Are you intrigued by Cycle Oregon but feel uncertain about committing to the signature weeklong event? Cycle Oregon’s Summer Bike Camp might be just what you’re looking for.
Summer Bike Camp is a weekend ride that’s taking place July 8-10 in the Willamette Valley. With short, medium, and long route options available on both riding days, it’s a two-wheeled adventure that’s well suited for all experience levels and ages.
Choose your own adventure
You’ll arrive on Friday at camp, at Oregon State University (OSU) in Corvallis, the centermost town of the Willamette Valley. Both days of riding start and end at this home base.
On Saturday, you can choose from route options of 14, 35, 55, or 68 miles:
From OSU, you’ll head west toward the Coast Range. The short and medium routes take mostly flat, quiet roads through agricultural and forested areas, as they cruise past many small towns. The long route goes father toward the coast and includes some short climbs and long descents as it follows a peaceful single-lane road along the south fork of the Alsea River and stops for a break at Alsea Falls. All routes eventually join together before heading back to camp for the night.
Sunday is mostly flat, whether you choose the 16, 55, or 73-mile route:
All routes ride portions of the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway before the short route breaks off and the medium and long routes stop by the Willamette River for a break. The long route splits from the medium route and heads for Crawfordsville. If you choose the long way, you’ll go through forests and past historic
buildings as you conquer the day’s only climb. You’ll descend to arrive at the Crawford covered bridge and then reconnect with medium-route riders over lunch in the picturesque town of Brownsville. Later, you’ll stop at the historic Thompson’s Mill, the oldest water-powered mill in Oregon, before rejoining the short route and heading back to camp to celebrate.
Kick back at camp—and bring the kids
The riding is only half the fun at Summer Bike Camp. When you’re not out cruising the Willamette Valley, you can kick back at the OSU campsite and enjoy the amenities Cycle Oregon is known for. There will be good food, a beer garden, great music and entertainment from the main stage, and even a pool for cooling off. A good time is guaranteed, before you catch some sleep beneath the stars.
Kids are welcome at the Summer Bike Camp weekend ride. They can travel the route with you or take part in our Bike Camp for Kids, where they’ll explore shortened routes, improve skills with the support of trained bicycle-safety instructors, and make new friends.
Whether you’re looking for a burst of hard-charging riding, a moderate ride through a beautiful part of Oregon, or a relaxing family adventure, Cycle Oregon’s Summer Bike Camp has you covered.
Registration for Summer Bike Camp is now open. You know how fast summer weekends fill up, so claim your spot today and get a memorable summer adventure on the books!