Cycle Oregon 2008
 

Wow, what an incredible ride we had. Seven days of picture perfect weather in the mountains and valleys of NE Oregon. The planning and execution of this huge riding event has to be experienced to be believed. STP is like checkers, whereas Cycle Oregon is like chess. Moving baggage trucks, shower trucks, kitchen trucks, "blue-room" trucks, every day for a full week and having everything always ready and waiting when the first rider rolls in was astounding.

As for the experience I would say it was like Woodstock on bikes (of course I was there, weren't you?). There was an ocean of tents, little ones for the riders, huge ones for the dining area, beer garden etc. There was live entertainment on stage every afternoon and evening, including bike seminars put on by Bike Gallery, who, BTW, fix your bike for free (except for major parts, and tips greatly appreciated).

And the small towns we visited were ecstatic to have us come and patronize their businesses and learn more about their local attractions. In fact, the town of Halfway, whose population we sextupled, was so happy to have us, they put the Cycle Oregon main stage in the middle of the main road through town and forced the vehicle traffic to detour around!

As for the riding, what can you say about the beauty of the Blue and Wallowa Mountains, Hells Canyon of the Snake River, that hasn't already been said. In the weather we had, it was surreal.

I think I should now cancel this post. Maybe I'll get shut out when I try to register next year.

Absolutely the very best organized event I have ever done. Amazingly fun and challenging and the weather was PERFECT. The tiny towns we stayed in were incredibly welcoming.

Plus, I met a special new friend. A very special person indeed. Making out on the side of the road overlooking a beautiful river with hundreds of cyclists passing by and whistling was a big hoot.

I won't miss this next year.

55/Rad

Outstanding trip, great friends, uncomparable scenery and fabulous weather! My wife and I finally enjoyed some summer temperatures.

The ride was easier than last year, but the route was as beautiful as ever. The option ride to the dam was outstanding. Loved that tailwind!

I agree totally on how well organized the event is. Our Alaska group has been attending for well over 10 years now. Some close to 15 years in a row. I've only attended 5, but plan on more.

We plan on riding in France next year, but my wife wondered if we might do both :) What a tough life :D

Sorry I didn't get to meet any of the forum group, but as you know the week went really fast. Can't wait till next year. I'll post some pics in the next few days.

Yeah, what a great ride. Ended up camping next to poprad in Elgin; I overheard him mentioning one of my posts. Missed the meet up at the beer garden, though, as I was busy getting my bike off the truck from Portland. Highlights for me: high-fiving the kids coming in to Union; the big field of sunflowers; the downhill into Halfway; the little girl singing "I Love Rock-n-Roll" at Karaoke from Hell in Halfway; Hell's Canyon ride; the descent into the Wallowa Valley and Joseph; moonrise over the ridge by Wallowa Lake; that beautiful canyon outside Enterprise; the final downhill into Elgin. Everthing ran like clockwork for me last week, except for having to track down my misrouted bag the last day in Elgin. Really well organized, and everyone - riders, volunteers, town people - were so nice. I'll be back for sure.

I concur with all the above. This was a great event and well worth the money and vacation time. I had a great time, met some very interesting folks, and got to see a corner of Oregon I have wanted to see for some time.

I'm including a link to a set of my photos from the ride, feel free to peruse and download any you like.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7663691...7607341972953/

Poprad - funny how your photos look a lot like mine - particularly the barns. Very nice! And seeing you and your group in the photos reminds me that I did see you guys out on the road. Sorry I didn't recognize you...it would have been fun to hang together for awhile.

My favorite cycling moment was the long descent from the last rest stop before hitting Joseph and Wallowa lake. How long was that section - 8? 10 miles? 3 of us just bombed all the way through it, averaging over 30 for that entire stretch....amazingly fun.

Can't wait to see the event photos as I certainly hammed it up when I saw the cameras.

Being back at work this week - the greatness of last week only grows as we get further away from it.

Another cool thing...I had absolutely no aches, pains or residual stiffness. Nothing. Got up and rode Sunday out of habit. Didn't have a flat or any other mechanical issue the entire week either.

It simply was an amazing and magical time.

55/Rad

As has been said, truly a wonderful event. My wife and I were first time Cycle Oregon riders, and had a great time of it.

I am in awe of the logistics behind C/O. I suppose 21 years of practice helps, but everything appeared to run flawlessly.

One of the "above and beyond" things I noted was one gentleman who traveled quite a ways to attend got there only to find the bike he shipped never arrived, the shippers had no clue where it went. Rather than having a completely hosed vacation, or needing to hope a local shop had a bike that fit, the Trek Demo folks hooked him up for as long as needed.

I'll be back for another Cycle Oregon.

I'm happy for you.... an 'magical' is a very good word!

Nice pics, poprad!

Great pics every one. I'll add a few vids that may bring back some memories.

Beautiful open farm land with every day folks doing their jobs.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...th_combine.jpg

Some of the tail end of a talented 17 year old. If I had known this would turn out I'd have taken more!

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...h_DSCF4173.jpg

I just had to stop on Monday's climb to capture this guy. I had to cut it short due to "Car Back" calls.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c8...uggle_0001.jpg

I'll add a few still shots later. What a great trip.

I finally got my pics uploaded to Flickr:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/3103806...7607610940327/

Most of these were taken with disposable cameras. The few labled "bikecam" were taken with a small digital camera mounted to my handlbars. That was an experiment that didn't work too well; I found it easier to pull a camera out of my jersey pocket and snap.