If you were lucky enough to be with us on the Classic two years ago, you will undoubtedly remember the breathtaking views we saw of Wallowa Lake, both from the shores where we camped, and from the highway we pedaled along. Part of the spectacular beauty and uniqueness of the area is due to the glacial moraines that frame the lake. For thousands of years the spectacular East Moraine has been a refuge for wildlife and is sacred to the Nez Perce Tribe. 

In 2008, Cycle Oregon’s Signature Grant was dedicated to helping protect Wallowa Lake’s glacial moraines from development pressure. In the time since, the Cycle Oregon Fund has contributed $98,000 towards the permanent protection of the East Moraine.

We are thrilled to announce that as of January 21st 1,791 acres of land has been purchased, through grants and donations, to be managed by Wallowa County for forestry, grazing, habitat and cultural uses.This $6.5 million dollar purchase took more than a decade to arrange, but the good that will come from preserving this land, and the community’s connection to it, will last forever. You can find more information here at the Wallowa Land Trust website.

And with that great news, we are thrilled to announce the 2019 round of Cycle Oregon Fund grant recipients. For it’s 23rd year, the Cycle Oregon Fund grant program awards 22 nonprofits $139,050 in support of a wide range of projects across the state.

Ten of this year’s grants will support a wide range of projects in all corners of the state that preserve and restore community gathering spaces—ranging from track and athletic fields in Maupin to a historic schoolhouse in Creswell—and support vital services, such a public health clinic in Blue River and the fire department in Seneca. Twelve additional grants were awarded to community and volunteer groups that assisted Cycle Oregon during the 2019 Classic ride.

“The Cycle Oregon Fund is one of the tools we have to give back to many of the communities who offer outstanding hospitality to our staff, volunteers and the thousands of riders who participate in Cycle Oregon events every year,” said Steve Schulz, executive director of Cycle Oregon. “People who participate in Cycle Oregon fall in love with Oregon’s rural communities and love knowing that proceeds from our events support many good causes in those same places they rode through.” 

Community Project Grants

• City of Seneca – Support the building of a new, two-bay, pull-through fire station to house two newer engines ($10,000).
• Community Cycling Center (Portland) – Support the Bike Repair Hub, which serves residents of the Portsmouth neighborhood in North Portland, specifically residents of the New Columbia affordable housing community ($5,000).
• Creswell Heritage Foundation (Creswell) – Help replace the exterior siding, windows and trim of Creswell’s historic schoolhouse ($2,600).
• Josephy Center for Arts and Culture (Joseph) – Strengthen Indian programming through greater coordination with tribal entities ($6,000).
• Maupin Area Chamber Endowment (Maupin) – Renovate the Deschutes River Athletic Complex, which includes track and athletic fields ($10,000).
• McKenzie Community Development Corporation (Walterville) – Build the Aufderheide Cycling Repair Station ($5,000).
• McKenzie River Clinic (Blue River) – Replace rural health clinic’s roof damaged by a heavy winter storm ($7,000).
• Powers Action Team (Powers) – Convert an old tennis court to a pickleball court, creating the only free, public pickleball court in Coos County ($5,000).
• Wallowa Land Trust (Enterprise) – Support the purchase and permanent protection of one of the most iconic landforms in Oregon: the East Moraine of Wallowa Lake ($5,000).
• Wallowa Resources (Enterprise) – Support the Rural Theater Project, which gives voice to unheard narratives, honors the stories of those interviewed and invites audiences into a deeper conversation about community ($5,000).

Classic Support Community Grants

•         Cascades Academy of Central Oregon – $6,700
•         City of Seneca – $3,000
•         Crane Union High School – $2,000
•         Crescent Community Club    – $1,800
•         Gilchrist High School – $1,000
•         Glide High School – $3,200
•         Harney County Chamber of Commerce – $3,000
•         High Cascades Forest Volunteers    – $10,000
•         La Pine Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation – $18,350
•         Lane County School District – $1,500
•         McKenzie Community Development Corporation – $15,300
•         Oakridge High School – $12,600