breaker, but it’s worth keeping in mind when estimating your daily mileage and whether this route is within your limits. 
Unfortunately, the wind only seems to die down as the temps rise into the 90’s. The wind can be a real pain on this route, especially as you approach the Columbia River Gorge.Winter brings snow to the mountains and summer brings extreme heat.The season for riding this route is generally spring through mid-summer and then again in late summer and into the fall.
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