Itinerary

Day 1: Forest Grove to McMinnville

The Intermediate ride starts in Forest Grove from where you ride along quiet back roads over the gently undulating hills of the Yamhill-Carlton wine region. This pastoral corner of Oregon’s Willamette Valley was once the final destination for many of the Oregon Trail pioneers. Now, the area is rich with a new wave of immigrants – winegrowers – and there are many wineries on your route. To the west, the Coast Range rises to 3,500 feet, establishing a rain shadow over the entire district. Great for pinot and great for biking! Carlton, at mile 25, has several restaurants and tasting rooms and is a fine place for lunch.
Distance: 40 with 1,100 ft of climbing
Leisure riders will be transferred to either WillaKenzie Winery or Carlton and, from there, join the Intermediate route described above
Distance: 15 miles with 400 ft of climbing(Carlton), 25 miles with 700 ft. of climbing (WillaKenzie)
Challenge riders start out on the Intermediate route but soon detour around Hagg Lake (a popular triathlon course) before heading up a challenging 3-mile climb to Bald Peak. You then ride along a forested ridge before descending back down to the valley and joining the Intermediate route near the WillaKenzie Winery
Distance: 75 miles with 4000 ft of climbing

Overnight town McMinnville
McMinnville is at the heart of Willamette Valley Wine Country and the largest town in the area – but still not so big. It has a historic downtown with maple-lined streets. Attractions include galleries, an aviation museum, tasting rooms, breweries, and a couple of excellent restaurants. There is a farmers market every Thursday.

Day 2: McMinnville Loops

Today’s Intermediate ride meanders along the quiet lanes of the Amity Hills and the Dundee Hills. There are stunning views across fields of vines to snow-capped peaks of Mount Hood and you have the chance to visit a host of family run and organic wineries. Towns you visit included Dayton and Lafayette- both of which have good lunch options. Alternatively, take a picnic to one of the wineries. Stoller estate is a great choice; on a hill with stunning fews. Domaine Serene and Domaine Drouhin are also nearby.
Distance: 40 miles with 1300 ft of climbing
Leisure riders take a more direct route to Stoller Winery- avoiding the Amity Hills – and ride back on the moderate route described above, an even shorter ride takes you to the Evergreen Aviation And Space Museum. Museum exhibits include the Spruce Goose. This Howard- Hughes- inspired plane was the largest flying boat ever built and was almost entirely made from wood.
Distance:10 miles, 150 ft (Space museum) 30 miles, 1000 ft (Stoller direct)
Challenge riders head into the Coast Range for a series of ups and downs through forest and past remote farms. Once through the hills, the ride heads east to join the moderate ride from Amity and back to McMinnville via the Stoller Estate Winery.
Distance: 80 miles with 2700 ft of climbing
Overnight town McMinnville

Day 3: Cooper Spur to Hood River

Today you have the choice of riding anything from an easy cruise to a real epic. Whichever way you choose, you’ll enjoy some spectacular scenery on the slopes of Mount Hood
Intermediate riders will take a transfer to Cooper Spur – a cluster of cabins at the base of the Mount Hood Ski area. From here you descend down the Hood River Valley past orchards, wineries and lavender farms. The area is famous for growing apples, pears, cherries, peaches and other fruits. The many fruit stands make great rest stops
Distance: 30 miles with 950 ft of climbing
Leisure riders will join the ride described above after the main descent, in the small town of Parkdale. Parkdale is also a good place for lunch
Distance:20 miles with 920 ft
Challenge riders transfer up to Government Camp – a ski town at 4,000 feet. From here, you ride around the southern flanks of Mount Hood. The ride peaks at 4,600 feet before descending down to join the Intermediate route at Cooper Spur.
Distance: 50 miles with 3000 ft of climbing
Those looking for an Epic ride will start in Welches to Hood River; riding up Highway 26 to Government Camp and joining the Challenge route there
Distance: 65 miles with 5,600 ft of climbing

Overnight town: Hood River
Outside magazine named Hood River one of America’s Best Towns. There is plenty to do with antique stores, wine bars, shops and galleries. It is also a haven for wind surfers, kite surfers, whitewater rafters, hikers and mountain bikers. There are several craft beer brewers and wine makers in and around the town.

Day 4: Hoods River loops(A) or a rest day

All today’s rides start out heading west along the spectacular Columbia River Gorge, along a route described by Bicycling Magazine as one of the best rides in the U.S. Much of the riding is along the historic Columbia River Highway (HCRH) bike path. How difficult you make the ride depends on where you turn around and what route you take back.
Strong intermediate riders will ride to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum. This is a fine place to tea a break, have a browse and eat lunch.you then return to Hood River on a route with stunning views at every turn as the road twice climbs high above the gorge before descending back down to the river.
Distance: 40 miles with 3100 ft.
Leisure riders will follow the ride described above but turn in the town of Mosier. A small cafe here provides a pleasant rest stop.
Distance: 15 miles with 1200 ft of climbing
Challenge riders will ride the HCRH all the way into The Dallas. You then return either along the gorge or over the aptly- named 7-mile hill.Distance: 50 miles with 3500 ft (HCRH), 50 miles with 4100 ft (7-mile Hill)
There is also an epic ride that follows the route of the hood river Grand Fondo – All 100 miles and 7500 feet of it!
Distance: 100 miles with 7500 ft
Overnight town: Hood River

Day 5: Hood River Loops (B) –& Transfer to Stevenson

You spent the first part of the day riding out of Hood River and then meet your guide for the end- of – tour transfer at the end of the day. You can do any of the rides listed yesterday – hood River loop (A) – or venture into Hood River Valley on the route described below.
Strong intermediate riders will ride up the east side of the Hood River Valley to Parkdale, which makes a good lunch stop. From here you head back down the west side of the valley. On this route you pass many fruit farms, some wineries and a lavender farm. The ride is known locally as the fruit loop for its many farm stands.
Distance: 40 mils 3000 ft of climbing
Leisure riders will follow the ride described above but turn around at the town of Odell. This is a shortened version of the fruit loop. The Apple Valley Country Store makes a good lunch stop.
Distance: 20 miles with 1400 ft of climbing
Challenge riders will head up the slopes of Mount Hood to the aptly- named lost Lake. On this ride you climb on car free National forest Development Roads and through countryside little changed since Lewis and Clark exploring here.
Distance: 60 miles with 4700 ft of climbing

Overnight Town Stevenson
Stevenson is an unassuming town on the Washington side of the Gorge. The small downtown has nice views of the river as well as an antique store, an art gallery, a pub, and nice café. There are activities at the Skamania Lodge including zip lining, an aerial park and axe throwing!

Day 6: Stevenson to Troutdale – Last Day

You return to Oregon for the final leg of your journey; crossing the Gorge on the impressive Bridge of the Gods.
The Intermediate route follows the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway. This starts as a bike path through forests and then becomes a quiet lane that passes many waterfalls: Moffett, Horsetail, Bridal Veil, Latourell and Multnomah Falls. At 620 feet, Multnomah Falls are the highest in the state and can be seen from the road. There is also a short hike up to a viewing bridge. After the falls, a beautiful twisting lane brings you to Crown Point. This imposing bluff stands over 700 feet above the river “guarding” the entrance to the Gorge. A great place to snap an iconic photograph before descending into Troutdale to meet your guide for your end-of-tour transfer.
Distance: 35 miles with 2,200 ft of climbing.
The Leisure route follow the Intermediate route to the Multnomah Falls where the ride ends. Here you can either hike up to the falls and enjoy lunch at the historic lodge before being collected by your guide.
Distance: 15 miles with 850 ft of climbing.
We have a route that takes you all the way into Portland, for those looking for an Epic urban ride to end their tour.
Distance: 55 miles with 2,600 ft of climbing

* This is a general itinerary. Tour itineraries are subject to change based on the group, available accommodations and other unforeseen circumstances such as the weather, local conditions, government intervention, that may affect the quality of the trip and/or safety of the participants. Please view this itinerary as an outline as to what to expect on this tour.

Lodging

Columbia River Gorge & Willamette Valley

ACCOMMODATION NOTES
Classic hotels
Properties in the Classic category are typically smaller hotels or luxurious B&Bs with very personal service sometimes including wine tasting or evening hors d’oeuvres.

McMinnville: A’Tuscan Estate
Stay as guest of Erin Gilchrist at the A’Tuscan Estate in McMinnville. The 1928 colonial-style house is tastefully decorated in a European style and is located just five blocks from McMinnville’s historic downtown. The grounds include gardens, porch and patio to relax in. The three-course breakfast features many local-grown ingredients.

Hood River: Hood River Hotel
Located in the center of town; convenient for the
many restaurants, cafés, and shops in a 3-block
radius. The interior is appointed with antique
reproductions evoking an historic charm. Not too
many luxuries but plenty of character! Breakfast is
not included but there is a nice Scandinavian café
on the ground floor and other good options nearby.

Stevenson: Skamania Lodge
Set in a 175-acre woodland in the Columbia River
Gorge National Scenic Area, facilities include an
indoor swimming pool, saunas, tennis courts and
hiking trails. Rooms are well appointed and many
have views of the Mountains. NOTE: The hotel is a
mile from the center of Stevenson but has the best
restaurant in town.

McMinnville – Upgrade Atticus Hotel $210.- per night
A boutique hotel in the heart of McMinnville’s historic downtown. Owner, Erin Stephenson has personally crafted each room using local artisans in a style she describes as, “a sexy spin on an Oregon vibe.” Service is attentive and discrete. NOTE: the hotel does not have a restaurant and breakfast is not included but there are nearby cafes.

Included:

• GPS smartphone app plus maps, directions and a custom guidebook; one set per couple.
• Private transfer from downtown Portland. Transfers to downtown Portland are available from Portland (PDX) Airport for an additional fee (see Optional Extras by prices/dates).
• Return transfer no later than 3:00 PM local time at the end of your tour.
• Detailed map briefing and bike fitting at the start of your tour.
• Accommodation for each night of your tour with breakfast the following morning (unless
• Breakfast is explicitly excluded in the accommodation description ).
• We book standard rooms unless an upgrade is requested and then extra charge may apply. Accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking. As accommodation costs are significantly higher at weekends, there is a $150 per room supplement for Friday and Saturday nights.
• Guide available via phone 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
• On-call roadside assistance 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM for mechanical issues.
• Luggage transported between lodgings and wine collection service.
• Transfers along all or part of the route to coincide with luggage moves – to be arranged at least 24 hours in advance
• Accommodation for each night of your tour with breakfast the following morning (unless breakfast is explicitly excluded in the accommodation description earlier). Prices quoted are per person but assume there are two people sharing a room. We book standard rooms with one bed unless an upgrade is requested and then extra charges may apply. Accommodation is subject to availability at the time of booking

Not included:

• Rental bike
• Pre & post tour travel
• Lunches and dinners. Our guidebooks are full of great recommendations and we are pleased to make reservations for you.
• An on-bike guide.
• Activities such as wine tours, balloon flights and spa treatments. We are pleased to make reservations on your behalf.
• Transfers to wineries or sites to which it is not practical to ride. We are pleased to arrange for such transfers for a fee.

Pricing / Tour dates

All hotel prices are starting prices depending on availability.
Tour price 2025: $ 2910.-pp. single fee on request.
As accommodation costs are significantly higher at weekends, there is a $150 per room supplement for Friday and Saturday nights.
Rental bike per week:
Hybrid: $210.-
Road bike: $300.-
E-bike: $360.-
Tour Dates:
This tour is available from June till September and can start any day you prefer.

Conditions

Deposit $620.00 pp.
The deposit payment for a tour must be paid within two weeks after the booking is confirmed.
The remaining payment is due 90 days before the start of the tour.
For tours that are booked within 90 days before the start of the tour you will pay 100% of the tour price

Information

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE INFORMATION
Most guests fly into Portland (PDX) Airport. There are a number of good options for getting into downtown Portland from the airport:
* A cab will cost between $30 and $40 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. There are a
number of companies including Radio Cab – (503) 227-1212 / www.radiocab.net
* Blue Star Transportation operates both a scheduled services ($14pp reservations not typically required) stopping at major hotels and a door-to-door service ($36 for two people reservations required). 1-800-247-2272 / http://www.bluestarbus.com
* The MAX Light Rail service goes from the airport to the center of Portland in about 45
minutes and costs $2.40 pp.
* You can ride your bike to and from the airport for free. This being Portland, there is a multi-use path as well as secure bicycle parking, and a bike assembly and repair station right by baggage claim!
* Uber and Lyft operate throughout the Portland area.