As 2025 comes to a close, we’re looking back on the moments that reminded us why Cycle Oregon exists in the first place: community, connection and the simple joy of getting more people on bikes.
This year wasn’t just about miles ridden or routes explored. It was about showing up for one another, creating welcoming spaces and expanding access to the freedom and confidence that comes with riding a bike. Among so many meaningful moments, three stand out as reflections of what Cycle Oregon is all about.
Community Bike Block Party
What started as a simple idea, closing a Portland street for a few hours and opening it up for fun on bikes, became one of the most joyful expressions of community we saw all year. (Good news, we’re doing it again in 2026! And even bigger, too.)
The inaugural Community Bike Block Party transformed everyday pavement into a place for neighbors to connect, kids to ride freely, and people of all ages and abilities to experience what a bike-friendly space can feel like. There were smiles, conversations, spontaneous rides, odd and silly bikes and a shared sense that bikes can bring people together in powerful, unexpected ways.
Moments like this remind us that cycling isn’t just recreation or transportation, it’s a tool for building community. When we create spaces that feel safe and welcoming, something special happens.
Save-the-Date: Community Bike Block Party – April 18, 2026
Karaoke Fundraiser Night at Rally
The tradition of karaoke on the last night at Rally shifted into high gear in 2025. Somewhere between the first singer, (Oh, yeah, that was a Cycle Oregon board member singing in the voice of Kermit the Frog!), and the final encore, Karaoke Night at Rally turned into something bigger than a fundraiser, it became a shared memory of collective joy and pivotal moment in establishing our mission going forward.
Rally riders, staff, and supporters grabbed the microphone, cheered each other on, and sang their hearts out in support of Cycle Oregon’s mission. The energy was infectious, the performances unforgettable, and the generosity on full display. Together that night, we raised over $45,000 for the Cycle Oregon Foundation and you’ll see below in our “Best of 2025” moment #3 what that money can do.
Karaoke Night proved that fundraising doesn’t have to be formal or quiet. It can be joyful, a little ridiculous, and deeply meaningful all at once. Every song helped fuel the work we do year-round, and every laugh reinforced the sense of community that makes Rally so special.
Dorena School Bike Giveaway
Few moments in 2025 captured the heart of Cycle Oregon more clearly than the day we delivered bikes to kids at Dorena School in Dorena, Oregon. Kids who had completed our Jump Start program at school who had the spirit to ride more but without the means to have a bike of their very own.
Through the support of the Cycle Oregon Foundation, 20 students received brand-new bikes—each one opening the door to independence, confidence, and opportunity. For many kids, a bike isn’t just a toy; it’s a way to get to school, visit friends, explore their surroundings, and feel a sense of ownership and pride.
Watching those kids roll away on their new bikes was a powerful reminder of why access matters. Thanks to generous donors and partners, this was more than a single day, it was an investment in young Oregonians and their futures.
Looking Ahead
These moments didn’t happen by accident. They happened because people like you believe in the power of bikes to connect communities and change lives. They happened because you believe in the work Cycle Oregon does.
As we look toward 2026, we’re excited about what’s ahead, but we can’t do it without continued support. Every donation helps make more block parties possible, more joyful fundraisers come to life, and more kids experience the freedom of riding a bike.
If these stories moved you, consider making a gift to the Cycle Oregon Foundation. And don’t forget to sign up for a 2026 event, our lineup once again showcases Oregon communities with lots to share and discover. Together, we can keep building communities, one ride at a time. Ride with us!
