Volunteering with Cycle Oregon

[ Apply to Volunteer ]

There's a group of people who are every bit as important to Cycle Oregon as the riders, and they also have just as much fun (and probably sweat a lot less): the event volunteers. You or someone you know is a prime candidate for this highly rewarding opportunity. An event of this size is dependent on the valiant efforts of hundreds of friendly and resourceful people. Why do they do it? Because it's a unique chance to see amazing scenery, meet lots of wonderful people, eat and drink like royalty and feel great about contributing to one of Oregon's premier charity fundraising events. It's perfect for friends or family of riders, or anyone who wants to combine an adventurous vacation with the spirit of volunteerism. If you're interested, give Ingrid a call at Cycle Oregon: 503-287-0405 x103 or 800-CYCLE OR.

General Requirements
We're looking for volunteers for both the Week and Weekend rides. We ask volunteers to commit to the entire week or weekend of the ride. Volunteers work an average of 8 hours a day, and some work as many as 12 hours.

For the Week ride, all volunteers should plan to arrive at the starting location on Friday afternoon before the ride begins and return home Sunday morning after the ride ends. Cycle Oregon hosts a volunteer thank-you dinner Saturday evening, the last day of the ride, and we will provide lodging that night for all volunteers. We provide transportation during the week for all volunteers.

For the Weekend ride, all volunteers should plan to be available the evening before the ride starts. We will need some volunteers on Friday to set up the overnight site. Other volunteers may not have to arrive till Saturday morning. We provide transportation during the weekend for all volunteers.

We will hold a training meeting prior to each ride so you can meet other team members and learn more about your volunteer job. We will also provide you with a volunteer packet that includes specifics on the ride and your position.

Team Positions
We use volunteers for a variety of jobs, including baggage liaison, bus coordinator, course monitors, food coordinators, gear drop, HAM radio operators, lunch coordinator, medical recovery, office, rest stop coordinators, retail, Rider Guest liaison, rider services, SAG driver, sign team and site team.

Below are brief descriptions of the duties and responsibilities of some of our volunteer positions. Especially needed this year are Lunch and Rest Stop Coordinators. Please contact us for more information about these and other volunteer needs.

Site Team
The general responsibility of the site team is to put up and take down the overnight campsites. This includes roping off roadways and campsites, installing snow fence, pounding posts, placing signage, putting up dining tents, directing vendors and community volunteers, and responding to site issues as they occur. This is a very rewarding position. It requires a lot of physical effort, but if you like challenges and are interested in learning about the inner workings of a major event, then this is the volunteer position for you.

Requirements: Good interpersonal skills and able to quickly offer creative solutions, a self-starter and team player, able to manage and coordinate people and work within a specified time frame, enjoy the outdoors, able to work hard and have the ability to see things through to the end. This job requires physical strength and endurance. [8-12 hours/day]

Sign Team
Members of the sign team drive a truck along the route to place and remove course signage. This is a good job for a volunteer familiar with cycling. Two groups go out each day, one in the morning and one in the evening.

Requirements: Good interpersonal skills and able to quickly offer creative solutions, conscientious, a self-starter and team player, a good driving record, and a good understanding of cycling and road conditions. Morning crew volunteers must be willing to work very early in the morning. [5-8 hours/day]

Rider Services
Rider Services functions as the central information source for each overnight site. Volunteers staff an information trailer to answer riders' questions and help find solutions to their problems.

Requirements: Must be patient, possess a good customer service attitude, work well with others, be a quick learner and have a sense of humor! [4-6 hours/day]

Retail
Individuals who work in the Cycle Oregon Retail trailer are responsible for distributing the pre-ordered ride jerseys and handling retail sales throughout the week.

Requirements: Good customer service and organizational skills. Cash management and credit card processing experience a plus. [4-6 hours/day]

Lunch/Rest Stop Coordinators
Lunch and Rest Stop coordinators oversee the setup, operation and breakdown of lunch or one rest stop each day. This includes managing community volunteers to help in preparing and setting out food and beverages and restocking throughout the day if necessary. Rest Stop Coordinators also restock the rest stop trucks each evening with food and beverages for the next day.

Requirements: Good customer service and organizational skills. Ability to drive a truck and lift and move food and beverage containers helpful.

Course Monitors
Safety is the most important concern on Cycle Oregon. Course monitors help ensure rider safety by alerting cyclists about dangerous intersections and then helping them proceed safely. Course monitors will be assigned a location for the day and will be equipped with signs, food, drink, an umbrella and a chair.

Requirements: This role is good for someone who enjoys interacting with cyclists. [6-8 hours/day]

Year-Round Volunteer Opportunities
Not everything happens in September. We use volunteers throughout the year for a variety of tasks. Below is a list of activities and dates when we need volunteer help. We will send out e-mail updates with complete details closer to the time of each activity.

Volunteer Calendar

Kick-Off Party - January 31 [@ 4:30 p.m.]

Registration Processing - February 1-8 [as available]

Rider Packet Stuffing – Weekend ride: late July

Cycle Oregon Weekend - August 1-3

Volunteer Training - Summer

Rider Packet Stuffing – Week ride: late August

Week Ride Warehouse Preparations - September 2-5

Cycle Oregon 2008 - September 6-13

Post-Ride Warehouse Organization - September 15-19