In the mid-19th century, Oregon's Willamette Valley was touted as a homesteader's paradise - a one-hundred-mile-long valley of lush oaks, wild berries, hazelnuts, wild game, timber for homes, temperate weather, rivers for crop irrigation & travel, and rich agricultural lands. For those who survived the journey on the Oregon Trail, the Willamette Valley lived up to its promises and more pioneers settled here than anywhere else in the Pacific Northwest.
Today the Willamette Valley is known for outstanding wines & beautiful wineries, making it the perfect location for a cycling adventure. Enjoy open horizons, mild weather, flat to rolling terrain, quiet backroads, fresh local dining options, and cozy accommodations as you pedal across the valley from the Coast Range to the Cascade Foothills on this intermediate-level bike tour.
Meet in Portland, Oregon then shuttle less than an hour to Vernonia, in the Coast Range, to begin cycling on the first Rails-to-Trails state park in Oregon. After lunch, pedal or shuttle to Willakenzie Winery, known for their award-winning Pinot Noir's, for a tasting before shuttling to McMinnville. Spend two nights at Douglas on Third - a boutique hotel located near the heart of town in a historic building that has been wonderfully restored.
46.3 miles +1697 ft / -1849 ft (or less)
Today we'll pedal a loop from McMinnville into the forested foothills of the coast range before descending back to the valley and its wineries. After lunch, op for a longer ride to visit the Brigittine Monks' "Chocolate Factory" or take a shorter spin back to McMinnville to have more time to explore the breweries and wineries in this quaint, historical town. Dinner is on your own tonight.
47.5 miles +2,200 ft / -2,200 ft (or less)
This morning we head east across the valley toward the Cascade Mountains. We'll cross the mighty Willamette River on a historic Wheatland cable ferry with our bikes before enjoying a picnic lunch at Willamette Mission State Park on the river. Spend the next two nights in Silverton at the Oregon Garden Resort, which is adjacent to the Oregon Garden, an 80-acre botanical garden featuring specialty gardens that showcase the diverse botanical beauty found in the Willamette Valley. Admission to the gardens is included.
40.3 miles +1,425 ft / -1,341 ft (or less)
Ride (or shuttle) to the "crown jewel" of the Oregon State Parks system, Silver Falls State Park. The park boasts the second-highest concentration of waterfalls in Oregon (the Columbia Gorge is #1). Lunch is on your own at the park cafe. Immerse yourself in old-growth rainforest ecology on a lovely hike (up to 5 miles) to as many as 10 waterfalls in this veritable wonderland. You can choose to pedal or shuttle back to the resort from here.
36.7 miles +3,087 ft / -3,087 ft (or less) & hiking
On our final day we pedal back to the banks of the Willamette River via one of Oregon's famous covered bridges. Our cycling journey ends at Champoeg State Heritage Area - the site of Oregon's first provisional government before it was destroyed by a flood in 1861. The park recreates landscapes of pioneer times. As we head back to Portland, we'll stop at one of our favorite wineries for a celebratory toast.
28.2 miles +518 ft / -674 ft
Our regional expertise, a constant re-evaluation of last year's inns, and a continuing search for the best experience ensure that our lodging is always among the finest the area has to offer. By limiting the number of guests on each trip, we expand our choices and are able to fit into some smaller, award-winning bed and breakfasts and country inns that wouldn't be able to accommodate a larger group.
Lodging is based upon two people sharing a room with a private bath. If you're traveling solo on any of our trips, we'll assign you a roommate of the same gender, and often of the same age range. There is no extra charge if we can't find you a roommate, even if you sign up the day before the trip starts. You can guarantee a private room and bath if you pay the Single Supplement Fee. Occasionally a room with two beds consists of one bed plus a rollaway bed or sofa bed. Call our office to see if this is applicable to the trip and date you select.
Our guides are selected and trained for unparalleled personal service. Their backgrounds vary, but all share a love for the outdoors and, most importantly, a desire to help people make the most of their vacation. There are several ski instructors, a political analyst, an Emmy-winning journalist, and a college professor, among others. Almost all are college graduates. All are mature adults with expertise in leading our tours and extensive knowledge of the region we travel through. Almost all of last year's guides will be returning to lead our trips again, so you can count on having experienced leaders who love what they do.
All meals except for one lunch and one dinner are included in the cost of your tour. On the days that you're on your own for a meal, there will be ample options within walking distance of our location.
At Bicycle Adventures we like to eat well. Dinner is eaten together at the best restaurant in the area each night. If we have to shuttle everyone a short distance to get to that special place, we do it. At most restaurants, you order what you want from the menu. Except for alcohol, everything is included, even appetizers, salad, soup, and dessert. Breakfast is typically provided by the hotels and inns that we stay at, but if there's a local spot known for great breakfast, we'll find it and you'll be treated to a nutritious meal to start your day. Lunch is provided at a state park or similar scenic setting midway during the day’s ride. Guests are always surprised at the variety and quality of lunches we prepare. Besides sandwich fixings and cold drinks, we offer fresh fruits and vegetables and hot lunches such as tortellini with pesto or veggie burritos. If you prefer a certain item of food or drink, just let your tour guide know and we will be sure to prepare just the right lunch to keep your energy up for the rest of the day.
During the day water, fruit juices, soft drinks, energy bars, fruit, and snacks are available from the van. A cold beer from our cooler waits at the end of the day, and you can relive the day’s highlights at our wine and cheese party before dinner.
You are welcome to ride in the van at any time - no explanation required. Some want a lift for just a few miles; others have ridden in the van for the entire trip. It's your vacation - you decide.
We use a fleet of specially ordered and customized 15-passenger vans. Most have a seven-liter V-10 engine, high rear axle ratio, and heavy-duty trailer towing package for efficiently moving a van full of people pulling a large trailer full of luggage and food. Each van also has heavy-duty professional bicycle racks on top of a custom-made, steelwork platform on the roof. An additional bicycle rack mounted on a front hitch allows us to quickly load and unload a bicycle when a guest wants a short ride in the van.
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