Oregon Cycling Magazine

by Karl Benedek

The third annual Ride the Rogue (RTR) is turning into the biggest southern Oregon cycling event in history. This year’s RTR will take place Saturday, September 20, 2008 , starting at 7 AM from Palmerton Park in Rogue River. The biking route options include full, metric, and quarter century rides.  There is also a 2.5-mile Wildflower Family Fun Ride and an additional four-mile historic nature hike through Valley of the Rogue Park has been included for families with small children or those who prefer a more leisure adventure.

The Ride the Rogue is the Rogue River Greenway Foundation’s signature annual event. What started as a fund-raising and public awareness campaign for the Greenway has turned into a southern Oregon phenomenon with riders coming from as far as Canada and San Diego. What makes the RTR such a success is the relatively flat biking terrain through the stunning side roads of the Applegate and Rogue valleys, the exceptional route support, and the phenomenal post-ride feast and celebration. Add to the beauty and amenities of the ride is the community spirit that encapsulates the RTR. Hundreds of  volunteers from civic groups and businesses from all over the valley are involved.  In addition to the great ride and festivities, a Landshark custom built bike frame and two sets of Rolf Prima wheels will be  raffled off. The bike will be hand built for the raffle winner to their specifications.

Proceeds from RTR benefit the Rogue River Greenway Foundation and will assist in construction efforts of the future Rogue River Recreational Corridor and Greenway.  The Greenway has already been showcased as a national model for its innovative efforts by the national Conservation Fund.

Once completed, the 30-mile Rogue River Greenway will connect to the existing Bear Creek Greenway and provide over 50 miles of public access and recreational opportunities spanning two counties. With 70% of the Rogue Valley population living within one mile of the Greenway, the completion of the Corridor will provide far reaching benefits to its bordering communities. Rogue River and Gold Hill, are poised to utilize the Greenway to benefit their local economies, while Central point will now have access to the entire trails network at their doorstep. For more information on Ride the Rogue visit www.ridetherogue.org

Possibly Related

• September 2008: Vol 17 No 7: September 2008
• March 2008: Advertising
• March 2008: Calendars
• March 2008: Vol 17 No 1: March 2008
• April 2007: Airlines: fare hikes for bikes