2016 Week Ride

Go for Gold // Sep 10-17

About

The Week Ride is the original Cycle Oregon — a seven-day excursion through a different part of Oregon each year. Your registration includes beautiful campsites, plentiful food, hot showers, live entertainment and a fully supported route. Plus you can enjoy massage and acupuncture, cold microbrews, oregon wine, gourmet coffee, hand-tossed pizza and many other amenities.

Location

The Ride

  • Mileage 430-484

  • Climbing 20,540–24,360 ft.

  • Cost $985

Route

Day 0 // Sep 10 // Arrival

You may have noticed that the dates for Cycle Oregon are September 10-17, but the Day 1 route is for September 11. That’s because of the often-overlooked Day 0. This is Saturday, the day that riders converge on the first overnight site in Myrtle Creek. It’s the day to pick up your packets, re-acquaint with riders and Cycle Oregon folks, get your tent routine down and maybe even go for a spin to loosen your legs. Dinner is served in the big tent, and there will be live entertainment on the stage along with ride announcements.

Day 1 // Sep 11 // Myrtle Creek to Camas Valley

Your weeklong adventure begins with the wild and scenic Umpqua River keeping you company. You’ll parallel the river through miles of flat valley roads while taking in views of hillside farms and ranches. Lunch happens in Lookingglass before you follow the historic Coos Bay Wagon Road through small towns, wineries, and farms. Some small climbs with smooth descents will lead you to the outskirts of the coastal range. You can choose to take an optional killer climb followed by a two-mile descent into Camas Valley, where all riders will nestle in for the night.

Day 2 // Sep 12 // Camas Valley to Bandon

Shortly after leaving the valley, you’ll tackle one of the tougher hills of the ride. From the top, you’ll follow the ridgeline with endless views of the coastal range, through active logging areas that power the economies of the small towns along the way. A quick and steep descent leads into miles of gentle downhill riding along the Coquille River. After lunch in a park, three short climbs take you into the timber town of Coquille for another break. The Coquille River remains your guide as you ride through marshlands and coastal farms—and get your first peek of the Pacific Ocean—before arriving in Bandon-by-the-Sea to sleep.

Day 3 // Sep 13 // Bandon to Gold Beach

You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the ocean rock formations in Bandon by riding out high along the coastline. The Oregon Coast Bike Route will take you past cranberry bogs and coastal forests. An optional detour to the Cape Blanco Lighthouse offers spectacular views of the Pacific from the western-most point in Oregon. Either way, you’ll get some seriously jaw-dropping views when you arrive in Port Orford, the oldest town on the Oregon coast. After lunch at Humbug Mountain State Park, you’ll follow along 101 before heading inland on country roads. Pedal until you reach the Rogue River and follow it back west for two nights at Gold Beach, the sunniest place on the Oregon coast.

Day 4 // Sep 14 // Gold Beach to Brookings Loop

Feel free to put your feet in the sand and rest up for the day—you’ve earned it. But if you’ve got juice left in the tank and feel like riding, you’ll head south along the coastline. Twelve miles through the Samuel Boardman State Park are waiting for you, along rugged, steep ocean-side roads. Take in views of sandy oases framed by forested sea stacks, and see Sitka spruce, arch rock, and natural bridges all along the way. After a beachside lunch at Harris Beach State Park, you’ll either go back the way you came or add some climbing by taking an inland route back to Gold Beach.

Day 5 // Sep 15 // Gold Beach to Indian Mary Park

As you bid farewell to the ocean, the Rogue River becomes your friend before you embark on one of the most epic climbs in Cycle Oregon history. You’ll follow the river for 27 miles—keep an eye out for eagles, osprey, and other wildlife along the way!—and cross the isolated Illinois River, known as the least accessible river canyon in the lower 48 states. You’ll leave the Rogue for now to head upward, for 16 miles lined with Douglas Fir and Hemlock trees to the summit of Bear Camp. You’ll refuel at the top before being rewarded with 20 miles of downhill to reach your overnight respite on the banks of the Rogue River at Indian Mary Park.

Day 6 // Sep 16 // Indian Mary Park to Glendale

The Rogue River stays by your side as you depart Indian Mary Park on a gradual downhill while following a cliff-side single-lane road. After 12 miles, you’ll cross the river and follow Lower Grave Creek on a gradual climb toward the historic Wolf Creek Inn for a break. Backcountry roads through farms, foothills, and active mining areas will take you to a lakeside lunch at Chief Miwaleta Park. If you’re up for it, you can continue for an additional 10 miles before turning back and following the main route into the lumber town of Glendale.

Day 7 // Sep 17 // Glendale to Myrtle Creek

Out of Glendale, you’ll take a light climb through a recent forest-fire burn area before descending to Cow Creek and easing into your final day in the saddle. You’ll follow Cow Creek through Conifer and hardwood forests, along the original Oregon and California Railroads with the historic trestles within view. Feeling lucky with all those endorphins swirling? You can look for gold along this once-bustling gold-rush spot, or just take it slow and soak your feet in the creek. You’ve earned it. On the other side of the canyon is the finish line—and your pot of gold.

Tent + Porter

If you want the star treatment for your camping experience, try the immensely popular Tent + Porter Service.

Imagine this: You arrive in camp and skip the trip to the baggage truck. Instead you head directly for a primo camping spot, where a spiffy 9′ x 7′ Cycle Oregon tent has been set up for you. Your luggage is waiting outside. And this process repeats itself every day. Tents fit one or two people, and the service costs $460 for the week. You’ll have the same tent all week, set up by 2 p.m. each day, marked with your tent number.

Tents are limited and available on a first-come, first-portered basis, so register early to ensure your spot.  If two of you are sharing, only one person signs up for the service. One or two chairs will be provided with each tent.

Sleeping bags and pads are not provided, so please don’t forget to bring yours.

Getting There

  • Driving

    Cycle Oregon provides week-long parking for riders near camp. Parking passes are available here for $30 until August 16th. We will post specific directions to the parking facility as we draw closer to the event. Driving directions will also be on the parking pass that will be mailed to you in late August. Security is provided from dusk to dawn.

  • Taking the Bus

    You must purchase bus tickets by August 16th. Busses will leave from and return to the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel. If you’re staying elsewhere, check with your lodging provider to see if they will shuttle you to the Sheraton.

    Tickets will be emailed the first week of September. Staging for buses will take place on Saturday, September 9th at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel. Volunteers will be available to help load your bike and luggage. To save time and minimize hassle, bikes will not be boxed but will be wrapped in blankets and loaded directly into the baggage trucks. Be sure to bring your bike case with you. If your bike is still in a case, it can be loaded on the truck in its case. We will have storage at the start location.

  • Flying to Portland

    The Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel is the official hotel of Cycle Oregon, offering a special rate on September 8th and September 16th for our riders (and free week-long parking for guests). For reservations call 800-325-3535 (be sure to mention that you are with Cycle Oregon).

  • Ship Your Bike

    If you’re flying or don’t want the hassle of dealing with your bike on the way to the event, ship your bike directly to the starting location. We are proud to work with Bike Flights for shipping all bikes to and from our event.

    Bike Gallery can assemble your bike after you arrive for $65. If you need your bike disassembled and boxed at ride’s end, the fee is $75. Sign up for both for $120. You can pre-pay for both services here until August 30th.  

  • Bike Rental

    Are you flying in for Cycle Oregon and prefer not to transport your bike? Bike Gallery offers rentals that makes it easy. Bicycle pick-up and return is on-site at the Cycle Oregon starting and ending location. Sizes are limited so call early for reservations 503 281-9800.

Ride Logistics

The idea is to have a relaxing, enjoyable week of riding. The key to that? Take care of as many details as possible beforehand. In our logistics section you’ll find pretty much everything you need to know to make your Cycle Oregon experience a great one.

  • Camp Services

    Showers

    Hot showers will be provided at each overnight site. The showers come with dressing rooms, sinks and even a laundry area to hand-wash clothes. Please remember to bring a towel or two, as we do not provide towels or toiletries.

    Rider Services

    Rider Services is the Cycle Oregon customer service department. You will find the Rider Services trailer in a visible location near the entrance to each overnight campsite. This is the place to ask questions, get help solving a problem, meet friends, leave a note on the message board or locate missing items at lost and found.

    Cycle Oregon Gift Shop

    The Cycle Oregon Gift Shop is where you’ll shop for Cycle Oregon merchandise including cycling gear, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, jewelry and much more. You can also buy extra meal tickets there. Look for the Cycle Oregon Gift Shop near Rider Services.

    Medical Services

    A medical tent will be set up at the overnight site. There is no charge for medical services 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 services from a local medical facility, you will be financially responsible.

    Bike Detail and Electronics Charging

    The mission at the Community Cycling Center is to broaden access to bicycling and its benefits. For the past fifteen years, they’ve helped you roll smoothly over breathtaking rural roads by offering bike detailing and electronics charging at Cycle Oregon. Last year, your purchase of these services helped them raise an astounding $25,000 for our bike safety programs for youth and adults. Thank you!

    This year, they will continue to offer top-notch bike detailing performed by skilled volunteers and electronics charging via solar and wind power! Services sell out quickly during the ride, so don’t miss the chance to pre-schedule your bike detail or weekly charge. Avoid the lines and sign up today!

    Services include:

    • A Clean Bike is a Happy Bike. We will make your bike look (and act!) like new. Pre-schedule a full detail for $80.
    • Get Charged Up. Garmins, iPhones, Blackberries, you name it. Pre-schedule a daily charge (one device at a time, all week) for $60.
    • VIP Clean & Charge Services. Pre-schedule a full bike cleaning and daily charge for $130.
    • VIP Clean & Charge Plus. Pre-schedule a full bike cleaning and daily charge and sponsor a child at the Holiday Bike Drive for $180.

     

    To sign up or request further information, please contact CommunityCyclingCenter.org or 503.288.8864 ext. 325.

    CPAP Service

    We will designate a camping area adjacent to the medical tent with electrical hookups for those who use equipment such as a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) or sleep machine. The medical crew will carry your CPAP equipment from site to site; the cost for this service is $50 for the week. This does not include the use of a tent – you must provide your own or register for Tent & Porter. You will still be responsible for delivering your gear bag to the baggage truck. This service is limited to the first 30 people who sign up.

    Massage

    The majestic mountains of Oregon seem mighty tall when you’re pedaling up them. After a long day in the saddle, bring your tired legs down to the massage tent. Our therapists use a variety of Swedish, deep-tissue and sports massage styles to keep you riding happy all week. Massage relieves muscle pain and tightness by stimulating circulation, clearing out the toxins that build up with extreme exertion and stopping spasms before they stop you from riding. Massage can be tailored to your pressure preferences and to the areas where you need it most.

    Massage Prices
    $50 for a half hour and $90 for a full hour. We accept VISA, MasterCard, check or cash. Massage appointments begin filling in May and June. You can make appointments directly or sign up at the massage tent. Visit the Cycle Oregon Massage Team’s Web site to view a list of the massage therapists to make an appointment.

    A little hint, when you’re choosing where to pop your tent for the night, you may want to set up away from the massage tent, as our music is loud and lively and we’re open until 11 p.m.

    Yoga

    Stretch out the muscles that get tight during cycling. These yoga classes will help you stay close to your breath this week. Not only will this help you feel better, but stretching can also help prevent injury. And you’ll meet other great people who like to do nice things for their bodies too. Mats are provided and times are subject to change.

    Physical Therapist

    Megan Moseley, PT, LMT, of Bodywise Physical Therapy, will be available everyday after the ride for free injury consultations including a brief evaluation, hands-on treatment as needed including myofascial release, graston, mobilization, kinesio-taping. Megan will educate you about the origin of your symptoms, instruct you in stretches, exercises, and self-care techniques to get you back on the road! Additionally, Megan will help coordinate a plan of care with massage therapists, acupuncturists and bike-fitting experts.

    Megan will teach a stretching and injury prevention class from 4-5 p.m. on Saturday, your first night in camp. This is an interactive and educational class geared toward teaching you core exercises and stretches to balance your body, prevent injuries, and relieve pain you may have due to the repetitive stresses and chronic positioning related to cycling long distances.

    Acupuncturist

    Betsy Platt, L.Ac, MAcOM, of AcuOm will be available by appointment to provide specialized acupuncture and Eastern medicine to alleviate muscle, bone and joint pains; increase stamina and boost energy; relieve arthritis; stop headaches; address respiratory problems; ease gastrointestinal disorders; and more. Signups are available at the Acupuncture tent in camp.

    Bike Repair

    The Bike Gallery supplies a team of bicycle technicians who provide mechanical support on the route and at each overnight location. Technical support is available for emergency repairs of well-maintained equipment. It is your responsibility to make sure your bicycle arrives in good condition. Labor is usually free, compliments of Cycle Oregon and The Bike Gallery, while cyclists pay for all parts. Labor charges may apply if your bicycle does not meet pre-ride requirements. Any repairs performed along the route will be basic in nature and designed to get you to camp for the evening.

    Bike Retail

    The Bike Gallery has a retail site at each overnight location. It is complete with cycling attire, accessories and any other odds and ends that you may need.

    Bike Rentals

    Bike Gallery offers a bicycle rental program on Cycle Oregon events. Bicycle pick-up and return is on-site at the Cycle Oregon starting and ending location.  Sizes are limited so call early for reservations.  For more information, see the Bike Gallery’s website or call 503.281.9800.

    Baggage

    Over 35,000 people have made the week trip with one 65-pound bag; you can too! Here are three simple rules for bags:

    1. One bag per person. Everything goes in that bag – tent, clothes, etc.
    2. 65 pound limit. We hand move over 2,000 bags, twice a day. Please abide.
    3. Do not strap/lash bags together. This may injure baggage volunteers.

     

    Baggage Pickup
    Participants must pick up and deliver their own gear from the baggage trucks at each overnight camping area. Truck trailers are numbered and fitted with stairs. Remember to note the trailer in which you load your gear so you can locate it easily at the next site.

    Porters
    Local volunteers are usually available to carry bags from the trucks to the campsite and, again in the morning, from the campsite to the trucks. We encourage you to tip the porters ($2 per bag is suggested), as this benefits local volunteer groups.

    Baggage Truck Departure
    Baggage must be dropped by 8:30 a.m. each morning and picked up by 8 p.m. each night. Riders are responsible for getting their bags to and from the baggage trucks by the designated times.

    Make Your Bag Easy to Identify
    Please mark your gear bag with additional personal identification tags (including a phone number). A distinctive tag, such as fluorescent tape or a colorful ribbon (don’t use pink, we use that for bus bags), will also help you locate your bag among the 2,199 others.

  • Food, Drink & Entertainment

    Meals

    Cycle Oregon provides three hearty and well-balanced meals each day during the event, with plenty of choices. Both dinner and breakfast are served at the overnight site, and lunch is served on the course. We know that riding all those miles requires a lot of calories, and we don’t leave you short on that count. We offer vegetarian options at each meal; if you have other dietary concerns, please let us know in advance. Our daily menus will be posted here as soon as they are finalized, usually by early summer.

    Meal times

    • Breakfast: 5:30 – 8:30 a.m.
    • Lunch: 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
    • Dinner: 5 – 8 p.m.

    Nightly Announcements

    Every evening at 7:30 p.m., the Cycle Oregon community gathers around the Main Stage. The evening meeting is part communion and part comedy. 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.

    Beer Garden

    Each night’s campsite will feature a beer garden with craft-brewed ales. The Beer Garden is open daily from noon – 10 p.m.

    Eola Hills Winery, an award-winning Oregon winery, produces a commemorative Cycle Oregon wine each year. You may purchase wine by the glass or the bottle at the Beer Garden. Cases may also be purchased, with the option to ship them home or pick them up at the finish.

    Other Food Vendors

    Other food available for satisfying those after-ride cravings includes the revered Nossa Familia coffee, smoothies, Al Forno Ferruzza pizza and local community specialties.

    Entertainment

    Cycle Oregon showcases some of Oregon’s most talented performers, from country rockers to clog dancers, blues divas to jazz greats. Performances are scheduled each day on the Main Stage. After the nightly announcements at 7:30 p.m., we bring out our headliner act – these are some top-notch performances you won’t want to miss.

    Clinics & Lectures

    On Saturday, we will lead a Cycle Oregon 101 from the main stage. Please join us whether you’re a newbie or a veteran. Megan Moseley, Cycle Oregon’s resident PT will lead a clinic on injury prevention as well. Typically there are several lectures on Geology and History throughout the week to add context to the route. The Bike Gallery will teach a series of bicycle skills clinics several nights. Check the schedule at Rider Services for more details.

  • Course Support

    Course Support

    Cycle Oregon prides itself on providing a fully supported ride. Our goal is to help you finish each day’s ride. To that end, our course is complete with the following services and amenities.

    Course Hours: 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m (4 p.m. on Saturday)
    Course support services are available only during the course hours. If you leave before the course opens or are still riding after the course closes, there will be no support services available.

    All Cycle Oregon riders still on the course after 6:30 p.m. (4 p.m. on Saturday) will be offered a ride to camp. If you choose not to take the ride, you will be on your own to get back to camp. Additionally, Cycle Oregon retains the right to move riders ahead who are unreasonably far behind during appointed course hours..

    Food and Drink

    Lunch: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Lunch is provided on the course each day, usually near the halfway point. Lunch sites will be complete with food, beverages, restrooms, water, bike mechanics and gear drop. Usually lunch will consist of a robust sandwich or hearty pasta salad, with chips and a cookie to round out the meal. Take your time and enjoy the setting. Lunch is a great time to chat about the morning’s ride and review the route ahead.

    Rest Stops & Water Stops: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    Usually, two rest stops will be available along the route each day to provide water, beverages and nutritious and delicious snacks. Rest Stop signs alert riders when one is just a mile ahead (or look for the banana on the route map). You can also see the location of each Rest Stop on the maps that will be inside the rider packet. In addition to the Rest Stops, one or two Water Stops per day will provide water and restrooms (indicated by a water bottle on the route map).

    Gear Drop

    Each day at the first rest stop and at lunch, you can drop off a limited amount of clothing to be taken to the evening’s campsite. This service is for small items such as jackets, tights, leggings, gloves, etc. No half-eaten sandwiches, half-stuffed panniers or other oddities will be transported. Gear drop can be picked up near Rider Services, generally between 4 and 5 p.m.

    SAG Vans

    There will be multiple SAG vans on the course each day. They are available to transport cyclists as needed due to mechanical problems or medical injuries. They also have extra water, snacks, and sunscreen if needed. If at any time you need assistance, please signal a SAG van with a “thumbs down” signal. If you do get into a SAG van, you may not be transported directly to camp. SAG vans typically wait until they are full to go to camp.

    There will be a SAG van available each morning to transport cyclists from site to site if cyclists are not feeling well or are injured. Go to the Medical tent and get a medical release for riding the medical SAG . Bring that form to Rider Services before 8 a.m. to sign up for this shuttle option.

    Bike Mechanics

    The Bike Gallery will provide mechanics on the course, at rest stops and at lunch. They will make basic repairs in order to get you to an overnight campsite. All mechanical services are provided compliments of The Bike Gallery. Cyclists will incur any charges associated with parts or extensive repairs.

    Ambulance Service

    MetroWest provides four Advance Life Support ambulances that give around-the-clock medical support on the course and in camp. If you require medical attention on the course, you should notify a SAG van, ambulance or staff vehicle with the “thumbs down” signal.

    Motorcycle Patrol Officers

    Motorcycle Patrol Officers accompany Cycle Oregon each day. They provide a moving network of safety patrol and communications between the tour and the communities through which we ride. These officers have full authority to enforce the motor vehicle code of Oregon – which, of course, includes bikes.

    Safety Patrol

    Motorcycle safety patrol volunteers drive the Cycle Oregon course each day. They are a great source of information and assistance and enhance the overall safety of the ride by interacting with riders who may pose a hazard by unlawful or unsafe riding.

  • Check In and Packet Pickup

    Each rider will be asked to sign the ride waiver when picking up their rider packet. The rider packet contains a wristband, bike number, baggage tag and course maps. Please bring a photo ID to show the volunteers in order to receive your packet.

    Your wristband should not be removed unless you choose to leave the ride. Until you have checked in and are wearing a wristband, you will not be identified as a participant and will not have access to meals, course support, etc. If you leave the ride, it is important that you check in with Rider Services to let them know you are leaving.

    Check-In Hours

    • Saturday // Day 0 //  Noon to 9 p.m.
    • Sunday // Day 1 // 6 to 8 a.m.

    Arriving and Leaving Late

    If you arrive on Sunday, you must have your bag in the baggage truck by 8:30 a.m., as the trucks leave by 8:45 a.m. You can pick up your rider packet that morning at Rider Services.

    No camping will be available on the last Saturday of the ride. Consider getting a motel room in the area or finding a nearby park.

Rider Guests

Space is very limited in some of our host sites, which limits our capacity for Rider Guests and Support Vehicles. We cannot accommodate personal vehicles beyond this limited capacity (even if it is just a Prius).

Vehicle Registration Fee

A registration fee of $500 is required for each Rider Guest/Support Vehicle. The fee includes access to the services provided at the overnight site including showers, restrooms, beer garden, daily entertainment, other food vendors, and medical tent. It does not include food. Food can be purchased for an additional fee during the registration process.

Important considerations about the Rider Guest/Support Vehicle parking program:

  • Vehicles must register –  Anyone accompanying a rider through the week in a vehicle must register through the Rider Guest/Support Vehicle program.
  • Car camping is allowed in the Rider Guest/Support Vehicle area if space allows –  Some of the Rider Guest/Support Vehicle locations will have grass nearby for tent camping, others will not.
  • Rider Guests and Support Vehicles drive alternate routes to each overnight location – To enhance the safety of riders and their overall experience, Rider Guests and Support Vehicles will be asked to take alternate roads to the overnight site wherever possible (directions will be provided).
  • Rider Guests and Support Vehicle drivers are not registered riders, and so should not be riding the route each day.
  • Rider Guest/Support Vehicle campsites will be as close to the rider venues as possible –  While the Rider Guest/Support Vehicle area is not an RV park – more likely it’s a city park, someone’s field or a parking lot – hook-ups (water, electricity and dumping stations) are provided when available.
  • Quiet Hours – When possible, we try and locate vehicles that have generators separately from those without. In addition, the Rider Guest/Support Vehicle area will observe quiet hours (no generators) from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day.

 

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