Bike riding bliss as the summer winds down and fall ramps up

Gravel rides, mountain bike tours and cyclocross races fill up the calendar throughout the summer and fall in Central Oregon. Here’s a few of our favorite two-wheel events:

Ochoco Gravel Roubaix, Prineville
August 24
A gorgeous Gran Fondo style bike event – race or just ride – through the Ochoco National Forest featuring 80- or 45-mile loops. Also, first-place finishers win their weight in Deschutes Brewery beer.

MBSEF Thrilla Cyclocross Series, Bend
Thursdays, September 5 – October 3
This mid-week racing series at the Athletic Club of Bend makes for great early-season training for serious cross racers and an excellent excuse for Thursday beers for the rest of us.

Bend Fat Tire Tour
September 18-22
A glorious, end-of-the season multi-day mountain bike festival that showcases the best singletrack in Bend. Rides range from 30 to 60 miles each day.

River City Bicycles Cyclocross Crusades, Bend
October 26 and 27
Portland’s famed Cross Crusades comes to Central Oregon for its annual Halloween road trip.

The Ochoco Gravel Roubaix is put on by Good Bike Co. in Prineville.