News & Updates
The final day of Cycle Oregon is bittersweet. Saying goodbye to friends new and old can be tough — especially when you know you might not see them again until next year. But the prospect of seeing your loved ones, sleeping in a bed and giving the old undercarriage a rest is also pretty sweet.
Sutherlin is ready as the first riders are already finishing. The last mile is lined with American flags and a massive version of Old Glory is suspended between two fire trucks just above the finish line. There’s something about the whole scene that serves as a fitting reminder of how very special rural Oregon really is. The forecast at the finish calls for chocolate milk and extra lumpy throats with a very high probability of ocular moisture. Don’t bother holding back — there’s simply no need.
Thanks to the Cycle Oregon staff, the army of volunteers, the host towns and, of course, the riders for making it all possible and another year to remember. See you in February.
Every year Cycle Oregon has at least one epic climbing day and Day Six was it. A morning fog hung eerily over camp and the moon lingered in the sky as a large group rolled out at first light. After several days of riding, cyclist were primed for the 40-mile climb (and 40-mile descent) ahead.
In Riddle a huge cheering section was ready and waiting to greet the hammerheads who began arriving just before noon. That same group remained until the course closed and cheered for the stragglers as enthusiastically as they had the overachievers hours before and everyone else in between. In the evening Main Street teemed with activity. The few bars and restaurants were packed to overflowing but no one seemed to mind having to hang out a few extra minutes for their beer and burgers. Only a few more miles back to Sutherlin remain.
The ride from Bandon to Powers was short but sweet. The course meandered through coastal valleys past rustic farms before the final plunge on the perfect winding and banked pavement on the way into town. Powers is a very small community that put a big effort into making us feel welcomed.
The “layover day” in Bandon was a perfect fall day. Many chose to ride down the coast but plenty stayed close to camp to rest their hindquarters, eat, eat some more, drink, have a quick snack and nap in the sun until diner. It was a special day for everyone put particularly memorable for the couple who got hitched on the beach. The only bad choices made on Day Four were by the Bike Gallery crew, who went after each other with flaming “lances” for our entertainment during the bicycle rodeo. What would your mothers say?
Day Three from Reedsport to Bandon included some glorious vistas, whale sightings and a few short steep pitches affectionately known as the Seven Devils. Riders were greeted by a spectacular campsite and the Beer Garden was hopping (it appears dancing with the Devils makes people a touch thirsty).
Many will ride on Wednesday but plenty of others will enjoy a perfect day in Bandon.
