Madras jazzed to host Cycle Oregon riders

Cycle Oregon is gearing up for its 2014 ride in September. New this year — a stop and stay in one Central Oregon city

Madras will welcome 2,000-plus riders during their week-long ride this summer.

During Cycle Oregon, now in its 27th year, thousands of people from around the world cycle thousand of miles across Oregon’s most scenic routes. Only a few cities are picked as hosts where the riders will stay over the course of three days.

Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce officials said Thursday this will generate big buzz for a small city.

“These cyclists are coming up clear from The Dalles, up and down many canyons to get to Madras,” said Chamber of Commerce Director Joe Krenowicz said. “And we’re looking forward to be able to showcase what we have here to not only our guests from Oregon and clear across the Unites States, but also from overseas.”

Hotels, restaurants and shops in Madras are excited to welcome visitors and some much-needed dollars into their community this summer.

Some say this ride could really put Madras on the map.

“A lot of times, a lot of the smaller communities like Madras and Prineville don’t get as much attention as Bend, so this is a great opportunity for all the businesses to capitalize on a great event,” said Court Priday, director of The Inn at Cross Keys Motel in Madras.

“You have no idea how happy that makes me, to hear that that many people coming through or staying in our town, that is awesome,” said Gene Burke, the owner of Geno’s Italian Grill in Madras.

Cycle Oregon’s week-long ride is Sept. 6- 13. It costs $925 to register, and you still have time to sign up. For more information visit cycleoregon.com