By all accounts, the recently concluded Cycle Oregon was one of the best ever.
From what I’ve heard, it had perfect weather, epic routes, majestic vistas (the Wallowa Mountains), welcoming towns, and great live music — all the ingredients that make Cycle Oregon one of the world’s premiere supported rides.
I’ve had the good fortune to experience two Cycle Oregons. I rode and reported on the ride in 2006 and 2007. And, although fully-supported, red-carpet rides aren’t usually my cup of tea, I became a believer.
But for various reasons, I decided to stay home this year; and I’ve been kicking myself ever since.
As soon as the ride was over I begin receiving emails from friends filled with links to photo albums I “just had to see!” and my phone started ringing with calls full of superlatives and exaltations like, “You missed one of the best ever.”
Then, earlier this week, I read my Cycle Oregon Newsletter. Each year they do an evaluation survey at the end of the ride to see what folks thought of the experience. This year, the newsletter reported that 97% of riders (out of 1,100 survey respondents) said it was either “Outstanding” or “Very Good” and 99% say they plan to do it again.
Not bad numbers at all. Unless, like me, you weren’t on the ride.
But on the bright side, a successful Cycle Oregon isn’t just great for the 2,000-plus people on the ride, it means the organization behind the ride that does important advocacy work and doles out thousands in community grants each year, is thriving.
Being my first CO, I can’t compare it to anything but one-day rides like Reach the Beach and the Portland Century, but I had the time of my life and the best week I’ve ever spent on a bike. It was definitely a plush affair and at first I kind of felt guilty about all the unlimited food, water, and drinks at the stops but I quickly got over that. 🙂
I wrote up my experiences here for my non-cyclist friends (to try and convince them to join me next year).
Heck, I say “that was the best year ever” every year but I think I really meant that this year. Something about not have to pack up and then unpack a wet tent really clinched it for me. I don’t get to ride during the event (I work it) but I observed that the route options were great – you could be a hammerhead or a lollygagger and still enjoy the day.
I didn’t ride this year either. My choice was Cycle Oregon, or a new touring bike. I chose the bike, and I don’t regret it at all.
Next year, I hope to be back at Cycle Oreogn *on* the new touring bike.