2026 GRAVEL Ride Guide

From West / North (Portland Metro area – approximately 2 hours driving time) 

• Take I-84 E approximately 82 miles to Brewery Overpass Road in The Dalles 

• Take Exit 85 toward City Center/The Dalles 

• Turn right onto Brewery Overpass Road after 0.2 miles 

• Turn left onto US-30 E after 0.2 miles 

• Continue straight onto US-30 and then onto US-197 S for approximately 27 miles 

• Turn right onto Shadybrook Road 

• After 1 mile, turn left onto Fairgrounds Road, then turn left onto Fairgrounds Loop Road  

• The destination will be on the left in about 0.5 miles 

From South (Bend/Central Oregon area – approximately 2 hours driving time)  

• Take US-97 N toward Redmond for approximately 67 miles 

• Keep left to continue on US-197 N for approximately 32 miles 

• Turn left onto Tygh Valley Road, then take a slight left right onto Lawrence Ave 

• After 2 miles, turn right onto Fairgrounds Road, then turn right onto Fairgrounds Loop Road 

• The destination will be on the left in about 0.3 miles 

From East (I.E. Boise – approximately 5.5 hours driving time) 

• Take I-84 W for approximately 339 miles  

• Take exit 87 for US-30/US-197 toward Dufur/Bend. Turn left onto US-197 S/US-30 W and then left again onto US-197 S for approximately 27 miles 

• Turn right onto Shadybrook Rd 

• After 1 mile, turn left onto Fairgrounds Road, then turn left onto Fairgrounds Loop Road  

• The destination will be on the left in about 0.5 miles 

You will need a parking pass and/or RV & Van pass to park at the event.

Passes will NOT be emailed in advance. They will be distributed when you arrive. Please leave your parking pass on the dashboard of your vehicle. If you need to add a parking pass to your registration, click this link, make sure to set “Rider Registration” to 0 and proceed to purchasing only the parking pass.

RVs and Vans will be NOT be assigned in advance. If you would like to request to be placed near someone, please let us know via email in advance and we will do our best to hold spots for your group. Volunteers will be on site to help you find your designated area on site.

Tent Camping
Camping is available Friday after 3:00 p.m. at Wasco County Fairgrounds. You’ll be directed to Long Term Parking, and after you park you will walk a short distance to check in at Rider Services. Don’t forget to bring your tent, ground cloth, sleeping bag, and pad. Cycle Oregon does not provide tents.

RVs, Campers, and Trailers
Parking is available Friday after 3:00 p.m. Volunteers will assist you in parking in your designated space. Please be mindful of the fact that others will be parked near you as well. Please park your RV before checking in at the yellow Rider Services trailer.

Smoking is prohibited during the event.

Nearby Accommodations
If you are looking to arrive early or stay later, there are a few additional lodging options in the towns of Maupin and Tygh Valley.

Once you park your RV/Van in your spot, or your vehicle in Long Term Parking, go check in at the yellow Rider Services trailer. You must show your photo ID to check in and you cannot sign in for someone else.

Check in will be available during these times:

• Friday, May 8, from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 9, from 6:00 – 9:00 a.m.

There is some cell service in camp, but not along most of the route for any carrier. Please plan to have all your maps, files, or anything else you may need for the weekend before leaving home.

In case of emergencies, please visit Rider Services who can assist you in contacting someone off-site or on the route.

Success at GRAVEL 2026 begins with a bike capable of handling high-desert variability and true multi-surface routes. We recommend gravel-specific bikes, adventure-oriented touring bikes, or hardtail mountain bikes equipped with low, adventure-focused gearing. Aim for a 1:1 gear ratio or lower to maintain a steady cadence during the sustained canyon climbs found throughout this region. 

Tires are a critical equipment choice; a minimum width of 40mm (40c) is strongly recommended to navigate loose, chunky surfaces safely. While your tires can feature a fast-rolling center for pavement sections, aggressive side knobs are essential for cornering stability on gravel descents. Full semi-slicks are not recommended for these routes. To minimize the risk of flats and improve comfort on washboard sections, we strongly advise a tubeless tire setup. When in doubt, prioritize traction and durability over speed to ensure a reliable experience in the backcountry.

Riders must be prepared for the remote nature of the area and the high-desert climate. Ensure your bicycle can carry at least two large water bottles, or wear a hydration pack with equivalent capacity, to maintain hydration between our rest stops. 

Additionally, every rider should carry a self-sufficiency kit including a tubeless plug kit, spare tubes, a high-volume mini-pump, and a multi-tool. Because cell service is unreliable in the deep canyons of Wasco County, navigation should be handled via a dedicated GPS head unit with pre-loaded GPX files rather than relying on mobile phone applications. This is Cycle Oregon, though, so routes will be thoroughly and clearly marked along with full on-course support.

Cycle Oregon will provide dinner on site Friday and Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday for all registered riders.

• Breakfast (Saturday & Sunday): 6:00 – 8:30 a.m
• Saturday Lunch: on course (main/long route) 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Sunday Lunch: on course (main/long route) 9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
• Dinner (Friday & Saturday): 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

* Must be registered as a vegetarian to receive the vegetarian main course option.

Coffee

Nossa Familia will have fresh coffee available each morning for all registered Cycle Oregon riders.

The Beer & Wine Garden will be complementary for all registered riders during the weekend. We will have beer from Pelican Brewing, wine, and  HECK non-alcoholic beer will be available.  Various other N/A beverages will also be available throughout the weekend.

• Friday: 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Every evening at 7:00 p.m., the Cycle Oregon community gathers around the Main Stage. It’s a great opportunity to get the latest weather forecast, hear tips about the next day’s route, learn about the places we’re visiting and catch up on some local folklore. Best of all, it’s always followed by terrific entertainment.

Friday

• 6:00-7:00 p.m. – Deepest Darkest
• 7:00-7:30 p.m. – Announcements
• 7:30-9:15 p.m. – Deepest Darkest

Saturday

• 4:00-5:30 p.m. – New Body Electric
• 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. – Twilight Cup Races
• 6:30 -7:00 p.m. – Camp Crush
• 7:00 – 7:30 p.m. – Announcements
• 7:30-9:25 p.m. – Camp Crush
  

Hot showers will be available 24/7 at the overnight site throughout the weekend. Please remember to bring a towel or two, as we do not provide towels or toiletries. We will provide quarters, as the showers are coin-operated.

Trek Bicycle PDX will have mechanics in camp and on course. They will make basic repairs in order to get you through the weekend, and do their best to have a range of parts. If you have specialized/ specific parts (i.e. spokes, brake pads) please bring your own parts and they will install them if necessary to keep you on the road.

Rider Services (it’s the yellow trailer) is where you can ask questions, meet friends or locate missing items at lost and found. It is also where you can shop for some great Cycle Oregon merchandise. We’ll have this year’s ride jersey and a selection of Cycle Oregon merchandise. You’ll find it in the “downtown” area of camp near dining, the Beer Garden, and the main stage.

• Friday: 3:00 – 9:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Jennifer Holzapfel-Hanson, a seasoned yoga instructor, found her calling at the intersection of mindfulness and movement. She has been sharing her love for yoga on Cycle Oregon since 2009, seamlessly blending her expertise in restorative stretching with her affinity for cycling.

Her presence on Cycle Oregon serves as an inspiration for those seeking balance, well-being and connection through yoga and cycling.

• Friday – 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday – 4:00 and 5:00 p.m.

Medical services from Adventure Medics will be available on the course and at the overnight site. There is no charge for medical services on the course or at the site. If you require transport to or from a local medical facility, you will be financially responsible for transport and medical services there.

With a focus on sustainability and an appreciation for what Ride with GPS offers our community we will not be handing out printed maps at the event. All daily routes will be thoroughly signed by Cycle Oregon.

Download and print the PDF maps at home: | Day 1 (Saturday) | Day 2 (Sunday)

Download the Shakeout Route (departing camp at 5:00 p.m. with OMTM): Friday Shakeout (read more about our Friday Night Shakeout ride on our blog post)

Ride with GPS: https://ridewithgps.com/events/428022-cycle-oregon-gravel-2026 

One Rest stop and one Lunch stop will be available each day on the longer routes to provide water, restrooms, beverages and snacks. Rest stop signs alert riders when one is ahead. Rest stops are generally open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

In addition to the Rest stops and Lunch, some routes include Water stops to provide water and restrooms (indicated by a water bottle on the route map).

Please review the mileage and elevation to make sure you grab enough fuel for in-between stops. 

If at any time you need assistance, please signal a SAG vehicle with a “thumbs down” signal. If you do get into a SAG vehicle, you may not be transported directly to camp. SAG vehicles usually wait until they are full to go back to camp.

SAGs are available to transport cyclists due to mechanical problems or injuries. They also have plenty of extra water, sunscreen, and encouraging words (if needed).

Motorcycle Safety Patrol and Bicycle Course Support volunteers will be on the course each day. They are a great source of information and assistance, and they enhance the overall safety of the ride by interacting with riders and locals.

If you or someone near you is having an emergency, do not hesitate to dial 911. Often one of our medical team will pick up the call on their radio.

Extensive Communications

You have lots of help on the road in case of an emergency. HAM radio operators provide emergency and logistical communication. HAM radio operators ride in SAG vehicles so that event managers, medical services and staff are in touch at all times. If no one is around to assist in the event of an emergency, call 911.

Please note: There is no charge for medical services rendered on the course or at the overnight site. We will not transport you to a medical facility unless it is a critical situation. If you require transport by Adventure Medics, a local ambulance, or helicopter, you will be financially responsible for any resulting charges. You are also financially responsible for any services provided by local medical facilities.

Medical

Go to the medical tent, as a medic will be on call at all times. If no one is in the tent, knock on the van door or use the radio left on the table at the tent.

Evacuation

Announcements throughout the campsite will alert the riders to prepare for evacuation. Please go immediately to the Main Stage for instructions.

Severe Weather

Harsh weather may warrant the use of contingency facilities for shelter, if available. Details will be announced from the Main Stage. In the event of lightning, seek low ground and get away from metal.