The final event in the Oregon Gravel Grinder Series, Ochoco Gravel Grinder is a multi-day gravel experience in the stunning Ochoco National Forest; it typically offers two days of gravel roads in Oregon during an incredible time of the year with ideal riding conditions. Strambecco rates Ochoco as one of the best gravel events in Oregon and the Northwest. Unfortunately, it appears the 2023 event has had a last minute cancellation due to apparent Forest Service Permitting issues and is postponed until 2024. The 2023 event also was planned to be a one-day event instead of the typical two-day gravel challenge.
Over Saturday and Sunday, riders will travel up to 140 miles and climb over 8968 feet. Registrants can select one or two-day rides but can celebrate with all riders by camping and joining the festival nestled deep in Ochoco National Forest. Each day has challenging and moderate rides labeled as Big Grinder or Small Grinder. Day One loops around Big Summit Prairie with a climb up Mount Pisgah. Big Grinders complete over 80 miles with more than 6,000 feet of climbing. Small Grinders race 58 miles and only 4,800 feet of climbing. The scenery is stunning, with high prairies, mountain streams, and wildlife. Day Two takes riders through many unique features of the Ochoco National Forests’ northwestern section with long stretches of Fir and Ponderosa pines. Those in Big Grinder travel more than 70 miles and climb almost 8,000 feet. Small Grinder riders are a little shorter at 50 miles and slightly more than 6,000 feet. Both days have open gravel roads used by the public, but minimal traffic exists.
Registration for the Ochoco Gravel Grinder includes chip timing, mechanical support, aid stations, a commemorative t-shirt, and a pint glass. All riders also receive a post-race meal and celebration on Saturday and Sunday. Some add-ons offer camping and additional meals. The camping package is the Ochoco Gravel Festival with an on-site campsite with restrooms near the beautiful Walton Lake. You are invited to camp out with a tent for RV and join fellow riders to play games, enjoy music, and celebrate with food and a bar. The meal package add-on includes two dinners, Friday and Saturday, and breakfast for race days, Saturday and Sunday. For competitive racers, the days are timed, and awards are offered in five categories, where merchandise and prize money goes to the top three riders of Big Grinder and Small Grinder for each category.
For those not interested in the add-ons, do not worry; Pineville, Oregon, has many lodging and dining options available. For hotels or camping, Five Pine Lodge and Spa, Best Western Pineville Inn, and Ochoco Lake County Campgrounds. Dining in Pineville has a variety spread across town. These diverse restaurants are open for lunch and dinner at Barney Prine’s Steakhouse & Saloon, or all three meals are available at Crossroads BBQ Pit and Pub and The Apple Peddler.
The Oregon Trail Stage Race is part of the Oregon Gravel Grinder Series produced by Breakaway Promotions 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 the national parks of Oregon have to offer in the spring and summer.
Registration opens on Nov. 15, 2023.
