Cyclists who opt into Cycle Oregon’s signature Week Ride (September 10-17) will be heading to the southern Oregon coast. They’ll follow the Umpqua and Rogue rivers and Oregon’s stunning coastline as they journey over 400 miles through Myrtle Creek, Camas Valley, Bandon-by-the-Sea, Gold Beach, Indian Mark Park, and Glendale.
“It’s been over 20 years since we’ve visited the deep southern Oregon coast, and we couldn’t be more excited to showcase this area,” says Cycle Oregon Ride Director Steve Schulz. “The breathtaking scenery riding through the Coast Range, along the wild and scenic Rogue and Umpqua Rivers, and gazing as far as the eye can see while riding right along the Pacific coastline, will paint pictures in riders’ minds to last a lifetime. The area overflows with history of early settlers, Native Americans, and, as is reflected in our theme this year, the gold-rush era. With a mix of climbing, cruising, and optional routes, we’ve balanced out the ride for a perfect mix of challenge and recovery. And with our layover day camped beachside in Gold Beach, folks have tons of options to experience the area. Come September, we’ll all be going for gold!”
The 2016 Weekend Ride (July 8-10) starts in Corvallis, at Oregon State University, and explores the Willamette Valley westward on day one and eastward on day two. Weekend riders can choose between three different routes—short, medium, and long—and a kids’ bike camp is available onsite.
Cycle Oregon announced its first annual Women’s Ride (June 11) tonight. The event, called Joyride, will be a one-day bike ride that starts at the Stoller Family Estate vineyard in the Dundee Hills of the Willamette Valley and travels through the surrounding countryside. There will be multiple routes offered, making it an accessible event for cyclists of all levels.
“Cycle Oregon aims to match what our state does naturally—offering a range of rides for a range of riders,” says Cycle Oregon Executive Director Alison Graves. “We are excited to announce our new one-day ride to build the community of women who enjoy bicycling.”
The first 500 people to arrive at tonight’s Kickoff Party were guaranteed early registration for the Week Ride, starting at 9pm immediately following the event. For everyone else, online registration begins tomorrow, February 4, at 12pm. Cost for the Week Ride is $985 per rider. It’s $199 per adult and $99 per child (age 7-17; kids 6 and under are free) for the Weekend Ride, and $100 for Joyride, the Women’s Ride.
For nearly three decades, Cycle Oregon has connected cyclists with the rural communities through which its rides pass. Riders are encouraged to spend time in these towns to support the local economy and community groups can earn money by hosting Cycle Oregon for a night. Combined, host communities on the Week Ride receive more than $150,000 each year.
“Gold Beach is thrilled to host the 2016 Cycle Oregon cyclists this fall,” says Jodi Fritts, City Administrator of Gold Beach. “Developing authentic, world-class, outdoor recreation experiences and attracting enthusiasts to our part of the Oregon Coast has been a regional goal. After last year’s designation of the first scenic bikeway on the coast, this opportunity to be a part of your awesome ‘Cycle Oregon’ event is the cherry on top of our bike-recreation sundae! We couldn’t be more excited.”
In addition to the benefits enjoyed by host communities, The Cycle Oregon Fund, developed through event proceeds since 1996, makes annual grants to preserve special places in Oregon, promote bicycle safety and tourism, and support community projects. Since its inception, the fund has awarded over 200 grants totaling more than $1.7 million.
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