Take a stroll through Joyride ’26 basecamp in Pleasant Hill and it wasn’t shiny road and gravel bikes or route maps that first stood out—it was the sound of people laughing. Joyride always brings a special energy, but this year felt like a true community reunion.
We looked around and saw a beautifully diverse mix of riders, from folks tackling their very first multi-day event to friends who haven’t missed a year together, all sharing a genuine sense of belonging. It was a weekend that felt more like one giant, welcoming family gathering—and it’s exactly the kind of energy we need more of.
“I looooooooove the vibe. And I’ll definitely come back. It’s so positive, fun, inclusive, supportive, encouraging, everything I love about women run events that create space for women. We have so much to learn from each other. It’s a weekend of growth & inspiration. Thank you for giving me the emotional and physical space to be myself, be present, meet new friends and get to know my other friends even more. I appreciate Cycle Oregon for everything you do. Keep going.“
To Our Ride & Clinic Leaders and On Course Support
A massive thank you to our incredible ride leaders and course support riders who set the tone in the saddle. Deep gratitude for the encouraging words & advice, and the peace of mind that kept everyone moving forward with joy. Our weekend kicked off with the Friday Shakeout ride lead by All Bodies on Bikes and what a great start to the weekend!
For the Community, Creativity & Self-Care
Deep gratitude to the incredible partners, clinic leaders, and makers who filled our camp with empowerment, creativity, and mindfulness. We are so grateful to Marley Blonsky, Kailey Kornheiser, and the All Bodies on Bikes crew for leading group rides, recording a live podcast from the stage, and hosting our weight-neutral community tables, alongside Trek Bicycles Portland for keeping everyone’s gear perfectly dialed. Deep thanks to cycling coach Annick Chalier for her confidence-boosting gravel skills clinic, Shira Evans for her refreshing Fueling for Joy nutrition workshop, and Heather Burns for guiding us through restorative forest bathing walks. Rolling on, a huge shoutout to Eva Darling for her high-energy WERQ dance class, the DIY Bar team for the beautiful Indigo Shibori dyeing, and the leaders behind our restorative Yoga for Joyriders sessions and prom-themed Silent Disco. You all made the space between the miles just as memorable as the ride itself.
To Our Unmatched Volunteers
You are the heart and soul of Cycle Oregon. Thank you for making Pleasant Hill a safe, welcoming, and unforgettable experience for every single rider. We are honored to once again have the participation of the Wolf Creek Jobs Corps crew who work tirelessly throughout camp all weekend yet still have the energy to cheer every rider as they cross the finish line.
What Riders Had to Say About Joyride
Celebrating the Community & Connection
“The vibe. It is a wonderfully special thing to create a space where women can come together and do what they love. Everyone is so happy & supportive of each other.”
“It’s a fantastic cycling girls weekend full of rides, activities, good food and fun times.”
“I found that, when I was feeling a bit sheepish, if I opened a conversation, the other person was happy to be talked to! They wanted connection also but were feeling as shy as I was! Everyone just wanted to have fun, make friends, chat, and be OK.”
“It’s a weekend to relax and meet a bunch of awesome women who love riding.”
“I rode my longest ride ever on Saturday when I rode the Main ride! I rekindled a friendship from last year’s event!”
First-Time Rider Experiences
“This was my first organized ride event. My first time to ride with a group. My first longest ride… I have been looking for this vibe and community for a long time. The conception, planning, organizing and execution was phenomenal.”
“This was my first Joyride event. I came alone, from out of state, and I’m new to biking in general. The first day I was so nervous and doubting that I even belonged there. At the end of the event, I felt so empowered by what I accomplished and by being around so many amazing and supportive women. This will, without a doubt, not be my last Joyride! Thank you Cycle Oregon!”
“Staff, volunteers, vendors and other riders were warm, welcoming, and supportive. Please accept my biggest thanks for an outstanding first Cycle Oregon experience.”
The Joy of the Routes
“I feel like there were routes both days that met my needs… The level of support on the routes just made me feel safe and cared for. Like people wanted to see me do my best.”
“Saturday I did my longest ride ever and I had a lot of fun. Even when I was riding solo I felt confident and safe knowing a rest stop or other riders were never far away.”
“I was one of the later folks to get to the Main Route Rest Stop on Saturday. As other women were heading back to route, they were waving, giving thumbs up, and it just made me feel like part of a community, <3”
Off-Bike Highlights
“Yoga and tie dyeing. Yoga is so healing and restorative after a hard day of cycling. And the crafty goddess of tie dyeing was so fun!”
“I really enjoyed the podcast recording! Also, just hanging out at the river meeting new people.”
“I loved sitting in the river, cooling off and cheering the riders coming in. :)”
“Jumping in the river with my friends after the ride on a hot day it was so amazing!”
“Too many to list. Loved the routes! Loved the location! Loved jumping in the river! Loved making friends! Loved the silent disco!”
“This is a really fun event. I loved being at the finish line with the volunteer kids cheering and then seeing an octogenarian come riding in. Bravo sisters!!”
