Volunteer

Set up and sign the bike route for riders. Responsible for setting up various signs for route direction, rider and vehicle safety and ride information like rest stops, water stops, etc. This position begins as early as 4:30 A.M., so you should definitely be a morning person. Sign Team works closely with the Ride Director to ensure proper signage and safety.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Team members must have a valid driver’s license at the time of the event.
• Members must possess the ability to work efficiently in small groups.
• One or more crew members should have a current First Aid card.
• One member must be available to preview the course on a pre-ride to review the daily routes and develop a sign plan that will be implemented on the event (usually the team lead).

Physical Demands

• This position requires a mix of driving and riding as a passenger, and frequently getting in and out of the vehicle.
• Must be able to remove signs (15 lbs. max) from the vehicle and set them up at a variety of route locations on slopes and in rough foliage.
• Must be able to place signs on posts, poles, trees, etc. with hammer, nails, zip ties, etc.

Daily Schedule

• 8 – 14 hour shift beginning around 4:30 a.m. There may be two teams depending on the course.

Course Monitors are responsible for ensuring the safety of our bicycle traffic in different situations on the course by using both your voice and signage. If you like to be in the thick of things, this would be a good position for you. Generally, Course Monitors are stationed at busy or confusing intersections to guide cyclists along the correct route. You will work in teams of two and be asked to move to different locations throughout the day. Typically, one team member drives their personal vehicle and gets reimbursed for fuel.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Possess a valid driver’s license at the time of the event.
• Instruction in Cycle Oregon flagging procedures prior to event.
• Ability to work both independently and in a small group. Ability to be assertive leader while at the same time being empathetic and encouraging.
• Outgoing personality and enjoy interacting with large groups of people during the course of the day.

Physical Demands

• This position requires being outside in all types of weather and conditions, mostly standing and directing bicycle traffic.

Daily Schedule

• 6 – 8 hour shifts daily. You may serve multiple posts each day.

Course Support is responsible for ensuring the safety of our bicycle traffic in different situations on the course by using both your voice and signage. Course Support works under the direction of the Ride Director to assist in managing the day’s toughest challenges on the route. This position is typically reserved for someone who has participated on the event for a number of years.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Possess a valid driver’s license at the time of the event.
• Instruction in Cycle Oregon flagging procedures prior to event.
• Ability to work both independently and in a small group. Ability to be assertive leaders while at the same time being empathetic and encouraging.
• Outgoing personality and enjoy interacting with large groups of people during the course of the day.

Physical Demands

• This position requires being outside in all types of weather and conditions, both in and out of the vehicle.

Daily Schedule

• 6 – 12 hour shifts daily. Frequent location changes on the route.

The Gear Drop team provides reusable bags for cyclists to deposit their unneeded clothing and gear and retrieve them at the next overnight site. Cyclists number their bags with duct tape and a marker and deposit them in cardboard boxes. Once released from their site after last cyclists pass through, the driver proceeds to the overnight site and unloads boxes so cyclists can retrieve their belongings. Generally the teams will provide this service at Rest Stop 1 and Lunch.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Team members must have a valid driver’s license at the time of the event, and demonstrate excellent driving skills. Most of the route will require passing on narrow roads and driving among large numbers of event participants.
• Gear Drop driver must be comfortable driving a box truck with limited rear visibility.
• Team members should have outgoing personalities and enjoy interacting with large groups of people during short periods of time at their site.
• Should also possess a willingness to adjust to unusual weather conditions, rider requests and last minute changes to the work schedules.

Physical Demands

• Drivers are assigned either a truck or car and work alone at either a rest stop or lunch stop. Gear Drop volunteers must be able to stand for long periods and be able to climb in and out the truck numerous times during the setup and tear down of the site.
• Gear Drop volunteers will also be required to attach and remove duct tape from many storage bags per day.
• Heavy lifting is required. The ramp leading to the back of the truck weighs around 30 lbs and must be deployed and stowed several times every day.

Daily Schedule

• Up to 12-hour shifts starting at 6 a.m. Gear Drop volunteers need to be at their designated stop by the time the first cyclist arrives. Driver needs to retrieve empty boxes around 9 p.m. for use the next day.

Cycle Oregon partners with a waste reduction consultant (ZeroHero) on our week-long ride in order to reduce our trash footprint on the communities we visit. The Green Team is integral in accomplishing this goal. Site Green teams work breakfast and dinner at camp in teams of five. Route Green Teams work either a Rest Stop or Lunch on course in teams of two. In either case, you are the first and last line of defense against needless waste and contamination. You will instruct riders and volunteers on proper disposal, monitor disposal sites and call ZeroHero for pickups.

Responsibilities

• Educate riders and community volunteers in zero-waste practices (Green Team crew will be educated in zero-waste practices by ZeroHero at event)
• Assist ZeroHero in setting up, monitoring and breaking down waste recovery stations at breakfast and dinner (Site Green Team)
• Set up, monitor and break down recovery stations at rest stops and lunch on the route (Route Green Team)
• Procure supplies as needed for your positions (boxes and trash bags) from supply vehicles

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Knowledge of recycling principals in Oregon (training provided).
• Knowledge of compostable materials (training provided).
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds regularly during 6-8 hour shifts.
• Ability to set up and take down simple backpacking style tents.
• Ability to effectively manage a group of up to 10 volunteers.

Daily Schedule

• 6-9 hour shifts. Site Green Teams rotate through three shifts during the week (breakfast, setup and dinner). Route Green Teams work the same shift throughout the week.

Ham Radio Operators maintain communications during the event. They are active both on and off the route, depending on the Ham position. Most Hams are positioned in support vans, known as SAGs, with a driver. They provide support for riders along the event route, promoting the safety and welfare of our participants. Hams relay information ranging from mechanical and safety issues to rider counts and the best place to get a milkshake.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• All team members must have at least a valid Technician’s Class Amateur Radio license and have received their call sign prior to the event.
• Team members should have the ability to install, remove, and troubleshoot their equipment installations. This may include getting atop a SAG van roof.
• Team members should be able to navigate using cue sheets and maps. Basic GPS skills are also required in most vehicles.
• Since they may be required to drive a vehicle, the team members must have a valid driver’s license at the time of the event, and demonstrate excellent driving skills. SAG hams should be able to drive a SAG vehicle (15 passenger van).
• Team members should have outgoing personalities and enjoy interacting with large groups of people during the course of their day.

Training Requirements

• All team members are strongly encouraged to volunteer at/participate in a cycling type event as a Ham under a Directed Net prior to Cycle Oregon. (Suggestions of events are available from Cycle Oregon Ham Lead.)
• GPS and troubleshooting experience. (Training is available through Cycle Oregon Ham Lead.)

Equipment Requirements

• All team members should provide a mobile radio(s) and antenna(s) able to do at least one channel on 2 meter and one channel on 440 MHz. Both channels should be available for simultaneous monitoring, but only one need be available for talking at a given time.
• Team members are encouraged to provide their own power wiring to the vehicle battery; a limited amount is available to borrow. Anderson power pole connectors are used on this event.
• All Hams must have a handheld capable of 2 meters (440 MHz is also encouraged).
• Hams should have tools necessary for radio installation and troubleshooting.

Physical Demands

• Hams are assigned one per vehicle (most positions) and are accompanied by a driver. Hams must be able to provide radio contact for a full day shift and sit for long periods.
• You may have to assist loading bikes on top of the vans. Hams should be able to lift 25 lbs above the shoulders.

Daily Schedule

• Up to 12-hour shifts. Start times vary. Hams also participate in radio install the day before the event.

Coordinators supervise volunteers who set up, manage and serve meals. They monitor and replenish food and beverage stock from refrigerated trucks. Additionally, Food Coordinators interact with cyclists to inform them about meals, manage lines and close down meal tents.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and clean driving record at the time of the event
• Good communication skills
• Management experience helpful
• Attention to details
• Inventory control and staging

Physical Demands

• Lifting of tables, food, beverages, tents etc.
• Driving on the same roads as cyclists (lunch)
• Long, somewhat physical shifts outside in all types of weather

Daily Schedule

• Typically 8 hour shifts (7 a.m. – 3 p.m.). Note that lunch starts at 9 a.m. on Cycle Oregon.

The medical recovery team is responsible for the gathering of information, transportation and general care of any riders/volunteers/staff that need or have received medical treatment (not currently under the direct care of the Cycle Oregon Medical Provider, Metro West). Patience and discretion are a must for this position. You may find yourself waiting for a rider in the hospital and communicating their condition to the Ride Director.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Team members must have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record at the time of the event.
• Medical training extremely helpful
• Must be caring, comforting and empathic under sometimes difficult situations
• High attention to detail
• HAM operator license / radio equipment helpful

Physical Demands

• This position requires a mix of driving and riding as a passenger, and frequently getting in and out of the vehicle.
• Must be able to assist in the moving of injured riders and their gear in a vehicle.

Daily Schedule

• 8+ hour shift, as well as being on call at other hours. Ideally there is considerable downtime, but if multiple people are injured, this can turn into an all-day job.

Assist with overall logistics of a 53’ refrigerated semi-truck: loading of Rest Stop trucks, monitor inventory, coordinate transfer of food, pass out to-go lunches and ice in the morning, and coordinate chocolate milk delivery for finish line. You will not drive the semi-truck, but will work closely with our team of drivers. Typically there is a considerable amount of down time. A good book and a good sense of humor will go a long way.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Willingness to jump in where needed
• Good inventory skills
• Ability to keep yourself entertained during downtime

Physical Demands

• Heavy lifting
• Work in a cold environment (refrigerated truck) for short periods of time

Daily Schedule

• Classic: 5 a.m. – 9 p.m., divided into shifts
• Joyride & GRAVEL Ride: 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. with several breaks in the shift

Coordinators supervise and coordinate Rest Stop volunteers who set up, manage and break down Rest Stop. While there is generally plenty of help, you may need to jump in and help prepare snacks when things are busy. Additionally, they monitor and replenish food and beverages, and load and restock supplies daily. The team takes a 16’ box truck from site to site, so it’s important that you’re comfortable driving this type of vehicle.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• A valid driver’s license and clean driving record at the time of the event
• Good communication skills
• Management experience helpful
• Attention to details
• Inventory control and staging
• Experience with driving large box trucks helpful

Physical Demands

• Lifting of tables, food, beverages, tents, etc.
• Driving a large box truck on the same roads as cyclists
• Long, somewhat physical shifts outside in all types of weather

Daily Schedule

• 6-8 hour shifts from early morning to mid/late afternoon (depending on Rest Stop position,) plus some additional restocking time.

Gift Shop volunteers are responsible for selling Cycle Oregon-related merchandise (jerseys, t-shirts, ball caps, beer glasses, jewelry, etc.) on the event. The Cycle Oregon Gift Shop is housed in a trailer with two pop-up tents and multiple tables set up adjacent to the trailer for displaying merchandise. We can train you on the cash register, but an outgoing personality is a must for this position. Be aware, this is a more physical position than you might think; all those boxes of merchandise have to move along with the event after all.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Retail and sales experience a plus.
• Good customer service skills.
• Experience with handling money (calculating totals and making change) and credit card transactions.
• Experience working as part of a team.

Physical Demands

• Retail volunteers sit and stand, with opportunities to move around.
• Lifting and loading is required for moving inventory in and out of the trailer each day and setting up the pop-up tents and tables.

Daily Schedule

• One of two daily shifts for 6-8 hours. Shift schedule rotates throughout the week or weekend.

Rider Services is the Cycle Oregon customer service department. Volunteers staff an information trailer located near the entrance to each overnight site. Rider Services staff answer riders’ questions and help find solutions to their problems. Riders may need anything from locating their baggage to posting a note for a friend. Rider Services volunteers also help with check-in for riders and may be called upon to help other teams.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Provide excellent customer service to riders.
• Patience and a positive attitude.
• Experience working as part of a team in a customer service environment is very helpful.
• A sense of humor is mandatory.

Physical Demands

• Volunteers sit and stand, with opportunities to move around. Some Rider Services volunteers may help other teams with lifting and loading, if requested.

Daily Schedule

• Approximately 8 hours. Shift schedules rotate throughout the week and may be split during the day.

SAG drivers provide riders with support along the event route. They are available to take riders to camp if they decide not to finish the day’s ride or to take riders past difficult course features. The vehicles are stocked with emergency supplies, snacks and water. SAG drivers also provide encouragement, humor and fun to riders throughout the day. This is where drivers’ individual personalities get the chance to shine. In some cases, drivers may be asked to help with pre- and post-event activities depending on their availability.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Team members must have a valid driver’s license at the time of the event, and demonstrate excellent driving skills. Parts of the route may require passing on narrow roads and driving among large numbers of event participants.
• Team members should have outgoing personalities and enjoy interacting with large groups of people during the course of their day.

Physical Demands

• Drivers are assigned one per vehicle and are accompanied by a HAM radio operator. Drivers must be able to drive a full day shift and sit for long periods.
• Bikes are stored on roof and back racks, and drivers will be required to place bikes into the racks.
• Good balance. Drivers are expected to climb a rear-mounted ladder, walk on wooden planks on the top of the van, bend down over the side of the van, lift bicycles of all shapes and sizes by themselves to place and secure into roof-mounted racks (only one person on the roof at any time).
• We occasionally ask them to walk on water and herd cats.

Daily Schedule

• Up to 12-hour shifts. Start times vary
• Pick up and return vehicle before and after event

Site Teams set up, maintain and take down each overnight campsite. Two teams leapfrog sites and work on 3 campsites each. Site teams are responsible for all aspects of camp set-up—such as roping off various boundaries, placing signs, directing vendors and community volunteers—maintenance and tear down. It’s fun, but physical. To borrow a phrase, “it’s the toughest job you’ll ever love.”

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Team members must enjoy working as part of a team and taking initiative to solve problems.
• Teams work on very specific timelines and need excellent organizational skills.
• Patience, flexibility and a sense of humor will make the job easier.
• Team members need to become familiar with the site layouts in order to direct vendors and other teams.

Physical Demands

• This position is physically demanding. Team members spend a lot of time lifting and loading.
• Team members drive pick-up trucks and 4-wheelers, frequently getting in and out of vehicles and trailers.
• Team members work long days (8+ hours) so must have good endurance.
• Site teams work outside in all types of weather.

Daily Schedule

• 8-12 hours, usually with a fair amount of downtime on the second day of a site.

The Sweep Sign Team follows the last riders of the day and is responsible for removing all route signage and materials. They monitor and support the last riders on the course as needed. Sweep Team coordinates with A.M. Sign Team daily to return collected signage and to review next day’s course to discuss sign strategy and sign placement for retrieval. Just a heads up: Generally this team does not get started until 10 A.M.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Team members must have a valid driver’s license at the time of the event.
• Team members must possess the ability to work efficiently in small groups.
• Team members should have outgoing personalities and enjoy interacting with large groups of people during the course of the day.

Physical Demands

• This position requires a mix of driving and frequently getting in and out of vehicle.
• Must be able to pull up signage in rough terrain, and lift large and sometimes heavy signs in and out of a vehicle.
• This position requires being outside during the day in all types of weather and conditions.

Daily Schedule

• 8-10 hours. Leave camp following last riders in the late morning. Return to camp following last riders in the evening.