We’re excited that you’re joining us for a two-day gravel-fest down roads less traveled. We’re setting up camp in the Tillamook State Forest and giving riders a variety of heart-pumping, pedal-churning routes to choose from daily.

Gravel riders will have the whole Cycle Oregon experience – tents, showers, route support, Main Stage, beer garden – only this time, we’re going to be a lot more up close and personal with nature. Get all the details for packing, getting to the ride, checking in, meals– it’s all here in the GRAVEL Ride Guide.

It’s a great investment of your time to go over these details. Even if you’re a veteran to Cycle Oregon, peruse the guide as a reminder of the things you’ll need to make your journey a great one.

Arriving

Reehers Camp opens to GRAVEL riders at 3 p.m. on Friday, October 5th and the event closes Sunday, October 7th at 5 p.m. Friday is a check-in day, riding takes place on Saturday and Sunday.

There will likely be traffic and delays on Friday, so we strongly suggest you Google directions to Reehers Camp before leaving home.

Riding Your Bike to Camp

Don’t want to mess with the hassle of driving out to camp and parking, or just want to get some extra miles in the saddle? We’ve got you covered. You can drop your baggage off at the Cycle Oregon office in Portland the day before the event. We’ll take it out to camp for you and bring it back when the event is complete.

Baggage pick up and drop off will be located at Rider Services at Reehers Camp. Baggage must be dropped off by 4 p.m. on Sunday to be transported back to Portland.

Baggage requirements: One person = one bag. All your stuff goes in one bag, including camping gear and personal items. You can only bring one bag, and it cannot exceed 65 pounds. Do not latch items together as volunteers may injure themselves on clasps.

Pre-sign up for this service is required but does not cost extra. Please send an email to info@cycleoregon.com by October 3rd to let us know you’ll be dropping off your luggage so we can plan accordingly.

Baggage Drop Hours and Location:

  • Thursday Oct 4, 2018
  • From 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Cycle Oregon Office, 2124 N Flint Ave., Portland, OR

Pickup in Portland:

  • Monday Oct 8, 2018
  • From 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Cycle Oregon Office, 2124 N Flint Ave., Portland, OR

Driving and Parking

Our parking options are extremely limited for this event. To minimize our parking impact, we are strongly encouraging folks to carpool with others. Parking passes are SOLD OUT. Click here to find a ride share or to offer a ride to others.

From the East via US-26 W (Portland area): 

  • Follow US-26 West 
  • Turn Left onto NW Timber Road (after mile post 38) 
  • In 5.3 miles, turn right onto NW Cochran Road 
  • In 2 miles, you’ll see signs and parking will be on your left
  • Parking is located in the Day Use lot just west of Reehers Camp

 From the West via US-26 E: 

  • Follow US-26 East 
  • Turn Right onto NW Timber Road (after mile post 37) 
  • In 5.3 miles, turn right onto NW Cochran Road 
  • In 2 miles, you’ll see signs and parking will be on your left
  • Parking is located in the Day Use lot just west of Reehers Camp

You must have a valid parking pass to park your vehicle in the parking area.

They will be emailed later that week. Parking passes are SOLD OUT and will NOT be available for purchase at the event. Click here to find a ride share or to offer a ride to others.

For camping, all personal vehicles will enter camp and be guided to the long term parking area located in the Day Use lot just west of Reehers Camp. Volunteers will be available to help you unload your baggage and take it to your camping location.

Packet Pickup

Once you park your vehicle in long term parking, head over to check-in, located at the Rider Services trailer. You will sign a waiver and receive a wristband, course maps, and rider gift. You must show your photo ID to pick up your packet and you cannot sign in for someone else.

Packet Pickup will be available during these times:

  • Friday, October 5th, from 3:00 – 9:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 6th, from 6:00 – 9:00 a.m.

 

Accommodations

Tent Camping
Camping is available Friday (after 3 p.m.) and Saturday nights at Reehers Camp. Park first then follow signs to the tent camping area. You might want to bring something (ribbon, flag or blinking light) to identify your tent among all the others. Cycle Oregon does not provide tents.

Per our agreement with the Oregon Department of Forestry, camp fires, camping stoves, open flames, and smoking is prohibited during the event.

RVs, Campers, Trailers, and Car Camping
Parking is available Friday (after 3 p.m.). Parking space is extremely limited and you will be parked close to other vehicles. There will be space to get in and out of your vehicle, but no place to set up tents near the parking area. If you plan to stay in a tent, you will need to set up in the camping area.

Per our agreement with the Oregon Department of Forestry, camp fires, camping stoves, open flames, and smoking is prohibited during the event.

Nearby Accommodations
If you are looking to arrive early or stay later, there are a number of wonderful places to stay nearby. Visit Washington County Visitors Bureau or follow this link for a list of additional accommodations in the Forest Grove and Hillsboro areas.

Meals

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

  • Breakfast: 6:30 – 9:00 a.m
  • Lunch in camp: 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Dinner: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
MENU
Friday Dinner Herb roasted chicken, *vegan GF chicken scaloppini (v), white cheddar polenta, charred broccoli and roasted radishes, antipasti salad bar, local bakery dessert
Saturday Breakfast Bob’s Red Mill oatmeal bar, scrambled eggs, *tofu vegetable scramble (v), bacon, home-fry potatoes, fruit salad, coffee, tea, orange juice
Saturday Lunch Baguette sandwich bar: Roasted turkey breast, salami Tillamook cheese, assorted vegetables and sauces, roasted carrot and sweet potato salad, chips, fresh baked cookies
Saturday Dinner Smoked beef brisket, lemon caper salmon, vegan smoked tofu with molasses butter (v), Yukon Gold mashed potatoes, green beans and carrots, mixed proteins and veggie salad bar, fresh baked apple streusel
Sunday Breakfast Local baked goodies, Bob’s Red Mill oatmeal bar, prosciutto and caramelized onion quiche, *vegetable and manchego quiche (v), bacon, home-fry potatoes, fruit salad,coffee, tea, orange juice
Sunday Lunch Pasta bar, penne pasta tossed in olive oil, grilled chicken, seasonal vegetables, fresh marinara sauce, garlic pesto Alfredo, Tillamook Parmesan cheese, mixed proteins and veggie salad bar, strawberry shortcake
No Dinner on Sunday

* Must be registered as a vegetarian to receive the vegetarian main course option.

Camp Services

Our camp is filled with every thing you need for the weekend, from hot showers, to delicious meals, to great entertainment. Check out the site map here.

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.

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

Beer & Wine Garden and Whiskey Wagon

The Beer & Wine Garden will be complementary for the weekend. Drinks from the Whiskey Wagon are not complementary.

  • 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.

Entertainment & Announcements

Every evening at 7:00 p.m., the Cycle Oregon community gathers around the Main Stage. 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.

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Physical Therapy

Megan Moseley of Bodywise will be available during the afternoon for free physical therapy consultations and evaluations. Sign up for these 15-minute slots at the Bodywise tent, located near the medical tent.

Megan will teach a stretching and injury prevention class at 4 p.m. on Saturday. This is an interactive and educational class geared toward teaching you core exercises and stretches to balance your body, prevent injuries, and relieve pain you may have due to the repetitive stresses and chronic positioning related to cycling.

Bike Gallery

Bike Gallery’s team of technicians will provide mechanical support on the course and in camp. Labor is discounted and cyclists will pay for all parts. Labor charges apply if your bicycle does not meet pre-ride requirements.

Rider Services

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

  • Friday: 3:00 – 9:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 6:00 a.m – 9:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 6:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Cycle Oregon Gift Shop

The Cycle Oregon Gift Shop is where you can buy extra meal tickets (limited amount available) or shop for some great Cycle Oregon merchandise. We’ll have 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.

  • Friday: 3:00 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 11:00 a.m – 8:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

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.

 

On the Course

Course Hours

  • Saturday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Riders must be on course between 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.

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 the closure time 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.

Maps

You will receive maps and cues in your packet and the courses are very well marked. Day 1 Map – Day 2 Map. GPS files for GRAVEL routes for rider navigation devices are available HERE.

Rest Stops

Two Rest Stops sponsored by Tualatin Valley will be available along the routes each day (depending on the route) to provide water, restrooms, beverages and snacks. Rest Stop signs alert riders when one is ahead. You can also see the location of each Rest Stop on the maps in the rider packet you receive at check in. Rest Stops are open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Check Points

While GRAVEL is not a competitive event, we will be tracking riders’ positions on the course through occasional checkpoints. You may need to pause for a few moments for a volunteer to note your rider number at these locations to help us look after everyone’s safety.

Lunch

Lunch is served in camp on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rest Stops will be stocked with plenty of snacks to keep you going until you arrive back in camp for lunch.

SAG Vehicles

If at any time you need assistance, please signal a SAG vehicle with a “thumbs down” signal. If you do get into a SAG vehicle, you may not be transported directly to camp. SAG vehicles usually wait until they are full to go back to camp.

SAGs are available to transport cyclists due to mechanical problems or injuries. They also have plenty of extra water, sunscreen, and encouraging words (if needed).

Ambulance Service

MetroWest provides Advance Life Support ambulances that give around-the-clock medical support on the course and in camp. If you require medical attention on course, you should notify a SAG vehicle, ambulance, or staff vehicle with the “thumbs down” signal.

Safety Patrol

Motorcycle Safety Patrol volunteers drive the course each day. They are a great source of information and assistance, and they enhance the overall safety of the ride by interacting with riders and locals.

 

Event Timeline

Friday – Oct 5

3:00 p.m.

Packet Pickup open – Rider Services

CO Gift Shop open

Beer Garden open

5:00 p.m.

Dinner opens

Showers open

6:30 p.m.                   

Entertainment begins – Main Stage

7:00 p.m.                   

Announcements – Main Stage

8:00 p.m.

Dinner closes

Gift shop closes

9:00 p.m.                   

Packet Pickup closes – Rider Services

Entertainment ends – Main Stage

10:00 p.m.                   

Beer Garden closes         

Showers close

Saturday – Oct 6

6:00 a.m.

Packet Pickup open – Rider Services

Showers open

6:30 a.m.             

Breakfast opens

8:00 a.m.

Course Opens

Rest Stops Open

9:00 a.m.             

Breakfast closes

9:30 a.m. 

All riders must be on course

11:00 a.m.

Lunch open – in camp

Beer Garden open

CO Gift Shop open

2:00 p.m.

Entertainment begins – Main Stage

3:00 p.m.

Rest Stops closeon route

4:00 p.m.

Route closes

Lunch closes

Stretch and Injury Prevention class with Megan Moseley of Bodywise

5:00 p.m.

Dinner opens

7:00 p.m.

Announcements

8:00 p.m.

Dinner closes

CO Gift Shop closes

9:00 p.m.

Entertainment ends Main Stage

10:00 p.m.

Beer Garden close           

Showers close

Sunday – Oct 7

6:00 a.m.

Rider Services open

Showers open

6:30 a.m.

Breakfast opens

8:00 a.m.

Course opens

Rest Stops open – on route

9:00 a.m.

Breakfast closes

9:30 a.m.

All riders must be on course

11:00 a.m.

Lunch openin camp

CO Gift Shop open

11:30 a.m.

Entertainment begins – Main stage

3:00 p.m.

Course closes

Rest Stops close on route

4:00 p.m.

Lunch closes

Entertainment ends – Main Stage

4:30 p.m.

CO Gift Shop closes

5:00 p.m.

Site closed

Showers close

 

Emergency Information

In extreme emergencies, family members can contact a rider by calling the Oregon State Police at 541-776-6111. Please ask them to send an urgent message to Cycle Oregon officials. Bear in mind that it may take up to 12 hours to locate a rider and relay a message.

If you are on the road and in serious need of medical assistance, do not hesitate to call 911. In the case of a minor emergency, flag down any Cycle Oregon volunteer and they will dispatch a SAG van or ambulance.

You can help in an emergency. If you witness an accident on the course, please do the following:

  • Do not move the injured rider, especially if you suspect a head or spinal injury.
  • Notify a passing ambulance, SAG van or staff vehicle with the “thumbs down” signal. If there is no one around to help, call 911.
  • Take care of yourself. Do not step into the path of vehicle traffic.
  • Keep the injured person calm.
  • Once a Cycle Oregon official is on the scene and you have given a statement, please continue on the ride.

On-Course

If you or someone near you is having an emergency, do not hesitate to dial 911. Often one of our medical team will pick up the call on their radio.

Extensive Communications

You have lots of help on the road in case of an emergency. HAM radio operators provide emergency and logistical communication. HAM radio operators ride in SAG vehicles so that event managers, medical services and staff are in touch at all times. If no one is around to assist in the event of an emergency, call 911.

Please note: There is no charge for medical services rendered by MetroWest on the course or at the overnight site. MetroWest will not transport you to a medical facility unless it is a critical situation. If you require transport using MetroWest, a local ambulance or helicopter, you will be financially responsible for any resulting charges. You are also financially responsible for any services provided by local medical facilities.

In-Camp

Medical

Go to the medical tent, as a medic will be on call at all times. If no one is in the tent, knock on the van door.

Evacuation

Announcements throughout the campsite will alert the riders to prepare for evacuation. Please go immediately to the Main Stage for instructions.

Severe Weather

Harsh weather may warrant the use of contingency facilities for shelter, if available. Details will be announced from the Main Stage. In the event of lightning, seek low ground and get away from metal.

Rules of the Ride

The number one priority of Cycle Oregon is your safety. Therefore, here are a few rules we insist you follow:

 1.  Only bicycles propelled exclusively by human power are allowed to participate in a Cycle Oregon sponsored event.

 2.  Helmets and two water bottles (or equivalent) are required on Cycle Oregon events. The use of rear-view mirrors is recommended as a safety measure.

3.  Cycle Oregon uses a group of Safety Patrol volunteers on motorcycle who provide an on-course presence and are a good source of information or assistance during the ride. They enhance the overall safety of the ride by interacting with riders who may pose a hazard by unlawful or unsafe riding. Heed their advice.

4.  By Oregon law, bicyclists are operators of vehicles and must comply with all traffic laws.Cycle Oregon reserves the right to expel any participant who demonstrates a reluctance to ride in a safe and lawful manner. Riders who violate safety laws in the Oregon motor vehicle code are also subject to citation by law enforcement officials.

5.  The Cycle Oregon event courses are open for designated hours. Course support vehicles and other support services are available only during course hours. Any cyclist(s) still on the course after the designated closing time will be offered a ride to camp; if you choose not to take it you are on your own to get into camp and no course support services will be available for those who choose to stay out.

SAG support is to be used for mechanical and/or medical reasons only. Excessive use of SAG support (3 or more times) for any other reason may exclude participants from registering for future Cycle Oregon events.

7.  The course will be clearly marked. If you leave the official course, you are not part of the ride and will not receive any services or support.

8.  We try to direct as much vehicle traffic as possible off the route. Nevertheless, the tour travels on public road. Therefore, ride no more than two abreast. Ride beside a pal only where it is safe to do so, and where you do not block traffic or force other riders to swing far out to pass.

9.  Never draft behind a vehicle. Pace lines are prohibited in areas of high vehicle or cyclist traffic and are limited in size to a maximum of seven riders. Be especially careful at railroad tracks, cattle guards, and busy intersections. Course monitors and safety vehicles may be stationed in areas of special concern.

10.  Call “ON YOUR LEFT” to alert a rider you intend to pass. The call “CAR BACK” passes the message forward when a vehicle is approaching from behind. Use arm signals to indicate turns. Point out potholes, broken glass and other hazards to those behind you. Signal your intention to stop, and pull off the roadway.

11.  Use of headphones while riding on Cycle Oregon events is highly discouraged. Safe group riding in an event such depends on communication between cyclists. Headphones interfere with that process and make it difficult for people to hear instructions such as “CAR BACK” and “ON YOUR LEFT.” Headphones also make it difficult to hear approaching cars or trucks, negatively impacting the safety of cyclists and motorists.

12.  Cycle Oregon enjoys a reputation for leaving our campsites, lunch spots, rest stops, and course spotless. Please dispose of all trash, recyclables, and compostables in the appropriate places.

13.  Cyclists must keep the roadway clear when stopping at an event-designated stop or any other location. Please ensure that bicycles are parked off the road and that cyclists do not congregate on the roadways.

14.  Cycle Oregon events include assorted drinks at meals and all rest stops. Still, the responsibility for carrying sufficient water and remaining properly hydrated is yours. Make sure you drink extra fluids before, during, and after the ride to reduce the risk of dehydration. While in the saddle, you should consume an average of one liter of fluid for each hour of riding. Drink before you become thirsty. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already slightly dehydrated. Muscle cramping can also be a sign of dehydration. If at any time you run low on water, signal a SAG van with a “thumbs down” and ask for a fill-up. Do not be tempted by roadside rivers and streams, as the water may contain bacteria or parasites.