Cascade Gravel Grinder

The Cascade Gravel Grinder is the second race in the Oregon Gravel Series that takes place over three days but offers riders the option to participate in one, two, or all three days. The entire event covers up to 140 miles and 8,968 feel of elevation outside of Bend, Oregon known for thousands of miles of remote gravel roads where there is more wildlife than vehicles. The dedicated rides offer well-stocked aid stations, mechanical support, and different combination of scenery and challenges every day. Day One, Swampy Time Trial, occurs Friday and has only one ride option that is 100% gravel over 5.5 miles and climbs 530 feet. Day Two, Bust Your Butte, is Saturday and offers Small Grinder with 70% gravel over 49 miles and 4,000 feet of total elevation. Big Grinder on Saturday is 79% gravel over 60 miles with 4,700 feet of elevation. Day Three, Three Creeks, finishes the multi-day event on Sunday where Small Grinder occurs on 90% gravel road for 54 miles and climbs 4,000 feet of elevation. The Big Grinder is slightly more challenging with the same 90% of gravel road but covers the distance of 75 miles and climbs 6,000 feet. Chad Sperry, founder of the series, provides course information for each day of the event and where the most challenging sections exist. In 2022, there are larger locations for staging where participants and supporters can spread out. Day Three’s Big Grinder course is new this year that adds a climb to Pole Creek with a difficult descent dodging boulders and finishing the race with the narrow Suicide Gulch section.

Registration of this event has many perks that include chip timing, Cascade Gravel Grinder Badge, aid stations, and mechanical support for each day. Commemorative t-shirts and pint glasses provided for each day of registration with the unique course titles. All attendees invited to Sunday’s celebration lunch and beer where awards are distributed. Merchandise goes to top three winners of each of the five categories and prize money given to the top three of each category for the Small Grinder and Big Grinder Omnium, those who participated in all three days. Registrants are also offered to stay at host hotel with 20% discounted rate; BWP Premier Peppertree Inn. See main event site for all directions on starting locations and parking available for each day. All finish lines are near downtown Bend, Oregon where there are multiple locations close to the campground for food, lodging, and other activities. These restaurant recommendations also include lodging options; The Row, Cabin 22, and full Mount Bachelor experience at The Mountain.

The Oregon Trail Stage Race is part of the Oregon Gravel Grinder Series produced by Breakaway Promotions which which operates several other top multi-day gravel events.   The full event line-up includes: Gorge; Cascade; Oregon Trail; and Ochoco. There are discounts when riders register for three or four at a time. For all multi-day riders, this is your chance to experience some of the best gravel rides Cascade Mountain Range and national parks of Oregon has to offer in the spring and summer.

Best Gravel Cycling Events in the Northwest 2022