Friday July 5 – Sunday July 7 2024
In 2024 we enjoyed tandem cycling from July 5th to 7th in the charming town of Corvallis, Oregon. Hosted at the Benton County Fairgrounds, the event brought together 383 enthusiastic participants, including approximately 190 tandem teams and a few single bicycles. Cyclists journeyed from regions such as Seattle, Florida, New England, the Midwest, and Southern California to experience a weekend filled with scenic rides and camaraderie. 52% of the participants were male, and 48% were female. A significant majority, 95%, were over 40 years old, reflecting the event’s strong appeal to a mature cycling community.
This year’s rally embraced the theme “We All Pedal Better Together,” reflecting the event’s emphasis on unity and shared experiences. The weekend began with a short self-guided Friday evening ride, highlighted by an ice cream social at the turnaround point near the Willamette River, setting a friendly and festive tone. Saturday’s routes explored the rural farmland south of Corvallis, with a memorable stop at Hiatt Farm for fresh pastries. Participants braved temperatures that soared close to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, adding an extra layer of challenge to their rides. Afterward, they enjoyed lunch from a local taco food truck, providing a refreshing afternoon reprieve. The evening banquet, sponsored by Two Towns Cider House and catered by Forks & Corks, was attended by about 200 participants. The banquet showcased the hard work of the NWTR Board of Directors and announced that Spokane Valley, Washington will host the 2025 rally. Sunday’s routes offered more challenging climbs through the MacDonald and Dunn Research Forests near Oregon State University. Despite the extreme heat, riders pushed through to complete their routes. The weekend wrapped up with a Sunday BBQ Picnic, sponsored by Block 15 Brewing, offering a relaxed and enjoyable conclusion to the rally. The rally served as a fundraiser for the Oregon Interscholastic Cycling League, which supports access and equitable participation for student athletes in grades 6-12 in Oregon in the sport of mountain biking. This cause underscores the event’s dedication to fostering future generations of cyclists.
An industry expo throughout the weekend featured booths from notable industry partners, including Calfee, Co-Motion Cycles, Tandem EZ, Rolf Prima, LMNT Hydration, Portland Design Works, Click Stand, ATOC, Bike Flights, Steer Stopper, Bike Swift, Evelyn Hill Cycling, Old Man Mountain, Nuu Muu, Discover Oregon Real Estate, and Mosey Dogs. The expo allowed participants to engage with leading brands and explore the latest cycling innovations. Local bands, including Space Neighbors, Roman and the Long Haul, Summer of Love, and The Skadeadles, provided lively entertainment throughout the weekend, enhancing the event’s vibrant atmosphere. Accommodations were well-managed, with RV and dry camping available on-site at the fairgrounds and dormitory accommodations at nearby Oregon State University. The Corvallis Cyclery team offered mechanical support each morning before rides, providing emergency repairs for well-maintained equipment. Participants were responsible for ensuring their bicycles were in good condition. Despite the intense heat, a good time was had by all.
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