About

The below information is for the 2019 Classic. Route details and information for Classic 2020 will be announced January 29, 2020.

Come September, Cycle Oregon is setting off on a not-to-be-missed ride through the geological wonderland that is Crater Lake and the Central Oregon Cascades. We’ve handpicked for the pedaling an unforgettable journey through lava-hewn landscapes, cascading rivers, and ever-present peaks. We’ll ride through colorful communities that welcome visitors like family on our way to the legendary rim of Crater Lake – the sapphire jewel of Oregon’s only National Park. This is our invitation to you. When it comes time to decide how to spend your time off, don’t settle for the usual. Choose the extraordinary. Ride with us.

Adventure awaits, but it won’t wait forever. Oregon is a stunningly diverse place when it comes to geology. Where else can you chart a few-hundred-mile loop that encompasses three of the country’s most scenic rivers, a stoic mountain range bedazzled with high country lakes, and a National Park whose crowning jewel is a crater filled with sapphire-blue water? Central Oregon has it all – that’s what makes this year’s Classic such a unique opportunity. And it’s an opportunity not to be missed. Right up there with rafting the Grand Canyon or through-hiking the Appalachian Trail – this is the kind of experience that will forever be a part of you. Are you ready to be a part of it.

 

View the Ride Guides: VOL I // VOL II // VOL III

The Ride

  • Date September 7-14

  • Mileage 428.5-485.8 miles

  • Climbing 24,537-31,330 feet

  • Cost $1050


Route

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.

We know some of you are riding with friends and would like to be near each other when you camp, we’ve got you covered. Information regarding group requests will be sent in August.

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 22. We will post specific directions to the parking area 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 15th. All buses depart Portland at 10 a.m. on September 7. Return buses will depart Oakridge on September 14 beginning at 2 p.m.

    Buses 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 7 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 6 and September 14 for our riders (and free week-long parking for guests). For reservations contact Cassie Soratos, the Sheraton Group Coordinator, at (503) 335-2857 (be sure to mention that you are with Cycle Oregon) or book online by clicking here.

  • 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 Oakridge link on their page to set the delivery address. Your bike will be shipped to a nearby UPS location and delivered to the starting line in advance of the 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 $85. Sign up for both for $140. You can pre-pay for both services here until August 30.

  • Bike Rental

    Are you flying in for the Classic 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 cash or $6 if paying with a credit card. Power banks larger than 4”x6” will be charged $10 for a one-time charge.
    • Full Bicycle Detail ($85-$95*): Skilled volunteers clean all bike components to help your bike look and act like new. No mechanical adjustments are offered with this service. *Booking your bicycle detail for day one will be $85, day two $90, and the rest of the week will be the standard price of $95.
    • 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 ext 326.

    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. (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.

    Pre-booking is available for all rides. To pre-book appointments, please visit the Cycle Oregon Massage Team’s Web site, click on the ride that you would like to book an appointment for, choose a therapist and contact them directly.

    Massage rates are $100.00 for a 60-minute appointment and $145.00 for a 90-minute appointment. We accept all major cards or cash. A limited number of 30-minute appointments may be available the day of the ride. Come to the massage tent directly to inquire.

    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. There are typically two sessions each afternoon, depending on the length of the riding day. Mats are provided. Check the daily schedule at Rider Services.

    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 treatments including myofascial release, graston, cupping, 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.

    Get your CO week rolling early by attending Megan’s stretching and injury prevention class from 4-5 p.m. on Saturday, your first night in camp. This a fun, 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 1,999 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 & Wine Garden and Whiskey Wagon

    Each night’s campsite will feature a beer garden with craft-brewed ales. There will also be a selection of great wines along with daily cocktail specials. The Beer Garden is open daily from noon – 10 p.m.

    Other Food Vendors

    Other food available for satisfying those after-ride cravings includes the revered Nossa Familia coffee, 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 Classic 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. 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 Pick-Up

    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 // Sept 7 //  11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Sunday // Sept 8 // 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: