Ring in the Fall With a Ride Through the Rogue River Valley

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Friday, September 19, 2014

Üma Kleppinger, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Road riding in the Rogue River Valley is fantastic any time of the year, but things really start to get colorful as the autumn equinox approaches, and Ride the Rogue, Saturday, Sept. 20, is the perfect showcase for exploring Southern Oregon’s incredible beauty. 

The flora and climate are so vastly different than northern Oregon, it’s as though you’re riding through another world—a world of golden grasses, vineyards, and dry, old scrub aks.

Choose from 100-, 70-, 40- or 25-mile routes which take you through though pastoral farmlands, the natural beauty of the region, and a colorful history as well. From the majestic Table Rocks of Sam’s Valley to the sparkling clear Rogue River, the vineyards of Applegate Valley and the luxuriously colorful Evans Valley, you’ll reminisce about this ride for years to come.

Post-ride celebrations will be held at the Palmerton Park Arboretum, nestled along the banks of Evans Creek. Massive trees, lush lawns, a pedestrian suspension bridge and the friendly and supportive community make for a delightful locale in which to wrap up your ride. Because of the special nature of the finish location, registration is capped at 1,200 riders.

A Variety of Rides 

Each of the rides have plenty of rest stops so you can ride light and fast if you like, or sit back and cruise along as casually as you like. Sag support is available if you decide to stop short and hitch a ride back to the finish.

Rest stops are well staffed with volunteers from area businesses and supply not only mechanical support but also refueling for hungry riders.

In fact, previous Ride the Rogue participants’ one complaint  was that they wouldn’t have eaten so much at the rest stops if they had how delicious the post-ride feast would be at the finish. Dinner costs an additional $10 per ticket on top of the ride registration costs, and including salmon, tri-tip steak, and vegetarian options.

Live music, raffles, a silent auction and more round out the evening to provide a perfectly mellow way to wind down after a long day in the saddle.

All proceeds support the development of the Rogue River Recreational Corridor and Greenway project.  

Ride the Rogue
Sept. 20, 2014

For more information or to register, visit their page.

Üma Kleppinger is a Portland-based copy writer and advocate for full-contact anti-bummer living. She is a recovering sesquipedalian who writes about life in the saddle and outdoor adventure. She is also the author of BikeYoga, a yoga program for cyclists. When not writing, she can be found riding and racing her mountain bike throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Home Page Photo Credit: Tanja de Bie via Compfight cc

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