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Daily dispatches from rider, racer, writer, photographer Caroline Dezendorf The Middle Fork of the Willamette River flowed steadily along the edge of camp in Oakridge, its rushing waters a constant backdrop to the peaceful start of Day 3 on the Oregon Trail. While the river moved swiftly, the pace of camp life moved slowly— a departure from the long miles and challenging rides of previous days. For many riders, it was a chance to exhale—an opportunity to rest, reset, and soak in the beauty of western Oregon without a number plate or cycling computer defining their experience. For the Pros and Pioneers, however, there was still business to attend to: a short but challenging 3-part time trial that would test legs and lungs in different ways. While not an easy day by any means, it was at least brief (if you call 25 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain brief). Riders zipped into skin suits, dialed in tire pressure, and mentally prepared for their solo efforts against the clock.  But while a focused energy settled over the time trialists, life around the Oakridge camp moved at a wonderfully relaxed pace. Settlers enjoyed what was, for them, a true rest day. With no tents to pack or bags to haul, and no pressure to perform, they eased into their morning routines. Espresso flowed freely thanks to the hospitality of Castelli, and the camp hummed with easy conversation and laughter. Riders lounged in camp chairs, read books, journaled, and casually planned their day’s adventures. For some, that meant a leisurely social ride around the picturesque Hills Creek Lake, where the views were more important than the pace. Others explored the nearby singletrack, riding loamy ribbons of trail through dense forest. The Oakridge area, well-known for its mountain biking, left many riders dreaming of a return visit with their trail bikes. And then there were those who opted to leave their bikes untouched. Instead, they dipped toes, or full bodies, into the cold, clear Willamette. Some tried their hand at fly fishing along Salmon Creek, casting lines into the shaded pools and hoping for a bite.  When the Pioneers and Pros returned from their time trial efforts, the camp once again filled with stories, laughter, and the unmistakable sound of beer cans being opened. Spin Catering served up a hearty taco lunch, and the cold drinks were well-earned. Some riders made the short walk into town for milkshakes or ice cream, while others gathered riverside to bask in the late afternoon sun. There was little talk of watts or placing—though, of course, a few of the pros couldn’t resist comparing power numbers from their efforts earlier in the day. However, for most, it was a day to recharge. With the Queen Stage looming on Day 4—a long, grueling return over the Cascade crest—riders took the opportunity to rest legs and calm minds. The day’s most intense competition didn’t happen on two wheels. Instead, it took place at the river’s edge—during the river jump contest. Cheers erupted as riders took turns launching themselves into the frigid waters with varying degrees of grace and enthusiasm. Last year’s overall women’s champion, Cecile Lejeune, claimed top honors, demonstrating flawless technique to take the river jump crown.  By evening, a calm settled once again over Oakridge camp— anticipation of what tomorrow’s stage would bring. The Queen Stage will test everything they’ve brought with them: endurance, grit, and heart. Many may walk away with the infamous “Died of Dysentery" shirt, if the Oregon Trail becomes too much for them… But for now, the river still flows. And for a brief moment, life on the Oregon Trail has slowed down just enough to enjoy the journey.

Daily dispatches from rider, racer, writer, photographer Caroline Dezendorf Notes from the Trail — Stage 4 — The Queen Stage Reigns Traveling north from Oakridge to Blue River is not for the faint of heart. Day 4 on the Oregon Trail—widely considered the Queen Stage—sent Pioneers and Settlers high into the Cascades on what would become the defining day of the week. With over 9,000 feet of climbing for Pioneers and nearly 7,000 for Settlers, it was clear from the early hours that this stage would push every rider to their mental and physical limits. As the sun began to warm the shadowed camp in Oakridge, the morning silence gave way to the subtle sounds of gear zipping, tents collapsing, and quiet conversation. Riders moved with purpose—packing up, filling bottles, and bracing for the day ahead. What makes Stage 4 especially daunting isn’t just the sheer elevation gain or the lack of flat terrain—it’s that by the time riders hit the start line, they’ve already logged over 200 miles in just three days. Fatigue is real. But so is determination. As the route climbed steadily out of Oakridge’s mossy forest and into the high alpine, the weight of the day began to lift. The fear faded as wildflowers, snow-covered peaks, and towering evergreens revealed themselves around each bend. The gravel, though unrelenting in pitch, was smooth and fast—a welcome change from the red volcanic soil and soft sand of earlier stages. It was a reminder that no two roads in the Cascades are ever quite the same. That variety helped keep morale high. Around every corner came something new: a high meadow splashed with color, a dramatic ridgeline framed by firs and hemlocks, a distant view of Mt. Bachelor, cloaked in moody clouds. The terrain itself became a kind of reward. As the day wore on and bodies began to feel the miles, minds stayed sharp. You could see it in the smiles at aid stations, hear it in the breathless “wows” as riders crested summits, or feel it in the pause as someone stopped to snap a selfie on top of the Cougar Reservoir Dam. Somehow, the suffering became part of the story. By the time the last riders rolled into Blue River, the tone had shifted. It wasn’t just exhaustion that filled the air—it was pride. Riders had been humbled, pushed, inspired.  Camp felt quieter that night. Tents rose slowly. The pace of the afternoon was slow. But the Schwalbe Hot Dog contest and the Mile-Run Sandal Challenge on the Track kept the cheers going well into the evening.  Tomorrow brings the final push eastward. But tonight, the Queen Stage reigns. And for those who conquered it, the crown is well earned.

Daily dispatches from rider, racer, writer, photographer Caroline Dezendorf Daily Dispatch — Stage 2 — Into the Heart of the Cascade s The sun rises early in the eastern Oregon sky, casting a golden hue across the tents dotting the Little Deschutes River at the historic Gilchrist Waterfront Resort. As the new day began to dawn, the quiet rustling of sleeping bags and murmured conversation signaled the start of Stage 2 on the Oregon Trail. Campers slowly emerged from their tents, blinking into the morning light, stretching sore muscles and shaking off the chill of a high desert night. The smell of freshly brewed coffee from LOAM Coffee Roasters drifted through the air, cutting through the quiet with a comforting familiarity. Breakfast, prepared by the hardworking crew at Spin Catering, offered a hearty spread of eggs, sausage, hash browns, bagels with cream cheese, and a tempting selection of pastries. It was the kind of breakfast designed for a long day in the saddle—comforting, caloric, and just indulgent enough to make everyone feel taken care of. As caffeine made its way into everyone’s bloodstreams and calories began to settle, the energy in camp shifted. Conversations turned toward gear choices, tire pressure, and fueling strategies for the day ahead. Excitement buzzed through the air—anxious but eager—as riders prepared for the grand departure from the high desert toward the deeper, denser woods of the western Cascades. Today’s destination: Oakridge. From Gilchrist, both Pioneers and Settlers rolled out together under clear skies and cool morning temperatures. The day began on quiet mountain pavement, where groups settled into rhythms beneath the towering pines. But this wouldn’t be a day to settle in for long. Stage 2 would be a journey of contrasts—sun and shadow, sand and loam, hard climbs and exhilarating descents. Early on, the terrain revealed its dual personality. The course wound through a mosaic of volcanic rock, soft sand, and pine-lined doubletrack. The first quarter of the stage challenged riders with technical sections of loose, deep sand. Each corner brought a new variable—dust-covered rocks, shifting lines, occasional patches of firm dirt that made riders momentarily feel invincible—before plunging them back into the sandbox. As the route progressed and the elevation increased, so too did the vegetation. Pines gave way to dense hemlocks and lush undergrowth filled with ferns, and the dry heat of the high desert began to lift. Riders were soon immersed in the cool green of the Cascade Range’s western slopes. The gravel firmed up, the climbing became sustained and punchy, and the oxygen thinned as the trail approached the Pacific Crest, hovering near 6,000 feet in elevation. And then came the water. Massive murky puddles from recent snowmelt turned parts of the route into full-on water crossings. Some riders dismounted and tiptoed around the edges, others barreled straight through, emerging with soaking shoes and grins stretched across their mud-speckled faces. It was messy, unpredictable, and deeply memorable. After cresting the pass, riders were rewarded with a long, flowing descent into the lush forests surrounding Oakridge. The descent was one of those rare gravel moments where time seemed to disappear—fast, technical, and pure fun. “That was awesome!” “The descent was so fun!” “I loved that stage!” As the day wound down and riders began to trickle into the Oakridge camp, the post-ride vibes were as high as the climbs that had brought them there. Legs were tired and bikes were caked in mud, but spirits were alive. The loudest conversations revolved around the route—its beauty, its brutality, and the perfect pacing that made it feel like an earned adventure. Many made a beeline for the icy waters of the Middle Fork of the Willamette River, which ran cold and fast just beyond the edge of camp. Submerging sore legs and dusty faces in the water quickly became a communal ritual—part recovery, part celebration. Sitting in the river, sipping a cold beer, surrounded by friends and fellow adventurers, laughter echoing across the water—it was hard to imagine a better way to end a day on the Oregon Trail.

Daily dispatches from rider, racer, writer, photographer Caroline Dezendorf On Wednesday morning, under cloudless blue skies and with the scent of pine in the air, 300 riders gathered at the start line of the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder. Known for its five-day point-to-point route through Oregon’s rugged Cascade Mountains, the event isn’t just a race—it’s a bucket-list adventure race. Riders come to test their limits, while making new friends, and soaking in the scenery that makes this event one of a kind. ​ As the sun moved high in the summer sky above the starting arch at Seventh Mountain Resort, the excitement was palpable. Nervous laughter filled the air as last-minute tire pressure checks were made and jersey pockets were stuffed with gels. Around the start line, hugs and high-fives were exchanged as riders reunited with old friends and made new ones. For many, this was more than a race start—it was a reunion and a celebration of the gravel community. Toeing the line were several seasoned pros, including Sofia Gomez Villafañe, Sarah Sturm, and Rob Britton, all of whom were returning for another go at the Oregon Trail. But the real heart of the event lies in the diversity of its participants: hundreds of amateur and adventure-focused riders from across the country and around the world, each with their own goals, stories, and reasons for showing up. ​ “We saw that [Oregon Trail] is an all-inclusive [experience], like going to Cancun, except to ride your bike,” laughed Desiree Taylor, who traveled from the Oklahoma City with her husband, Gabriel, to take part. “People at work were like, ‘So you’re going to ride your bike?’ And I’m like, yeah. ‘You’re not going to sit on the beach?’ No—we’re going to ride bikes.” ​ Desiree and Gabriel planned their cross-country vacation around riding the Oregon Trail. They’re here for the challenge, but mainly the experience. For them, riding across remote parts of Oregon, sharing meals, and sleeping under the stars is far more enticing than a beach resort. ​ Day 1 of the Oregon Trail, which took riders from Bend to the small town of Gilchrist, is often considered the most tame of the five stages—but it’s no walk in the park. The Pioneers tackled an 80-mile route with about 4,500 feet of elevation gain, while the Settlers rode a 65-mile route with nearly 3,000 feet of climbing. ​ Despite the sandy and sometimes loose volcanic rock typical of the eastern Cascades, riders were rewarded with fast-moving roads and expansive views. Much of the course was shaded by towering pine forests, but as the day progressed and riders neared Gilchrist, the landscape began to open up. If they took a moment to look up from their handlebars, they were treated to iconic views of Mt. Bachelor and the Three Sisters peaks rising in the distance. ​ “Today was really good,” said Catie George, a first-time Oregon Trail participant who made the trip from Virginia with her boyfriend, Cameron Jones. Cameron had just taken the win in the Pro Men’s field on Stage 1, while Catie was tackling her very first gravel race. “Meeting all the other racers was super cool. And I’m looking forward to improving over the next few days as I get more comfortable on the bike and on the terrain.” ​ For Catie and many other riders, Oregon Trail is a personal challenge—a chance to push themselves in unfamiliar conditions. The dry, sandy, high desert terrain of Central Oregon is a far cry from the smooth gravel in other parts of the country. But that’s part of the magic. Every day brings a new challenge, a new landscape, and a new story. ​ By mid-afternoon, riders rolled into the Gilchrist campsite, greeted by cheers, cold drinks, and the smell of dinner cooking. Some stretched out in the grass while others sat lazily in chairs, swapping stories from the day. It was only the beginning of the week, but bonds between racers were forming—over dusty roads, shared snacks, and the knowledge that tomorrow would bring more of the same. ​ “Today was a good warm-up for what’s to come,” said race director Chad Sperry with a grin. “Tomorrow’s stage is probably the best one I’ve ever designed. I think it’s going to be an incredibly exciting day.” ​ If Day 1 was the prologue, Day 2 promises to be the heart of the story. For now, riders will rest under a canopy of stars, legs tired but spirits high, ready for whatever the Oregon Trail throws at them next.

We know we have something special but check out what those in the know say- Oregon Trail has been named one of the best events to do by the top in the industry! Velo News: The 5 Most Fun Gravel Races Gran Fondo Guide: Top 10 North American Gravel Fondo 2024 Global Cycling Network: Top 10 Must-Do US Races in 2024

Top 10 North American Gravel Fondos 2023. Published Gran Fondo Guide There are a handful of gravel rides that have shaped this new genre of cycling, invented in the U.S. Midwest nearly 20 years ago which has spread globally Perhaps the greatest appeal is the adventure inherent in riding 100 or more miles – and not for prize money but for pride. Because most gravel rides are unsupported, you're on your own dealing with the weather, broken roads, or broken bikes. As one "grinder" puts it, there's none of that "happy bullshit with team cars and stuff." The established North American gravel rides are weekend long festivals attracting thousands of riders with inclusivity encouraged for all ages, juniors and the LGBTQ community. Equality reigns, all genders in the North America ride the same distance as men. Gran Fondo Guide has reached its 11th year of operation, the Worlds Leading Amateur Cycling Platform has reached a global audience of nearly 4 million unique users, over 185,000 visitors per month and over 1.61 million page impressions per month. Make sure you add at least one of these outstanding events to your Bucket List! ___________________________________ #2 Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder Summer Camp for adults who like bikes, mountains, river swims and making life-long friends! The state of Oregon on the United States’ “Wild West” coast has arguably some of “the best” gravel roads in the world. The Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder has firmly established itself as the “Grand Tour of Gravel” with gravel enthusiasts around the world. This is the #1 Gravel Stage race in the USA, with jaw-dropping scenery, camaraderie, and the legendary tenting and camp fires. Every respectable gravel rider need to add the OTGG to their bucket-list at least once (probably more than once). The EPIC 5-day Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder returns next June 21-25 with limited places left. It’s for racers AND adventure riders who want to test their limits and push personal boundaries, so much so, it sells out well in advance every year. It has one of the biggest prize purses ($10,000 USD) in North America gravel racing that attracts many of the biggest names in the sport internationally. This five-day event located in Sisters, will challenge and reward racers and adventure riders not only on the epic days in the saddle and celebrate every night back at camp. Each stage has two distances for Settlers and Pioneers. The e-bike category continues but still limited to just 25 riders. The fabulous team at Breakaway Promotions will take care of all of the details and support you on your journey - from tents to gourmet food to professional massage and nightly entertainment - you'll come away sore, accomplished, and with unmatched tales and friendship from the trail. There a HUGE range of additional options to suit everyone’s needs including VIP tent service, Shuttle, RV Parking, Bike Ship Service, Post Ride Massages and Meal packages for all your friends and family! < READ FULL ARTICLE >

Top 10 Must-Do US Gravel Races in 2024 From Arizona to Oklahoma and everywhere in between, we looked high and low for the best US gravel races – here are 10 we believe you should check out 09:53, Wednesday 22nd November 2023 Logan Jones-Wilkins, Junior Writer - North America The United States is the heartland of gravel, and has very much been the epicentre of the discipline's enormous growth in recent years. There has been an explosion of events in the US, but a select few have truly captured the imagination of gravel racers and riders alike. To sort through the countless races that dot the country, we are starting with the top, identifying 10 of the races that have proven to be the best around. If you're interested in gravel racing these are the 10 that you should follow, or who knows, maybe even enter. From the Great Plains of the United States, with the rolling hills, mud and wind that create hard endurance tests, to the technical races of the Southwest that demand handling skills well beyond that of a road race, the 10 races on the list all provide a unique experience and landscape to test oneself. While this list is not exhaustive, we have selected 10 races that you should look into, and perhaps even attend yourself, in 2024. ___________________________________ Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder (OTG) – June 26-30 The Oregon Gravel Grinder is a breathtaking lap through some of the most diverse ecology in the United States Location: Sisters, Oregon Distances: 350 miles (30,000 feet) over five days Website: Oregon Trail Registration: $1,200, spots available Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder will be in its fifth edition in 2024, but its first as a stop in the Gravel Earth Series. With this added emphasis, expect some big names to come to the premiere American gravel stage race. Consisting of five point-to-point stages, with a travelling campsite provided for every rider, the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder is a gravel summer camp. Every tough day of racing is followed by a leisurely evening of lounging by creeks and campfires, eating freshly cooked dinners while making fast friends with your fellow travellers. Since it is a stage race, the distances are much more manageable, with days ranging from 40 miles to the 90-mile queen stage. However, what it lacks in daily distance it makes up for in beauty and difficulty. The race circum-navigates the Cascade mountains of central Oregon, offering every rider the chance to test themselves on hour-long climbs, high-desert sand and lush temperate forest descents. While the five days of racing, meals and logistical support come with a decent price tag, it is a unique race that meets a niche in the American gravel calendar. Tech tip: Let's talk about the camping. At the race, everyone gets one bin and the option to get a tent provided for you by the organisation. If you have your own tent, you are welcome to use it, but then it has to fit in your bin, along with a sleeping pad, sleeping bag, nutrition and spare kit. There is also the option to bring a spare set of wheels, with each day offering a distinct terrain challenge. < READ FULL ARTICLE >

The five-day gravel stage race in Oregon will share the marquee with events like the Traka, the Migration Gravel Race, and the Rift. Published Oct 27, 2023 BETSY WELCH One of the US’ most beloved gravel races is going global. Next year, the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder (OTGG) will join the Gravel Earth series. Gravel Earth debuted last year, uniting six gravel races around the world and culminating with the ‘Earth Final’ in Spain. The series was a hit, and this year organizers plan to expand with more races in more countries. One of the new additions is the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder, which will be the first American gravel race to join the series. Also confirmed for Global Earth in 2024 are the Traka in Spain, the Migration Gravel Race in Kenya, and The Rift in Iceland. The organizers are expected to announce the full lineup in the coming weeks. “We are thrilled with this opportunity,” said OTGG race director Chad Sperry. “When Klassmark Events (owners of the Gravel Earth Series and the Traka) reached out with the official invitation to be a part of the Gravel Earth Series, joining these other amazing gravel events, we jumped at the chance. It is an honor to have been selected as the North American event to be included in next year’s race series. We feel strongly that our core values of focusing on the environment, spirit of adventure, and amazing experiences for every single rider, aligns well with all the values of this series.” < READ FULL ARTICLE >