2018 Classic

Sep 8-15, 2018

About

2019 information will be available on January 30, 2019 by 9 p.m.

Eastern Oregon is our playground for Cycle Oregon’s 30th week-long cycling adventure and we can’t think of a more inspiring setting. We’re going where stoic peaks frame impossibly deep canyons. Where sweeping vistas go on forever and then, somehow, go on a little more. Where small communities with rowdy past lives welcome you with a slap on the back and a kick in the pants. Wallowa Lake, Hells Canyon country, The Pendleton Round-Up – these are the experiences that grab hold and don’t let go. So tune up that bike, build up those legs and get ready for 383* unforgettable miles. Because these seven days in September can’t get here fast enough.

Click here for Ride Guide Vol. I, Ride Guide Vol. II, and Ride Guide Vol. III

 

Registered riders can get tickets to the Pendleton Round-Up. Select the “CO-participant discount in the drop down and use code ‘LETERBIKE’ at checkout for a discount.

Location

The Ride

  • Date Sep 8-15

  • Mileage *383-451 miles

  • Climbing 23,612 - 28,797 feet

  • Cost $999

Route

FLAVOR COUNTRY

SUNDAY SEPT 9

MILES: 54.5 (57.3 W/ GRAVEL OPTION)* | ELEVATION: 2,881’ (4,742’ W/ GRAVEL OPTION)*

All journeys start with a single step. Except for this one – this one starts with pumping up and clicking in. Today we rise and shine with the Baker City sun and navigate through town towards Highway 86 heading east. As you warm up and find your rhythm, take a gander at the wide-open sweeping vistas that are the first of many you will ride by this week. These are the same vistas that pioneers on the Oregon Trail saw when they passed through this area around 150 years ago. The Powder River is at our side most of the day flowing towards Richland where lunch will be served at the local grange. While relaxing and refueling, get a load of those beautiful mountains stoically standing in the distance. The afternoon riding gets right underway with glimpses of lakes and reservoirs as you work your way up in altitude. A steady 7-mile climb puts you at the summit and then it’s a mellow downhill cruise into the picturesque foothills of Halfway.

*Gravel Option: About 23 miles from the start, take a left onto Sparta Lane. This well-kept gravel road takes you up and over, meeting back with the main route at lunch in Richland. The option takes a bit more effort, but oh boy–those views! (This option is rideable on a regular road bike with at least 28c tires provided the rider is experienced with and comfortable maneuvering on gravel. As of May 2018 the gravel is generally small to very small aggregate (1/2 – 3/4  inch minus) on a hard packed surface. While there are some loose sections and pot holes, in general this road is very smooth and rideable and riders will be richly rewarded with amazing views.)

PAN-O-RAMA

MONDAY SEPT 10

MILES: 78 (83.8 W/ OPTION) | ELEVATION: 6,682′ (7,412′ W/ OPTION)

We have a lot of miles ahead of us today, but every single one of them is worth it! As we leave Pine Eagle High School (go Spartans!) we find ourselves back with our old friend, Highway 86. After a pleasant downhill, we start climbing and don’t stop for about 20 miles. But as climbs go, this one is gorgeous. At mile 10.5 we hang a left onto FSR 39 and at mile 30 keep an eye out for the sign for Hells Canyon Overlook. This is an optional excursion,
tacking on 5.8 miles round trip, but from up there you can see all the way to Idaho! Directly after the overlook turnoff begins an ear-to-ear grin-inducing winding descent into lunch. After lunch, you summit a few more hills and then are rewarded with downhill all the way through Joseph to Wallowa Lake as the “Oregon’s Alps” unfold in front of you. Long day, lots of hills, but we’re pretty sure you’ll be grinning ear to ear at the end of it.

SACRED WATERS

TUESDAY SEPT 11

MILES: 60.6 (65 W/ GRAVEL OPTION)* | ELEVATION: 1,859’ (2,603′ W/ GRAVEL OPTION)*

It’s not easy to leave the transcendent beauty of Wallowa Lake today, but you will get to see it all over again from a different angle as you pedal back towards Joseph. Passing through Enterprise and a few other small towns, you’ll notice the landscape subtly changing from mountains to pastures. Enjoy the flat, uncrowded roads and please feel free to moo at the cows. The scenery changes once again as we enter the Wallowa River Canyon and after a pleasant run along the river and lunch stop we tackle one of the
more challenging climbs of the week. These 6 miles seem to go on and on, but the higher you climb, the more amazing the view gets. Once we reach the top, all that’s left is to cruise the rollers stair-stepping downhill towards the town of Elgin and a sound night’s sleep.

*Gravel Option: Depart the main route in Enterprise for 15 miles of amazing views of the Wallowas and the surrounding Countryside. (This option is rideable on a regular road bike with at least 28c tires provided the rider is experienced with and comfortable maneuvering on gravel. As of May 2018 option is generally hard packed surface with sections of larger aggregate (1 to 2 inch size), potholes and steeper descents – and also stunning views. This option is less advised for smaller width tires both for control and the increased likelihood of sidewall cuts from larger gravel size.)

OVER THE HUMP DAY

WEDNESDAY SEPT 12

MILES: 75.3 | ELEVATION: 5,220’

Load up on an extra scoop of oatmeal at breakfast today because we’ve got a big day ahead of us. We ride out from Elgin High School (go Huskies!) and work our way over to Highway 204 heading for the Umatilla National Forest and the Blue Mountains. The first bit of today’s ride is a long climb with a fairly mellow grade. At the summit, it gets a little chilly, so be sure to have an extra layer handy for the downhill. This descent is your reward for all the hard work getting here – it’s fast, but not too fast, the road surface is brand spankin’ new and the views are fantastic. Lunch is in Weston at a tidy little community park. After a little H&R (hydration and relaxation) in Weston, we start our traditional post-lunch climb. This short climb delivers us to crop fields as far as the eye can see – nothing but rollers and peas for miles. From here, we begin the Thorn Hollow descent, a speedy little section with a couple of fun switchbacks just to make things interesting. After that the road turns into a rolling ribbon of highway that leads us through the Umatilla Indian Reservation on our way into Pendleton.

ROUND UP AND ROUNDABOUT

THURSDAY SEPT 13

MILES: 54.7 | ELEVATION: 2,300’

Today is a layover day and you have several amazing options to consider.

Option A: Take a nice 55-mile ride that loops through rolling farmland, lunches in Echo and then follows the Umatilla River through weather-beaten cliffs back to Pendleton.

Option B: Let ‘er Buck! The world famous Pendleton Round-Up will be in full swing and Cycle Oregon riders are welcome to take it all in. Explore the rowdy history of the town, experience the Happy Canyon Pageant, or just belly up to the longest continuous bar in the country and people watch from the legendary Let’er Buck Room.

And finally, there’s Option C: do all of the above!

SLAW AND STEADY

FRIDAY SEPT 14

MILES: 56.5 | ELEVATION: 4,720’

Whelp buckaroos, Pendleton’s been a real hoot but it’s back in the saddle today for another epic ride. We leave Pendleton the same way we came in on Wednesday before we meet our first big challenge of the day. Our worthy opponent goes by two names – on maps it’s called the Blue Mountains, but to locals it’s Cabbage Hill. Emigrant Road snakes it’s way up this hill (or mountain) revealing one breathtaking vista after another. At several points during the climb, you can look back down the hill and see the winding ribbons of road that you just rode up. Shortly after you reach the summit, there’s a rest stop at the ominously named Dead Man’s Pass. From here there are several joyful miles of downhill riding through forests of pine, spruce and fir on our way to lunch on the banks of the Grande Ronde River. After lunch it’s back onto the wide shoulder of Highway 84 to cruise all the way into La Grande and our bittersweet last night with friends around the main stage and beer garden.

THE LAST GO ROUND

SATURDAY SEPT 15

MILES: 58.4 | ELEVATION: 1,800’

It’s Day 7 and every mile of pavement today gets you a little closer to achieving something worth shamelessly working into conversations for years to come. After leaving La Grande on Highway 203, we ride through farmland past the recently reborn town of Hot Lake Springs on our way to the quaint, historic town of Union. Thankfully, our days of crushing mighty hills are behind us and the majority of the route today is flat or pretty mellow on the uphills. At Union, we hop onto Highway 237 and ride towards North Powder. From North Powder, it’s more sprawling farmland all the way to the finish as we set our sights on Baker City. As we traverse the Anthony Lakes Highway in the closing miles of our incredible journey, majestic views of the Elkhorn Range beckon us from the distance – a fitting final image for our unforgettable experience in Eastern Oregon.

Tent + Porter

If you want the star treatment for your camping experience, try the immensely popular Tent + Porter Service. Click here to add to your order. (Need help adding to your order, click here.)

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. Tents will be the same 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 24th. 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.

     

    Driving Instructions to Baker High School, 2500 E Street, Baker City, OR 97814. Please Google directions before leaving to ensure the fastest route.

     From the Portland Area

    • From I-84, take Exit 302
    • Turn right on to OR-86
    • Continue 1.3 miles and turn right on to Hughes Lane
    • Look for Cycle Oregon signs

    From Boise Area:

    • From I-84, take Exit 302
    • Turn left on to OR-86
    • Continue 1.3 miles and turn right on to Hughes Lane
    • Look for Cycle Oregon signs
  • Taking the Bus

    You must purchase bus tickets by August 16th. All busses depart Portland at 9 a.m. Return busses will depart Baker City at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

    Busses will depart 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 8th 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 6th, 7th, 15th, and 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 with BikeFlights.com to and from our event.

    Click here to get started. Be sure to click the Baker City link on their page to set the delivery address. Your bike will be shipped to a nearby FedEx location and delivered in advance of the event.

    Bike Gallery can assemble your bike after you arrive for $60. If you need your bike disassembled and boxed at ride’s end, the fee is $85. Sign up for both for $125. 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 20 years, they’ve helped you roll smoothly over breathtaking rural roads by offering bike detailing and electronics charging at Cycle Oregon. In past years, your purchase of these services helped them raise an astounding $20,000 for their 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 power. Pre-scheduling services with the Community Cycling Center means that you don’t have to worry on site. Avoid the lines and click here to sign up today!

    Services include:

    • Charging Pass ($70): Good for one week, this charging pass allows you to charge multiple devices, one at a time. Extra one-time charges are available on-site for $5/each.
    • Full Bicycle Detail ($95): Skilled volunteers clean all bike component to help your bike look and act like new. No mechanical adjustments are offered with this service.
    • VIP Combo ($150): A full bicycle detail and week-long charging pass.
    • VIP Combo Plus ($200): A full bicycle detail, a week-long charging pass and sponsorship of a child at the annual Holiday Bike Drive.
    • Holiday Bike Drive sponsorship ($50): Your donation gets a child a refurbished bicycle, new helmet and safety training!

    Click here to book now. Questions? Contact Jim.Milne@communitycyclingcenter.org  or call 503-288-8864.

    CPAP Service

    This service is SOLD OUT. 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. (Need help adding to your order, click here.)

    Massage

    The majestic mountains of Oregon seem mighty tall when you’re pedaling up them and knowing that a massage awaits you can make that climb a lot easier.

    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 strong all week. Massage relieves muscle pain and tightness by stimulating circulation, helping you recover after 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 are $50 for a half hour and $90 for a full hour. We accept VISA, MasterCard, check or cash. Massage appointments begin filling as soon as the routes are announced. To pre-book appointments, please visit the Cycle Oregon Massage Team’s Web site, choose a therapist and contact them directly or you can sign up at the massage tent during the ride.

    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 of AcuOm is returning for her 13th year with Cycle Oregon. Acupuncture has many benefits including, but not limited to – joint and muscle pain, overuse injuries (chronic and acute), inflammation, recovery rate, digestive concerns, headaches and much more.  In addition to acupuncture – electro-acu, moxibustion (heat therapy), cupping, and topical herbs are also available as treatment modalities.  If you haven’t had a chance to personally benefit from acupuncture, on the ride is a great place to try it.  Betsy can bill your insurance and accepts cash/card.  Appointments can be made prior to the ride, or at the acupuncture tent in camp. She welcomes questions and is always willing to do ‘introductory’ treatments. Book at acuomacupuncture.com

    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 available at a discount. Any repairs performed along the route will be basic in nature and designed to get you to camp for the evening.

    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 60,000 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. 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 // Sep 8 //  11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Sunday // Sep 9 // 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

Rider Guest Passes.

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:

  • If you are considering renting an RV, please contact Tracey Kays at Johnson RV by emailing rentals@Johnsonrv.com.
  • Vehicles must register –  Anyone accompanying a rider through the week in a vehicle must register through the Rider Guest/Support Vehicle program.
  • Tent Camping –  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.

Click here to purchase a Rider Guest vehicle registration and Meal Band.

Ride Archive

Relive rides of yore with our handy ride archive: