Cycle Oregon to again roll through Central Oregon

The majesty of Crater Lake and the Cascades. The sunny eastern end of the Columbia River Gorge. The Willamette Valley’s rolling wine country. These are the iconic settings for Cycle Oregon’s 2019 lineup of fully supported rides: Classic, GRAVEL and Joyride.

The routes were announced Wednesday evening at Cycle Oregon’s 2019 kickoff party at the Portland Art Museum, and online registration for each ride opens at noon Thursday at www.cycleoregon.com.

Here’s the rest of the news release announcing the routes for this year’s rides:

With three distinct events–a weeklong road ride, a weekend gravel ride and a one-day, women-only ride–the 2019 Cycle Oregon series has something for everyone. Each event enables riders of all abilities to explore the state’s renowned natural beauty on two wheels, plus connects them with rural towns such as Oakridge, Dufur and Independence.

“Cycle Oregon is dedicated to transforming individuals and communities through bicycling, and this year’s rides will most certainly have an impact,” says Steve Schulz, Cycle Oregon executive director.

“Riders will fall in love with the beautiful scenery of Central Oregon and Crater Lake during Cycle Oregon Classic, the setting of the Columbia River Gorge and the camaraderie built during GRAVEL, and the idyllic community of Independence — the new basecamp for Joyride. Even if you’ve lived in Oregon your entire life, you’ll discover something new on Cycle Oregon. It’s an unparalleled way to experience authentic Oregon.”

2019 Cycle Oregon Lineup

Classic (September 7-14): For 2019, the organization’s flagship, seven-day ride lives up to its ‘Classic’ name with its return to Central Oregon, where cyclists will be immersed in some of the state’s most iconic and stunning natural landscapes. The loop, which is 430 miles, plus an additional 60-mile option, includes the majestic Cascade Mountains, three of the country’s most scenic rivers and Crater Lake–the sapphire jewel of Oregon’s only national park. One of the top fully supported rides in the country, Classic attracts cyclists from around the U.S. and the world. Full route information here.

GRAVEL (May 17-19): Now in its second year, Cycle Oregon’s GRAVEL ride lets cyclists experience the challenges and scenic beauty of gravel road riding while being fully supported, Cycle Oregon-style. This year’s ride, which is limited to just 500 riders, is based out of the historic farming town of Dufur, Oregon, in the sunny eastern Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The route features a combination of gravel and paved roads to explore the stunning expanses of high prairie and the forested foothills of Mount Hood. Riders will get views of wildflowers, wheat fields, and Mount Hood and Mount Adams around nearly every corner. Full route information here.

Joyride (June 22): Cycle Oregon’s one-day celebration of women and bikes is heading to Independence, Oregon, in the heart of the scenic Willamette Valley. Women cyclists of all ages and all ranges of experience can choose among three different fully supported rides (18, 40 and 64 miles) amongst rolling hills, orchards, vineyards and wide-open farmlands–and return to delicious, locally sourced food and libations, plus live bands. New for 2019 is the option to add a gravel road section to the medium and long rides. Full route information here.

The Cycle Oregon Experience

With more than 30 years of event logistics experience and deep roots within the state, Cycle Oregon is one of the top multi-day cycling events in the country. Each route is carefully curated and allows cyclists to set their own pace and become fully immersed in the ride, knowing Cycle Oregon has taken care of all the details. All three rides feature meticulous directions, nourishing rest stops, mobile bike mechanics, locally sourced food and drink, and fun evening entertainment.

“The people, the scenery, the food and the traditions are what keep me coming back to Cycle Oregon year after year,” says Sarah Gates, who has taken part in more than 15 Classic rides. “While the focus is on biking, it’s also about relaxing and having everything–except the pedaling–taken care of for me. It’s my idea of the perfect vacation.”

Rural Support

Cycle Oregon is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming individuals and communities through bicycling. Each year, Cycle Oregon has a significant local economic impact in the communities where it holds its events. It provides approximately $175,000 per year to community groups for the services they provide during the rides. And, cyclists themselves contribute to the local economy: On average, Classic ride participants spend $250 in local communities during the weeklong event.

Proceeds from the rides go to the Cycle Oregon Fund, which helps preserve and protect the special places of Oregon and supports community development projects. Over the last 20 years, Cycle Oregon has awarded more than 300 grants totaling $2.2 million, supporting projects ranging from bike racks in Baker City and Yachats to helping purchase land for the Wallowa Band Nez Perce Trail Interpretive Center.

“Cycle Oregon is more than just awesome bike rides. Embedded in our DNA is becoming part of the fabric of Oregon’s rural communities. That means hiring local organizations to assist with event logistics, buying food from local farmers, featuring local beer and wine, and supporting local nonprofits through the Cycle Oregon Fund,” Schulz says.

“Each and every Cycle Oregon participant can know they are supporting a range of good causes when they register for one of our rides. Plus, they’ll be making personal connections with each community they visit along the way. Cycling is a great way to connect people to the communities of Dufur, Oakridge and beyond.”

About Cycle Oregon

Cycle Oregon is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming individuals and communities through bicycling. For riders who want an unparalleled Oregon bicycle experience at their own pace, Cycle Oregon hosts a series of fully supported rides that offer a unique perspective of the state, all the while managing every last detail. Established in 1988, Cycle Oregon’s 30-plus years of event logistics and deep roots within the state create an authentic Oregon experience that strengthens communities–on and off the bike. Cycle Oregon attracts more than 4,500 riders from all 50 states and around the world. www.cycleoregon.com #ridecycleoregon