Difference between Cycle Oregon and Oregon Bicycle Ride?

[Grog]

Can anyone give me more information about the difference between:

Oregon Bicycle Ride
http://www.oregonbicycleride.org/
(August 7-14 this year)

and

Cycle Oregon
http://www.cycleoregon.com/
(September 11-18 this year)

They seem like two very similar events, so aside from the routes and dates, can anyone tell me about the differences and similarities? My husband and I are confused about which one we should sign up for.

Thank you!

[TsPoet]

Can anyone give me more information about the difference between:

Oregon Bicycle Ride
http://www.oregonbicycleride.org/
(August 7-14 this year)

and

Cycle Oregon
http://www.cycleoregon.com/
(September 11-18 this year)

They seem like two very similar events, so aside from the routes and dates, can anyone tell me about the differences and similarities? My husband and I are confused about which one we should sign up for.

Thank you!

They are actually very different
I've done a couple of Sandy's rides (Oregon Bike Ride). These rides are <400 people, the support is excellent, the rider level I can keep up with.
cycle Oregon is huge - bigger everything including #s of people, generally has more hills and, I think, more miles. I have been afraid to try a Cycle Oregon, I have friends that can't wait to do Cycle Oregon every year.

I can recommend the former with some petty little reservations. I've also ridden Bike Idaho with Sandy. Simply, Bike Oregon is smaller, more intimate, and easier. I've been told that Cycle Oregon is a giant rolling party.

[Susan Otcenas]

I've done both. I MUCH prefer OBR and am signed up again this year.

OBR is smaller, and much more personal. Camping is in school fields, city parks, etc. Food is generally very good. Routes were excellent. I disagree with TsPoet's assessment that CO is harder or hillier. I think it varies by the year. Last year, OBR had 35,000 feet of climbing (which includes the optional rest day). It was a very challenging ride. It's an older demographic on OBR, so they freely sag the folks who can't do the distance or elevation. I rode it all, and it was an amazing ride. CHallenging, but amazing.

CO has its perks (nightly entertainment, etc.) but to me it's just gotten waaaaaay too big. Such a big carbon footprint with the stage and the vendors, etc. And at that size, they're mostly limited to farmers fields way outside of town. I prefer the small size of OBR - it means that after a shower, I can stroll into town and get a feel for the place, instead of having to ride 5 miles into town fromthe farmers field.

YMMV.

[Grog]

Awesome, thanks Susan for the additional info!

You might see us there.

But please do tell me: do we need to sign up right now?

[Susan Otcenas]

Awesome, thanks Susan for the additional info!

You might see us there.

But please do tell me: do we need to sign up right now?

Well, she does keep a wait list. But yes, it fills up very very fast. If you wanted to be sure to get in, you'd be better off signing up.

I had to cancel in 2007. She was able to fill the spot from the wait list, so although I did pay a cancel penalty, it wasn't huge. So, I suppose you could risk losing the cancellation fee, if you signed up now but had to back out later.

[TsPoet]

I've done both. I MUCH prefer OBR and am signed up again this year.

OBR is smaller, and much more personal. Camping is in school fields, city parks, etc. Food is generally very good. Routes were excellent. I disagree with TsPoet's assessment that CO is harder or hillier.

YMMV.

I really meant easier-paced or more relaxed? - but you are right, route dependent. I also think <400 people is way more than there really are, for some reason I have 240 stuck in my head? Lots of sag support and twizzlers and spam at the rest stops (there's some sort of tradition there).
Susan, I think I met you at a rest stop, what was it, 3 years ago? And yes, nice towns and home town things to do. Much more my pace overall than the rolling party.
But, like I said, I have friends that just gush over when talking about the fun to be had on Cycle Oregon.
Whichever you do, have fun and enjoy the wonderful scenery!

[smilingcat]

Sounds like a wonderful ride. And I get to see Oregon at a slow leisurly pace. I've always wanted to see crater lake. And its so green up there.

But being a week long event, what do you do with your car during the week? I see that it starts and end in Klamath Fall. so do you just leave your car at some long term public parking?? All my events have been 24 hours or less. so very about logistics.

smilingcat

[Susan Otcenas]

You car just sits at the starting location with everyone else's . Last year it was a high school in Heppner.

[Grog]

Wow, thanks for letting me know!

We have done the "Grand Tour" in Québec which is equivalent to Cycle Oregon (2,200 people) although the distances are a tad bit shorter. My husband LOVED it! Personally I also like seeing the endless ribbons of cyclists on the road.

BUT I could do without the lineups. I'll seriously consider Sandy's ride, especially since it's also at a better date.

I assume it sells out quickly, but how quickly?

Thanks for your help!

[Susan Otcenas]

Last year OBR filled before New Year's. I'd be surprised if it wasn't full already. If it isn't, sign up quick!