“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.”
― F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
Event Details
At the 2024 NWTR, the Board of Directors had the honor of meeting Joel Hakken who is a long-time tandem enthusiast and has been involved in the Midwest Tandem Rally -and a handful of other events- to promote tandem bicycling. He shared how some organizations are beginning to host “mini-rallies” that are cheaper and less of a production (but just as fun) to continue fostering growth and connection within the tandem cycling community.
The inaugural “Rivers & Roads Rally”, spearheaded by Swift Summit NW, LLC, October 18-20th in Brownsville, Oregon is an opportunity to experience one of these mini-rallies first hand and gather with friends for a three-day celebration of golden leaves, community, and to raise a proper closing toast to the 2024 tandem cycling season before it starts to get wet and dark again in the Pacific Northwest. Rivers & Roads is unaffiliated with NWTR but brings the same level of excellence and camaraderie.
Rivers & Roads is Oregon's Original Two Wheeled Rally of Inspiration.
Schedule of Events
Friday, October 18th
05:00pm Arrive at Pioneer Park in historic Brownsville, Oregon
-Dinner on your own
Saturday, October 19th
07:00am Morning Yoga Flow
07:30am Breakfast
08:45am 100m/50m/50k supported ride*
11:30am Lunch
12:30pm Massage Available (optional)
03:00pm Camp Activities
-Horse Shoe Tournament
-Live Music
-Art Printing
-Sauna Bathing
-Relaxing & Socializing
-Campfire(s)
06:30pm Dinner
Sunday, October 20th
07:00am Morning Yoga Flow
07:45am Breakfast
08:30am 15 mile coffee/social ride
Frequently
Asked Questions
Will I Freeze Camping in Oregon in October?
If you're from the Pacific Northwest, it's a safe bet you've probably been inspired by a crisp, fall morning, but perhaps you haven't slept outside in a tent when Jack Frost comes through. With a well rated sleeping bag rated down to 30 degrees, you should be alright. We'll even teach you the old "boiled water in a Nalgene in the foot of your bag" trick. If you need a little more insulation to make it through, you're welcome to bring a sprinter van or trailer/RV. We can make it all work.
If camping isn't your jam, we offer the option to join us for just a home cooked breakfast and ride Saturday morning. Lunch will be provided afterwards, and you're welcome to stick around throughout the afternoon for post-ride activities. A dinner add-on is also available for purchase if you want to stick around until evening.
The closest hotel accommodations are located in Lebanon, Oregon just twenty minutes from Pioneer Park. Additional accommodations can be reserved in Corvallis or Eugene thirty minutes from Pioneer Park.
What are the Routes?
Participants have the option of a fully supported 100 mile, 50 mile, or 50k ride on Saturday. All routes offer aid station support with food and hydration. Click for link to routes below. Subject to change.
100 Mile
50 Mile
50k
Sunday Social Ride
I've got a Family and Small Kids. Can they Join the Weekend Fun?
Rivers & Roads is family friendly (dogs included). For younger kids and family, and those new to cycling, the 50k route takes it light on the climbing but packs the same breathtaking scenery as the 100k route. For those extra young kids, the campground includes a large playground, basketball courts, and a quarter mile paved loop that is low traffic. Striders and training wheels encouraged, and reduced costs for those just looking to hang (kids nine and under are free).
What about Diet Restrictions?
Our camp chefs are mindful of everyone's unique dietary needs, and will have choices available to meet the needs of practicing vegans, vegetarians, and those with gluten sensitivities.
Additional Questions Can Be Emailed To
swiftsummitnw@gmail.com
Rivers & Roads is sanctioned by the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association but IS NOT a race. An organization license is required to participate and a day-use license ($5) will be added to your registration fee if necessary.