Testimonials
What People Are Saying
“The rides are perfectly organized. Incredible views. Challenging but achievable. Wonderful to be able to relax and enjoy the ride without the fear of getting lost or needing to navigate. I couldn’t imagine the ride organization and support on the ride being any better. Truly wonderful.“
“Meeting and building community with fellow cyclists at every meal, rest stop, hill climb, beer line, or sunrise walk. Just an amazing community of people to cherish.“
“This was easily the most organized and well-run cycling event I’ve ever participated in. I had nerves coming into it as this was my first time, but once we were at camp, it was smooth sailing until we left on Sunday.“
“I loved everything about the weekend. My husband and I had a blast. The people are all so friendly. The routes were amazing both days. The food was delicious. You all think of everything! We can’t wait for next year.“
“I attend Cycle Oregon events solo giving me the opportunity to meet new friends on and off our bikes. I love coming back and seeing so many of the same friends at each event.“
“The cows greeting us on the side of the road Day Two were really epic!!! You all do such a great job with this event- we can’t wait to see where we go next year!!!! Thank you so much for a fabulous weekend!“
“I LOVED that you turned this into a weekend event- I have done the single day Joyride a few times and always had fun but the weekend made it sooooo fun and special! I was very happy to see that you’ll be doing it again, and we are recruiting more friends to join us.“
“I came with my parents who have done many CO’s in the past and always rave about them, their community they’ve made, the memories they have because of it… so happy to say I have those now and one CO under my belt now! I made some amazing and truly life-changing connections with people I met on this ride, and am excited to see how my life pivots because of the people I now consider friends that I wouldn’t know if not for GRAVEL!“
“Joyride was like summer camp for adults! Loved the camaraderie and the variety of events and speakers that addressed a wide range of issues.”
“Riding with Cycle Oregon makes me feel like a kid again: no responsibilities, just wake up, ride your bike, talk to friends, eat, sleep. Repeat!“
“This was overall an awesome experience – it felt like a real vacation not having to plan food and routes. We had a ton of fun!“
“This feels silly to write – but swimming in the river at Joyride on Saturday afternoon and realizing that I hadn’t spent one second worrying about what I looked like in my bathing suit because there was literally no judgment from all the women hanging out together there. And the drop down into Maupin and the stretch of road alongside the Deschutes were both pretty great!“
“My son, now 20, and I have ridden every GRAVEL event–it’s become a wonderful annual time. As we arrived at this year’s event, he said “This is going to be spectacular.” This from someone whose standard adjective for really good is “OK.” And the ride lived up to his prediction.“
“Dance class at Joyride was so fun. It was such a great time and a great icebreaker to get everyone moving especially before the sparkle party which was a blast. It felt like adult summer camp in all the best ways. It was a safe space to be myself. To just let go and have fun!“
“My wife and I ride together to connect and sitting in that coffee shop the name escapes me, and having some chocolates in some comfy chairs and relaxing was soo much fun. Talking with the folks from the town and Elgin was also just nice to meet people and it made me slow down and enjoy Cycle Oregon. I had always trained for the 500 mile journeys and worked hard to get in shape so I could slow down and savor it. The new format this year and last year has been great to do just that.“
VOLUNTEERS
“Exceptional volunteers!“
“Loved how friendly and helpful everyone one is. It was a great time.“
“The volunteers are so kind.“
“Can we talk about the aid station on the second day, top of the hill, on the challenge/ long course? That group was so great, like you could tell they wanted to be there.“
“Our car had a flat tire at the end of the event. Volunteer Chuck came to our rescue with a portable air compressor. He was so kind and helpful. We really appreciate him!“
“My rear derailer cable broke two miles from the lunch site on Day 1. Other riders and support team were so incredibly thoughtful and compassionate. When I finally made it to the Trek wagon at the lunch site I was pleasantly surprised when Sterling (Trek repair person) said, “I’ve got you covered, let me take care of it while you go have lunch.” I came back after lunch and my bike was begging for me to get back on and ride. Thanks to Sterling and Trek for saving my day.“
