Another year, another few sets of tires and tubes, another several hundred miles pedaled, and countless more great memories have been logged. Looking back at last year, we all had some ups and some downs, but when that ball drops at midnight we’ll only remember the good times and look forward to all those that are ahead of us.

Way back in May, our Cycle Oregon calendar kicked off with the second-ever GRAVEL event. This time around there was a bigger turnout and a lot less mud. A freewheeling pack of 350 riders made the trek down to Dufur to ride some of the finest and quietest gravel back-roads this side of anywhere. The vistas were amazing, the vibe was laid back, and the beer pours were flowing all night. Two days of farmlands, wildflowers, canyons, distant mountain peaks, and abandoned historic buildings gave riders a true taste of Wasco County and its endless miles of opportune gravel grinding.

Then came June and along came Joyride. This year was a bit of a change-up as the event moved down the road from Stoller Vineyards to the small community of Independence, Oregon. 550 riders of all abilities came out and spent the day exploring some of the prettiest vineyards, hop fields, and dairy farms in all of Polk County. The routes were mostly flat which gave riders plenty of time to admire the countryside as it passed by. Once back at Riverview Park on the banks of the Willamette River, there was the customary live music, delicious local food and drinks and of course, the fresh biscuits and berries!

And finally, September rolled around and so did the main event. Classic 2019 was every bit the epic ride everyone had hoped it would be. The Central Oregon Cascades, the Umpqua River, McKenzie Pass, Tumalo State Park, CRATER LAKE! Every day was a highlight reel featuring diverse landscapes and riding that you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world – let alone all with a 429 mile loop! The camps were terrific, the music was rockin’, the communities were so welcoming, and the positive energy was in unlimited supply. Classic once again delivered on the promise of building community through cycling and once again it was great to be a part of it.

Just thinking about all the amazing days we’ve had on two wheels this year has us chomping at the bit to see what Cycle Oregon has put together for 2020! Come January 29, at our annual Kickoff Party, all will be revealed.