Oregon Coast Cycling Festival Quickly Getting Into Shape

The 2004 Oregon Coast Cycling Festival is gathering headway as sponsors are lining up and rest stops are being nailed down faster than expected.

The Festival takes place on September 11th, in Gold Beach.  It’s a day of bicycling the beautiful Southern Oregon Coast followed by a dinner, raffle, and (if the cyclists have any energy left) a little dancing. All of the events are open to cyclists of all ages, abilities, and senses of humor.

“With only five months before the big day, we’ve still got a long way to go,” said Chip Weinert, organizer of the Cycling Festival. “But the initial response is very positive, and more details are being finalized every day. Plus, we’re also seeing more local people out on bikes, and that’s a good thing. The whole community is getting excited!”

The Festival is a fundraiser for the American Heart Association and the Curry Health Foundation. Money is being raised through entry fees, donations, and a raffle. All volunteers and contributions are welcome. As of today, the Festival has received pledges from over twenty businesses and scores of individuals who have offered to help.

Raffle prizes include a brand new Mountain Bike, bicycle helmets and clothing, breakfasts and dinners at local restaurants, Jet Boat trips on the Rogue River, original artwork, movie passes, and even massage. Go to http://www.oregoncoastcyclingfestival.com for a list of the raffle prizes. This list is being continually updated, so check back often.

Rest Stops Update

Four of the five major rest stops have been confirmed. For Metric Century and Imperial Century riders, your first official break will be at the old Ophir School, with the “Ophir-Gettits” manning the station. They’ll be handing out fruit, water, bagels and other delicious healthy snacks. And knowing those fun-lovers (and since half of that group is musicians) there will probably be some sort of entertainment that’s gonna get you pumped up and back in the saddle.

The second stop for Metric Century riders and the first stop for Quarter Century riders is located at Tu Tu Tun Lodge on the banks of the Rogue River and hosted by the Soroptomists of Gold Beach. This lovely peaceful lodge is located about seven miles upriver from the Pacific Ocean. There’ll be plenty of food and drinks to replenish the hungry and thirsty as well as a group of smiling faces to encourage you for the final pedal-push to the finish at the Curry County Fairgrounds. There will be even more food and drinks waiting for you there.

The Fairgrounds is also the location for lunch for the Imperial Century riders. Although the menu has yet to be confirmed, the faire will be hearty and healthy yet light enough to not weigh you down because the majority of the climbing is before you. Savory Natural Foods will be helping with the lunch break, so you know it’ll be good.

While the next stop for Imperial riders has yet to be confirmed, the Pistol River Friendship Hall will be your final stop before you finish. The Friendship Hall is located at the bottom of the long descent down Carpenterville Road and with a name like that; you can be assured it’ll be a welcome break before the final climb over Cape Sebastian.

So make plans now! Tell all your friends; get a group together and c’mon over to the Oregon Coast for a great day of cycling!

For more 2004 Oregon Coast Cycling Festival information including route details, raffle prizes, registration forms, dinner and raffle tickets, sponsorship kits, and more, click on http://www.oregoncoastcyclingfestival.com or call (541) 251-0063.