"There’s Gold in Them Thar Hills." After having done this route, I would say -- don't do it. It's just TOO much climbing for one day. Everything is pretty dang nice though - the crazy climbs aside. Miles 85-93 go through an active logging zone as of July 2016. So they have dumped NASTY gravel there and it ruins the descent. Besides that, road conditions are good. Despite the unrelenting gravel climbing - there were some very lovely things on this route. Opal creek and quartzville creeks are amazing. So lovely and pure. The descent down NF11 (paved) was great too. It was just too overshadowed by the suffering that came before it. The opal creek segment is worth riding - but not on a perfect weather weekend. Too many "wilderness tourists". Dust from cars in the beginning. A moto "parade". That road is really good. Winds along the cliff edge up into the sky. Perfect views at the summit. But - very sketchy initial drop down loose gravel with a cliff edge... Then the descent into Detroit turns to smooth NF pavement with 4 miles to go. I think I could of just done that segment and been satisfied with the ride. I wouldn't do it in the summer again though. I think late spring when it's not dusty and no one is out would be the best time. Should be plenty of water to filter en route. Lady who works the coffee shack at mile 35.6 is nice. Shack has gatorade and smoothies too. Opal Creek Wilderness, NF 10, Quartzville Scenic Byway, Abandoned Gold Mine, Thomas Creek something or other, back to Mill CIty for pizza. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederated_Tribes_of_the_Grand_Ronde_Community_of_Oregon https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santiam_people http://www.oregonpioneers.com/QuartzvilleGold.htm http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/files/brochures/quartzville_110119.pdf