GRAVEL '27 – Cycle Oregon

About

High Desert Horizon

May 14-16, 2027

Early Bird Registration Opens November 17, 2026

GRAVEL is our weekend celebration of unpaved exploration and backcountry camaraderie, bringing riders deep into the rugged, sun-drenched terrain of Madras. This event pairs challenging mixed-terrain riding with a relaxed, fully supported camp life that connects us with a vibrant central Oregon community. Remote roads, panoramic high desert vistas, and shared adventure—this is Cycle Oregon off the beaten path.

Each route showcases central Oregon gravel at its finest—tracing carved basalt canyons, sweeping high-desert ridgelines, and wide-open plateau roads that keep you dialed in mile after mile. Whether you’re looking to hammer the elevation or soak in the big-sky vistas at your own pace, every turn offers pure gravel magic on repeat. With multiple daily route options, full course SAG, and expert mechanical support along the way, we handle all the details so you can focus entirely on the ride.

Back at basecamp, the high-desert evening comes alive with our signature Cycle Oregon hospitality. Unwind after a big day in the saddle with hot showers, delicious catered meals, cold craft drinks, and live music under the stars. Connect with fellow riders, join in on daily yoga, and stick around for our late-day festivities and camp antics. Everything you need for an unforgettable weekend on the roads less traveled is waiting for you.

What Stays With Us: A Look Back at GRAVEL 2026

Kick things off at 5:00 pm with a Friday evening shakeout ride—about 10 easy-going miles of community, conversation and good vibes. These no-drop rides are guided by some of our favorite community partners who add flavor, creativity and a strong sense of place. Whether you’re rolling in solo or with friends, you’ll feel right at home. Back in camp, Trek Tech Support will be on hand to help fine-tune your bike before the big ride begins. Come early. Ride easy. Meet your people.

Rider Testimonials

We hosted our first GRAVEL in 2018 and it continues to be a hit with riders and the local communities we visit. 95% of riders rate Cycle Oregon’s GRAVEL as Very Good / Excellent.

What did you like about Cycle Oregon GRAVEL?

“Discovering new parts of Oregon that would be hard without the support and organization. Plus it’s fun and social!”

“The routes are new and interesting. We get to spend the weekend hanging out with some of the nicest people! The support is awesome!”

“The experience, the riding, the mellow vibe, manageable crowd size.”

“The support. All we have to do is show up and ride bikes.”

“It’s a fun weekend! The routes are always fun and the support is really good. It’s a great way to kick off a summer of riding and I look forward to it every year.”

“The whole package – community, camping, great food, and riding.”

“The Cycle Oregon experience. Great routes, excellent on ride support, and fun times in camp.”

“The great rides, new locations and excellent support along the ride.”

“I love the feeling of community. The rides are challenging, but do-able. The food is great, the coffee is great. It’s one of my favorite weekends of the year.”

“I think Cycle Oregon is the best, most organized group. I hear this from so many people, too.”

Community Voices

Location

The Ride

Friday, May 12 - Sunday, May 14, 2027
Madras, Oregon

Route

DAY 1

Information coming soon

DAY 2

Information coming soon

Event Merch

Accommodations

Our overnight site in Wasco County Fairgrounds will have designated areas for tent camping & RV camping. Although we have ample space for Vans and RVs, please be sure to add it onto your registration ahead of time so we save a spot for you! Our camping areas open on Friday at 3:00 pm.

Tent Camping

Flat tent camping is available for Friday and Saturday nights only and is included with registration. Much of the area is shady. Don’t forget to bring your tent, ground cloth, sleeping bag and pad.

Please do not pitch your tent prior to 3:00 pm on Friday.

RV and Van Camping

RV and Van camping spots are available including a limited number of full-hookup (sewer, water and power) sites. All other RV and Van spots have water and power available. Convenient portable toilets and showers will be on site.

Price:

Full Hookups (sewer, power and water): $130 per RV or Van for the weekend (Friday & Saturday nights)
Regular (power and water): $115 per RV or Van for the weekend (Friday & Saturday nights)

If you’d like to bring your RV or camp trailer the total length cannot be more than 40′ including towing vehicle.

If you would like to request to be near another person, please make note of this in your RV notes at checkout or send info@cycleoregon.com an email with your request. We will do our best to accommodate all requests but cannot guarantee placements.

Vehicle Parking

Plenty of parking will be available on site.

Price: $30 per vehicle for weekend

Getting There

Directions to the camp will be included in the Ride Guide which will be emailed to you and published on the website before the event start date.

Ride Logistics + Amenities

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
Information coming soon
Food, Drink & Entertainment
Meals

We are excited to welcome back Spin Catering for this event! Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options will be available. Lunches will be served on route.
- Friday – Dinner
- Saturday – Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
- Sunday – Breakfast & Lunch
Beverages

Beer, wine from Pinot Vista, and NA beverages from Heck Brewing are included in the cost of registration. Fresh water will be available at camp and along the route.

Nossa Familia Coffee and tea will be provided in the mornings.

Evening Announcements

Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm, 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

Nightly live music, community booth, vendor expo and Twilight Cup bike fun (our signature in-camp bike silliness). Check back for updates on the entertainment lineup.
Course Support
Cycle Oregon prides itself on providing a fully supported ride and plenty of route options for everyone’s style. 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: 7:00 am– 4:00 pm (Sunday 3:30 pm)

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 9:00 am. Those still on the course after 4:00 pm (3:30 pm 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 from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Rest Stops

There will be 2- 4 rest stops available along the route each day to provide water, drinks, lunch, and delicious snacks. A final site map will detail these locations and services.

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 generally open from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Course Support

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.

Moto Patrol and Bike Course Support

They provide support for riders along the event route, promoting the safety and welfare of our participants. They can relay information ranging from mechanical and safety issues to rider counts and the best place to get a milkshake.

Bike Mechanics

Trek Bicycle Portland returns as our tech support sponsor for the 38th consecutive year! Their staff has significant experience with our events and are fully trained in current e-bike technology though we ask that your bike arrives for the weekend in proper working order. Due to the wide-ranging nature of e-bike systems, we ask that you bring any special parts or equipment unique to your bicycle.

Medical Services

Medical services from Adventure Medics will be available along the route. 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.
Check In
Check in will be available during these times:
- Friday, May 12, from 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
- Saturday, May 13, from 6:30 am – 8:30 am
When you check in, you must show your photo ID. Once we affix your wristband, it should not be removed unless you leave the ride and do not plan on returning. The wristband is what identifies you as a participant and gives you access to meals and course support.

Do not pitch your tent or RV or Van prior to 3:00 pm on Friday. Check in is not available prior to the event.
Bike and Gear
Gravel-specific and touring bikes with 40c (or greater) tires and low gearing will thrive on our routes. 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 have the capacity to carry two water bottles for proper hydration and to take full advantage of our renowned rest stops.

Because of the changes in elevation along this route and the nature of early May weather, we highly recommend wearing layers for the cool mornings with high-desert climbs and forested mountainous descents. A full recommended gear list will be included in your ride guide.
Can I bring my e-bike?
We’re excited about the experience e-bikes offer riders and welcome e-bikes at GRAVEL. A limited number of secure charging spots staffed by Cycle Oregon are available for bike charging on Saturday after your ride. Please sign up during the registration process – $25.Riders will be required to sign our e-bike agreement.

Visit our e-bikes page for more information.

Charging Service

How it works: Ride all day on Saturday and when you return to camp, drop your bike or battery off to be charged (We recommend dropping it by no later than 4:00 pm). Enjoy the evening and grab your bike on your way back to your tent by 9:00 pm.