Gravel 2023

MORO, OREGON

About

What if you could spend the weekend crushing and cruising pristine gravel roads with amazing views on every horizon? What if all you had to do was ride your bike along newly discovered routes to the untouched, the unspoiled, the unreal? What if everything was taken care of so you could spend more time with friends and family, toasting the experience with free drinks, games, and live music?

Well, you can…on Cycle Oregon GRAVEL!

Register Here

This year’s GRAVEL sets up camp at the Sherman County Fairgrounds in Moro. We’ll be riding some of the smoothest gravel you’ll ever find on a rollercoaster route of ups, downs and swoops each day. Get up close and personal with the Eastern Columbia Gorge riding in and over open valleys, vast landscapes, and hidden gorges with surprise views of the Deschutes River. Hammer the miles, roll slow and steady, or do a bit of both with endless expanses of big skies and an ever-present smile on your face. It’s your adventure to customize, maximize, and experience on roads less traveled.

Still curious? Watch Dustin Klein’s recap of GRAVEL 2022

The Ride

  • May 19-21, 2023 Moro, OR

  • Day 1: 34.2 or 66.2 miles

  • Day 2: 26, 35 or 54.5 miles

  • Cost $375 early registration (through March 25) • $400 (March 26 - May 8) • $450 (onsite; limited availability)

  • Registration is limited to 500 participants 60 - 121 miles

Route

DAY 1

SATURDAY MAY 20

LONG: 66.2 miles (60% gravel) | 4,930 feet of elevation gain

SHORT: 34.2 miles (62% gravel) | 2,772 feet of elevation gain

As you head out to the high plateau of the Columbia River Gorge, you will experience an otherworldly sense of scale riding beside the giant wind turbines that dot the landscape. Roll, dive, and flow on sections of both gravel and paved roads to discover hidden views of river gorges, brushed foothills and the occasional Cervidae.

Did we mention the plush gravel?

DAY 2

SUNDAY MAY 21

LONG: 54.6 miles (76% gravel) | 5,446 feet of elevation gain

MID: 35 miles (70% gravel) | 3,095 feet of elevation gain

SHORT: 26 miles (82% gravel) | 2,850 feet of elevation gain

We venture into the beyond, where the turbines disappear and views of the Deschutes River and Gorge magically appear along little-known stretches of gravel —as if no other rider has ever been here. Breathtaking snapshots of the Cascade Range pop up on every turn to complete the enrapturing panorama. This ride beckons your rugged adventurer to ride out into the wild, leave first tracks, take deep breaths and just let it all in.

Did we mention it’s fully supported?

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Event Jersey

The Primal 3/4 sleeve Ilex jersey is a relaxed fit made from sweat-wicking Q3 Lite fabric and plenty of technical details for the ride. It looks and feels great off the bike, too. Available in Men’s and Women’s sizing. Click here to add to your order. (Need help adding to your order, click here.)

*jersey design by Lindsey Voskowsky

Accommodations

Tent Camping

Our overnight site at Sherman County Fairgrounds in Moro will have an area designated for tent camping. Don’t forget to bring your tent, ground cloth, sleeping bag, and pad.

Please do not pitch your tent prior to 3 p.m. on Friday.

RV Parking and Car Camping

We have limited space in camp for RVs, vans, and campers, so be sure to book early to guarantee a spot!

RV Parking & Car Camping passes are available for Friday and Saturday nights only, click here to get a parking pass.

Getting There

Directions to the camp will be included in the Ride Guide which will be emailed to you and published on the website in April. Directions will also be listed on the parking pass.

Overnight parking located adjacent to the camping site for Friday and Saturday nights only is available for $15 (click here to get a pass) We will provide directions to the event in the Ride Guide (emailed in April) and on the parking pass (mailed in early May). There will be signage pointing you to standard parking or RV & Car Camping when you arrive. After parking, follow the signs to the rider Packet Pick-Up area. You may want to check in and get acquainted before unpacking all your gear.

Want to join but don’t have access to a car? Planning to drive and want to share the trip with others? We’ve set up a Ride Share option through Get There Connect. Click here to add yourself as a driver or look for a ride offered near your home.

Ride Logistics

The idea is to have a relaxing, enjoyable weekend of riding. The key to that? Take care of as many details as possible before the ride. In this 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 the overnight site. The showers come with dressing rooms and sinks. Please remember to bring a towel or two, as we do not provide towels or toiletries.

    • Saturday  6:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
    • Sunday  6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    (Only sinks will be available Friday evening from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.)

    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.

    Rider Services

    Look for the Rider Services trailer in camp. Here you can ask questions, meet friends, or locate missing items at lost and found.

    Cycle Oregon Gift Shop

    The Cycle Oregon Gift Shop is where you can shop for some great Cycle Oregon merchandise. We’ll have a limited number of this year’s ride jersey and a selection of Cycle Oregon merchandise. There’s tons of fun stuff: lights, coffee mugs, windbreakers, water bottles, and more.

    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.

    On Saturday only, after a long day in the saddle, bring your tired legs down to the massage tent from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Our therapists use a variety of Swedish, deep-tissue and sports massage styles to keep you riding strong all weekend. 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 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 $110.00 for a 50-minute appointment and $155.00 for an 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.

    Yoga

    On Saturday only, stretch out the muscles that get tight during cycling. Yoga will help you stay close to your breath this weekend. Not only will this help you feel better, but stretching can also help prevent injury. Mats are provided.

    Medical Services

    Medical services will be available on the course, and at the overnight site. There is no charge for medical services on the course or at the site. If you require transport to or from a local medical facility, you will be financially responsible for transport and medical services there.

  • Food, Drink & Entertainment

    Meals

    Cycle Oregon will provide dinner at the overnight site on Friday and Saturday, breakfast on Saturday and Sunday, and lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

    Meal times

    • Breakfast: 6:00 – 8:30 a.m.
    • Lunch: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
    • Dinner: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

    Beer & Wine Garden

    The Beer & Wine Garden will feature a variety of local beer and wine.

    Beer Garden Hours

    • Friday: 3:00 – 10:00 p.m.
    • Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
    • Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

    Evening Announcements

    Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 p.m., the Cycle Oregon community will gather around the Main Stage. This is a great opportunity to hear tips about the next day’s route and catch up on some local folklore. Best of all, it’s always followed by legendary Cycle Oregon entertainment.

    Entertainment

    Cycle Oregon showcases some of Oregon’s most talented performers. Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings on the Main Stage.

  • 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: 7 a.m.– 4 p.m. (Sunday 3:30 p.m.)

    Course support services are available only during the course hours. If you start before the course opens or are still riding after the course closes, there will be no support services available. All Cycle Oregon riders must be on the course by 9 a.m. Those still on the course after 4 p.m. (3:30 p.m. on Sunday) 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.

    Food and Drink on the Course

    Lunch

    Lunch will be served on the course.

    Rest Stops

    There will be rest stops available along the route each day to provide water, beverages, and nutritious, delicious snacks. Rest Stop signs alert riders when one is ahead. You can also see the location of each Rest Stop on the maps that will be inside the rider packet you receive when you check-in. Rest Stops are open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    SAG Vehicles

    There will be multiple SAG vehicles on the course each day. They are available to transport cyclists in cases of 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 with a “thumbs down” signal. If you do get into a SAG, you may not be transported directly to camp. The SAG vehicles usually wait until they are full to go to camp.

    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 Services

    Medical services will be available on the course, and at the overnight site. There is no charge for medical services on the course or at the site. If you require transport to or from a local medical facility, you will be financially responsible for transport and medical services there.

    Motorcycle 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

    Packet Pick-Up will be available during these times:

    • Friday May 19, from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m.
    • Saturday May 20, from 6:00 – 8:30 a.m.

    Packet Pick-Up is not be available prior to event.

    Do not pitch your tent prior to 3 p.m. on Friday.

    When you check in, you will be asked to sign a waiver and then you will receive your packet that includes a wristband, and course maps. You must show your photo ID to pick up your packet. Once we affix your wristband, it should not be removed unless you leave the ride. The wristband is what identifies you as a participant and gives you access to meals and course support.

  • Bike and Gear

    Our courses for the weekend are a mixture of farm and gravel roads in combination with fast-rolling stretches of pavement. Gravel-specific and touring bikes with 35c (or greater) tires and low gearing will thrive on our routes. We’d also recommend tubeless set-ups as the high desert is known for goatheads. As always, the best bike and gear to bring will be the one you are familiar with and comfortable riding. We do recommend that you or your bicycle has the capacity to carry two water bottles for proper hydration and to take full advantage of our renowned rest stops.

  • Can I bring my e-bike?

    We’re excited about the experience e-bikes offer riders and welcome e-bikes at GRAVEL. While we expect to have ample electrical access, if you have a spare battery, please bring it with you to guarantee power on both rides.

    Visit our e-bikes page for more information or email info@cycleoregon.com

CANCELLATION POLICY AND WAIVERS

We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel your registration. We want to make it as easy as possible to do so. Please note we do not make exceptions in our cancellation policy (including family, medical, or employment situations). We cannot offer credits or transfers.

Submitting Cancellations: Please submit cancellation requests to info@cycleoregon.com. Please note we do not make exceptions in our cancellation policy (including COVID-19 related issues, family, medical or employment situations). Refunds will be processed through the credit card you used to register when possible. Processing fees incurred at the time of purchase are non-refundable. Please allow up to 30 days for processing.

Through March 25, 2023

  • A $50 fee for each rider registration. There is no refund for cancelling only parking.

From March 26 to April 22, 2023

  • A $75 fee for each rider registration. There is no refund for cancelling only parking.

After April 22, 2023

  • There are no refunds for cancellations after April 22, 2023.

Cycle Oregon may cancel or reroute an event due to the occurrence of any force majeure event or credible threat thereof, including but not limited to any Act of God, fire, earthquake, acts of civil or military authority, casualty, flood, war, terrorist attack, epidemic, insurrection, civil unrest, strikes or other labor activities or any other similar cause beyond the reasonable control of Cycle Oregon Inc., including environmental conditions that might threaten the health and safety of Event participants, volunteers or staff. I understand and agree that my registration fees and other costs will not be refunded by Cycle Oregon, Inc. if all or any portion of a Cycle Oregon Event is cancelled or rerouted due to a force majeure event. I will release and hold Cycle Oregon Inc. harmless for any costs or damages incurred as result of cancellation or rerouting of a Cycle Oregon Event due to a force majeure event.

Click to view a PDF of the Release of liability and assumption of risk agreement and COVID-19 Policy, Acknowledgment, and Waiver.

  • Merchandise Refunds
    GRAVEL Through 3/22 3/23 to 4/22 After 4/22
    Jersey $75 $34 $0

    The price listed above is the amount that will be refunded at that time. Processing fees incurred at the time of purchase are non refundable.

  • Covid-19

    Rider health and safety is paramount on Cycle Oregon events. Working within the guidelines from the Oregon Health Authority, we have developed COVID-19 safety plans and protocols which we will amend as new updates and guidelines are announced leading up to an event. 

    We ask that you are mindful of requests you encounter while in Moro and surrounding communities during GRAVEL. Masks are still required in healthcare settings and certain government buildings.

    Masks are not required at GRAVEL but we support those who choose to wear them for any reason they may have. We recognize members of the Cycle Oregon community and those associated with this event hold varying views on face covering. Out of respect for one another and in the spirit of the Cycle Oregon mission we ask that you honor our mask-friendly policy at GRAVEL – Do what’s best for you.

    Teasing, mocking, harassment or intimidation from any position towards others will not be tolerated.

Ride Archive

Relive rides of yore with our handy ride archive: