One of the most scenic and pleasant rides in close proximity to Medford and Ashland, this route is pure cycling pleasure on any nice day of the year. In the winter months a later start, 10:30 or 11:00 am, may avoid the colder air at the somewhat higher (than the Rogue Valley ) elevations of this ride. Similarly, an earlier start in the summer months can avoid the time bake of the late afternoons, coming through the Shasta River Canyon, on the return to the start. Though there are no steep, extended, climbs on this ride, it still has its challenges: a very steady uphill grade leading from the Klamath River to a summit overlooking Montague provides a real training challenge, if one chooses to "push the envelope"; another climb from Montague over to Yreka, on the return leg of the ride, is also a good challenge, when the legs are beginning to feel the intensity of 60+ miles; then, a short climb up the Shasta River Canyon caps off a most rewarding day. Between these challenges is pure scenic splendor - 25-30 miles of flat, smooth roads, with Mt. Shasta's snow-capped peaks in the foreground continuously, a reasonable choice of eating stops in Yreka (somewhat limited on Sundays), and a lovely traverse of portions of the Shasta and Klamath River valleys on the way back to the start.

Begin the ride by heading back north on the shoulder of I-5 to the first exit at Copco Rd. From this exit, head east to the bridge at Ager Rd. where the route crosses the river heading, more or less, south toward Montague. This road can be followed all the way to Montague's main intersection ( Webb St . ) where the route goes left, across the railroad tracks. Very shortly thereafter, one encounters a gas station on the left, which is a good place to catch a breath and refuel. From here the route goes east and then south, steadily closing in on vistas of Mt. Shasta , until it intersects with Hwy. A12. Turning back west on A12 to Grenada, there are three alternative routes to Yreka: continuing west, across I-5 to the frontage road north; or, heading north on Montague-Grenada Rd. to either Oberlin Rd. (the first left) or Montague Rd. (the second) heading directly into Yreka. From Yreka, head north (right) on Main street, which turns into Hwy. 263 and ultimately intersects with Hwy. 96, bearing right along the Klamath River and back to the Collier rest stop. In total, the route covers 63 to 66 miles, depending on the alternatives chosen.

This loop ride is best begun at the Collier rest stop, south of the agricultural-inspection station (no longer in operation), at mile post 786 of I-5, about 25 to 30 minutes from Medford . One can park a car safely at the rest stop in its rather large parking area, preferably under a tree (for it may be quite warm when you get back.)

Many are concerned about the short leg up the I-5 shoulder, but it is quite wide and the traffic tends to give cyclists a wide berth. After that, there is almost no traffic on any of the roads (excluding Main St . in Yreka) for the entire trip.