Oregon’s Mount Mazama, best known for Crater Lake, is home to another physically demanding bicycle ride: Rim Drive.

This route is becoming increasingly popular with cyclists. It must take some doing to prepare for the combination of high altitude and stiff climbs; perhaps a hypoxic mask would help?

Rim Drive is not recommended for the novice cyclist. Road conditions alone are dismaying. At times of the year when the road is open to motor vehicles, there can be heavy traffic. Descents on steep slopes can get very fast. There are likely to be potholes. There are no bike lanes, and often no shoulders.

Watch out for animals, too. They can be very unpredictable. I have a vague memory of one of our road trips when I was kid. My father had to slam on the brakes because a deer had suddenly appeared in front of our car.

There’s only one dirt road on Mount Mazama where MTB riding is permitted; but there’s no single track.

Those who want to cycle Rim Drive are advised to plan their visits for Summer: July through September. During much of the year, road conditions are not favorable to cycling.

If you can manage the ride, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views from the road’s numerous pull-outs and overlooks. That in itself makes the effort worth it.