Classic 2022

Cycle Oregon provides week-long parking for riders near the start/finish site. 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.

You must purchase bus tickets by August 13 to guarantee a space. All buses depart Portland at 9 a.m. on September 10. Return buses will depart John Day on September 17 beginning at 3 p.m. The travel time from John Day to Portland is about 6 hours via bus, so please plan accordingly and for unexpected delays.

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 10 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. If you traveled with a bike case and it is still packed up, your bike can be loaded on the truck in its case. If you have already assembled your bike, be sure to bring your empty bike case with you, we’ll store it for the week at the start/finish location.

The Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel is the official hotel of Cycle Oregon, offering a special rate on September 9 and September 17 for our riders (and free week-long parking for guests). For reservations contact Kimberly Lawson, the Sheraton Group Coordinator, at (503) 335-2857 (be sure to mention that you are with Cycle Oregon) or book online by clicking here. They do fill up, so be sure to reserve early.

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 John Day 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.

The Trek Bicycle PDX (formerly Bike Gallery) team of bicycle technicians will provides bicycle assembly for those who need support. Click here to sign up for the service in advance.

Planning to arrive early or stay late? We’ve got you covered. Book with one of the many local options in town, all located within about a half mile from the overnight site.

Dreamers Lodge: 144 N Canyon Blvd, John Day // (541) 575-0526

John Day Motel: 250 E Main St, John Day // (541) 575-9000

Sunset Inn: 390 W Main St, John Day // (541) 575-1462

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 a limited number of this year’s ride jersey, cycling gear, t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, jewelry, sundries, 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.

Electronics Charging

The Community Cycling Center has been working for over 25 years to broaden access to bicycling and its benefits in Portland. In that time, they’ve helped you roll smoothly over breathtaking rural roads by offering on-site services at Cycle Oregon, such as solar-powered charging for all your phones, garmins, lights and more. In past years, your purchases and donations have helped raise an astounding $20,000 per year to support their community programs. Thank you!

We are happy to announce the Community Cycling Center is bringing back their electronics charging services via their solar powered charging trailer. Sign up in advance to guarantee that your gadgets will be powered up all week — click here to sign up today!

Please note: The Community Cycling Center Electronics Charging service CANNOT support the charging of e-bike batteries. 

Services include:

• Pre-Purchase your Charging Pass, $100: Good for all week (days Zero through Six). This charging pass allows you to charge all your personal devices, two at a time. 
• Live Event Purchases
  • One-time charges can be purchased on-site for $10. 
  • Power banks bigger than a phone will be charged $12 for a one-time charge.
• Extend your support and donate towards Youth Bike Programs: We know you love your Summer Camp-like bike experience… So why not share the joy of on wheels with a kid? The Community Cycling Center serves underserved youth all throughout the year through no-cost bike programs, teaching kids how to ride safely and confidently on city streets. Support the next generation of bicyclists today!

Click here to book now. Questions? Contact brittany@communitycyclingcenter.org

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 $60 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 beginning April 1. To pre-book appointments, please visit the Cycle Oregon Massage Team’s website, click on the ride that you would like to book an appointment for, choose a therapist and contact them directly.

Massage rates are $110.00 for a 50-minute appointment and $155.00 for a 80-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 10 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 every day after the ride for complimentary Physical Therapy consultations. These action packed 15 minute sessions include education about the underlying cause of your issue, instruction in stretches, exercises and self-care techniques, hands-on treatments i.e. myofascial release, graston, cupping, mobilization, taping, bracing, and insole adjustments to get you feeling better, and back on the road!  Additionally, Megan will make bike-fitting recommendations, and help you coordinate care with your massage therapist. Sign up at the orange Bodywise tent, located near the medical tent.

Get your CO adventure 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 class geared toward balancing and stretching your whole body to counteract the forward positioning on the bike, stretch over-used muscles and re-aligning joints that are stressed with cycling long distances.

Bike Repair

The Trek Bicycle PDX (formerly Bike Gallery) team of bicycle technicians provides mechanical support at the overnight site. Technical support is available for emergency repairs of well-maintained equipment. It is your responsibility to make sure your bicycle is in good condition. Labor is available at a discount.

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.

Meals

Cycle Oregon provides hearty and well-balanced breakfasts and dinners at each overnight site. On the course, there are three Rest Stops with a variety of prepared and packaged foods and drinks to keep you fueled. 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.
• 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 & Wine Garden with beverages available for purchase. The garden highlights a selection of local craft-brewed ales, a selection of great wines, and daily cocktail specials. The 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 and other 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

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

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

Three rest stops will be available along the route each day to provide water, beverages and nutritious and delicious snacks, restrooms, and bike mechanics. Typically the second rest stop of the day will offer more hearty options to keep you fueled. Rest Stop signs alert riders when one is just a mile ahead (or look for the banana on the route map). 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). Many of our rest stops are in beautiful parks, so take your time and enjoy the setting.

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

Trek Bicycle PDX (formerly Bike Gallery) will have mechanics in camp and on course. They will make basic repairs in order to get you through the weekend. Cyclists will incur any charges associated with parts or extensive repairs.

Medical Service

Adventure Medics provides around-the-clock medical support on the course and in camp. If you require medical attention on the course, you should notify a SAG, ambulance, or staff vehicle with the “thumbs down” signal.

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.

Each rider will be asked to sign the ride waiver when picking up their rider packet. The rider packet contains a wristband and bike number. 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

• Friday, September 9: 7 – 9 p.m.
• Saturday, September 10: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
• Sunday, September 11: 6 – 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.

Through July 16, 2022

• A $100 fee for each rider registration (including accompanying products – Tent & Porter, Bus Tickets, Parking).
• A $30 fee for cancelling only these services: Tent & Porter, Bus Tickets or Rider Guest Registration.
• There is no refund for cancelling only Parking.

From July 17 to August 13, 2022

• A $275 fee for each rider registration (including accompanying products – Tent & Porter, Bus Tickets, Parking).
• A $50 fee for cancelling only these services: Tent & Porter, Rider Guest Registration.
• A $75 fee for cancelling only Bus Tickets. There is no refund for cancelling only Parking.

After August 13, 2022

• There are no refunds for cancellations after August 13, 2022.

Through July 16, 2022

• A $30 fee for cancelling your Rider Guest Registration. There is no fee for cancelling only a Meal Band.

From July 16 to August 13, 2022

• A $50 fee for cancelling your Rider Guest Registration. There is a $25 fee for cancelling only a Meal Band.

After August 13, 2022

• There are no refunds for cancellations after August 13, 2022.

Yes. Through an agreement with Allianz Global Assistance, riders will be able to purchase insurance for the event for a nominal fee during the registration process. The insurance from Allianz Global Assistance can cover, subject to certain restrictions, if the rider cancels.

The policy offered during the registration process CANNOT be purchased post registration.

For customer service, please call: 1-800-892-0130 (from U.S.) 1-804-281-5700 (outside U.S./collect)

To file a claim, please visit: https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/partner

If you purchase Insurance for your Registration Package, you can get reimbursed if you’re unable to attend due to testing positive for COVID-19 before or during the event. Read more about Allianz Global Assistance COVID-19 insurance coverage limitations and accommodations.

Yes. If you purchase Insurance for your Registration Package, you can get reimbursed if you’re unable to attend due to testing positive for COVID-19 before or during the event. Read more about Allianz Global Assistance COVID-19 insurance coverage limitations and accommodations.

The policy offered during the registration process CANNOT be purchased post registration.

As always, Cycle Oregon has determined an alternative location for our 2022 Classic. However, weather events or natural disasters could impact our alternative locations, posing a risk to Cycle Oregon participants. If Cycle Oregon cancels an event, it falls under the terms of our cancellation policy.

Cycle Oregon continues to amend our COVID-19 Mitigation Plan as the situation evolves in Oregon.

Precautions include but are not limited to:

– Limiting the number of riders at the event to maintain social distancing at aid stations/rest stops and overnight sites.

– Increasing the number of portable toilets, showers, hand-washing stations and sanitizers available.

– When registered riders arrive in John Day, they may be required to show either proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test results to participate in the event.

– Riders may be required to wear a face mask in common areas of camp.

– If you are experiencing any of the COVID-19 symptoms listed below prior to the event, please stay home.

Note: Cycle Oregon’s safety plan and protocols are subject to change based on Oregon Health Authority recommendations.

We will work under the direction of the Oregon Health Authority to manage the situation.

Your registration fee includes breakfast and dinner for seven days, ample beverages and snacks during each day’s ride, trusty baggage transport for one bag, friendly course support that includes a signed route, SAG vans, mechanical and medical assistance if needed, and an idyllic overnight site that includes a camping area, showers, restrooms, beer garden, daily entertainment, other food vendors, bike mechanics and medical tent. And part of your fee goes directly to help Oregon communities and parks.

Of course, this depends on your style of traveling, but we have several resources for you to tap into. Some of our long-time repeat riders have compiled a packing list. Remember that this list is just a guideline, and also remember the 65-pound limit for your one bag.

Only if they are a registered Rider Guest. We have very limited space for non-riders. Please do not attempt to “tag along” on your own. In recent years we’ve experienced an uptick in bad behavior from a few people trying to “poach” the event.

Rider Guests and Support Vehicles are not to drive the route the riders take each day; they must drive a different way to each night’s site. Alternate driving directions will be sent to registered Rider Guests and Support Vehicles in August. Guests are also asked to not ride the route each day on a bike – they are not registered riders.

Volunteering is also a great way for non-riders to enjoy the week. For more information about volunteering for this event and to apply click here.

There’s a group of people who are every bit as important to Cycle Oregon as the riders. They also have just as much fun (and probably sweat a lot less). They are the event volunteers.

For more information about volunteering for this event and to apply click here.

We’re excited about the experience e-bikes offer riders and while we welcome e-bikes on all courses, and have made e-bike support a focus for 2022. We are limited by the access to power outlets in many of the small communities and remote locations where we will be making camp for each event.

Our e-bikes charging service for the 2022 Classic is SOLD OUT. 

Visit our e-bikes page for more information. We will be updating our terms of support as we learn more and develop improved systems. This is a complicated challenge with numerous variables but it is a challenge we are excited to take on.

No one knows Oregon riding and Cycle Oregon like Trek Bicycle Portland, (formerly known as The Bike Gallery). They’ve supported Cycle Oregon since our first mile in 1988 and have all the up-to-date bicycle products and information to have you rolling smoothly no matter what style of bike you bring to The Painted Hills.

Road Routes

Classic’s Main Routes were designed with road bikes in mind, 25c to 28c tires will be ideal across all routes. For comfort over the week recommend as wide a tire as your bike allows, 32c if your bike has the clearance, while also strongly recommending against tires under 23c. Just as with gravel, every rider has their own preferences based on their own needs and experience but if you’re looking to make a change to the rubber hitting the road, please visit the experts at Trek Bicycle Portland.

Gravel Routes

Classic gravel routes are a mixture of farm and forest gravel roads in combination with fast-rolling stretches of paved sections from our Main Routes. Total mileage for the week of gravel options is 58.3 miles so we encourage you to choose a tire tread that optimizes paved riding in addition to your needs for traction and durability as you take on the gravel options. We encourage a minimum of 35c tires for Classic XXXII gravel though a 38c with a center tread just might be the best all-around choice for the week. The “best” tire width or tread pattern for a week on the bike like this will vary from person to person just as trying to define what “spicy” means for food. The team at Trek Bicycle Portland can assist in tire selection ahead of your trip so give them a call and see what’s new on the menu.

Wider, low-pressure – The new age of road cycling tire

A lot has changed with bicycle technology since our first Classic in 1988 and though it may not be as obvious as the flashy frame and components, a lot of development has gone into tires and accounts for the majority of how your bike feels and performs. Please consider a wider, lower-pressure tire as a great upgrade for Classic this year.

Rene Herse Cycles “Myths Debunked: Higher Pressure is NOT Faster”  – This PNW brand is run by local legend Jan Heine who has been advocating for wider tires with lower pressure for quite a long time.

Cyclist Magazine UK “Can Wider Tires and Lower Pressure Make You Faster?” – tl;dr: YES!

Trek Bicycles Road Tire Selector – Trek has a fantastic online overview of road bike tires and technology. Give this a read and then head into one of their Portland stores to see more.