*Photos of 2017 Weekender event in McMinnville by Jonathan Maus/BikePortland
In its 32nd year of existence, the venerable Cycle Oregon is evolving once again. In recent years, the nonprofit known for its week-long “Classic” ride, has added women-only and gravel events to broaden its appeal and accessibility.
Now Cycle Oregon has decided to put their popular Weekender event on hold. Here’s what CO Executive Director Steve Schulz shared with us about it in an email this morning:
“WEEKENDER has been a Cycle Oregon staple since 2004, hosting the event for tens of thousands of cyclists over the years all throughout the Willamette Valley. Offering daily routes for every level of cyclist, it’s been home to every age group and ability, providing activities and amenities for both young and old, and it’s important to us to continue to offer an event for such a broad audience.
However, over the last number of years attendance of the WEEKENDER has decreased annually. Accordingly, Cycle Oregon has decided to re-examine the event and its operational model. We want to create a way to incorporate some of the ideas its long-time riders have provided, strengthen the event from all angles, and bring it back positioned for the next decade. The format of an all levels inclusive event won’t be changing; this is one of the finest parts of this Cycle Oregon offering and something we’re very proud of. We look forward to bringing WEEKENDER back to the Cycle Oregon line of events in the future.
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The Weekender is a great event that offers much of the appeal of the Classic ride but in a form that makes it more accessible to families and people who can’t block out a week in September and/or can’t afford the registration fee ($999). In 2015 we noted how it was one of the very few major organized bike rides where women outnumbered the men. Originally conceived as a family-oriented event, in past years it’s also become a perfect place to hang out for a few days with your riding buddies.
In other Cycle Oregon news, the big 2019 route unveiling and kickoff party is January 30th at the Portland Art Museum. The first 500 people in the door will get the honor of early registration and be entered into the drawing for a “Golden Ticket” — an all-access free pass to the 2019 Classic Ride.
And if you’re looking forward to Cycle Oregon’s Gravel or Joyride events, mark your calendars for May 17th-19th and June 22nd respectively. This year’s Classic will run from September 7th to 14th.
— Jonathan Maus: (503) 706-8804, @jonathan_maus on Twitter and jonathan@bikeportland.org
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