Shifty

Registration opened today at noon for this year's Cycle Oregon week and weekend rides. The route looks good, lots of climbing. Who's in?

stayfed

Moving to Portland this June. Sounds like a fun event! Super expensive though do you know why?

Shifty

The cost is actually quite reasonable for what you get. Plus, the ride started 25 years ago as a way to move money from the cities to small rural towns in the state. What you get for the fee is all meals and snacks for a week, medical support, port-a-potty and sanitation support, baggage service for the week, music and entertainment each evening. It is not a bare bones week, but a ride that takes lots of money to pull off. CO spends loads of money in the communities that we ride through and camp towns. Things like rent for camp facilities, sewer and water fees, hire locals to serve food, handle bags, and many other services.
It's a big deal, and very well done. I think it's an excellent value for what you get.

jppe

I did it for the first time last year and at first glance it appears more expensive than a lot of tours. But I agree with Shifty, that you get your money's worth, especially if you camp. Extremely well organized and you will not leave hungry. They have professional caterers and the meals are very well done. There is terrific entertainment every night that you will want to plan to attend as well. I spent way too much time in the beer garden every day but I met some fabulous cyclists that were just out to enjoy the week like myself. I would really love to get back out this year and do more of the hills but too many conflicts for me this time.

stayfed

Sounds great! Thanks for the information. I am definitely going to bookmark the event and hopefully I can attend!

DoubleTap

This will be my third year. It's a great event. We'll have a group of about 10 friends doing it this year, so that sweetens the deal.

Savagewolf

I wish I could go, but the budget doesn't allow for it. I went last year as a winner of the Mark Bosworth Foundation scholarship. It was an incredible experience, and I met some great people.

While I can't afford to go, I will attest that the price it commands is worth it. You'll never be hungry, there are excellent mechanics, great people to meet, entertainment every night, hot showers and beautiful riding. They really do a great job. I'm actually very depressed I can't go this year. The life of a poor college student, eh. Time to start saving for 2015 so I can go.

If you can afford it, do it. Don't wait too long or it will sell out. You won't regret it.

Shifty

Well, it was a fabulous week of riding along the beautiful Deschutes River and Cascade mountains. The rides were challenging, the weather was near perfect and people all fantastic. I ran into BF member 2thgrinder, always nice to see him and catch up on things.
Start saving your money for next year's ride, it's sure to be an awesome time.

Bike Portland has good coverage with lots of stunning photos, BikePortland.org - Portland Oregon bicycle news, events, culture, travel and opinion.
Scroll down the home page for each day coverage.