Cascade Gravel Grinder | Omnium Format

Three Day Omnium Format

Race/Ride One, Two, or All Three Days

The Cascade Gravel Grinder is one of the most scenic and diverse gravel events in the country. Located in Bend, Oregon the event will provide three days of amazing rides through the Central Oregon high desert and Cascade Mountain Range. Bend is home to thousands of miles of remote gravel roads where deer out number cars 10 to 1. All three days of riding offer different scenery and challenges. April is a great time of year for experiencing the beauty of Central Oregon. The air is clear, the mountains still gleam with white snow and roads have minimal dust factor. Add to that great lodging rates and you have the perfect opportunity to enjoy Bend.

Average daily temps range between 50-70 degrees with temperatures dipping slightly on Sunday’s course as you ride up to higher elevation in the Cascade Mountain range. The Breakaway Team looks forward to offering outstanding support during your ride at well-stocked aid stations, mechanical support on course and after your ride at the Sunday Celebration in Sisters.

The Cascade Gravel Grinder is an omnium formatted event. This allows riders to race/ride one, two or all three days. Prizes and scoring will be setup for each day’s ride. Prize money and overall winner’s jerseys will be given to the overall omnium winners.

Day 1 Friday

Time Trial
Start Time: First rider off at 5pm
Total Gravel 100%
Total Ride Distance 5 Miles
Total Elevation 216 Feet

This classic gravel road is located just west of Bend, Oregon. The course will take riders along a winding, twisting gravel road through pine forests and over Tumalo Creek. The time trial will allow riders to see who came out of winter fit and ready to go. No aero bars or equipment are allowed. This is Eddy Merckx style racing.

Day 2 Saturday

Bust Your Butte
This fast rolling course will take riders along the eastern edge of the mighty Cascade Mountain Range to the south of Bend. Alpine lakes, stands of huge ponderosa pine forests and the scenic Deschutes River will help distract you from the suffering. Climbs are low angle and fast. Road surfaces will be smooth firm and fast as we utilize a number of well established Forest Service roads. The early spring timeframe helps assure minimal vehicular traffic along the route. There will be three aid stations on the course to help with refueling.

Small Grind
Start Time: All Riders 9am
Total Gravel 70%
Total Ride Distance 43.8 Miles
Total Elevation 2588Feet

Big Grind
Start Time: All Riders 9am
Total Gravel 79%
Total Ride Distance 64 Miles
Total Elevation 3118 Feet

Day 3 Sunday

Three Creeks
Saving the toughest for last the Three Creeks Gravel Grinder is big on challenge and elevation. With nearly 6000 feet of climbing for the Big Grinder the ride is sure to send competitors home with sour legs. The course starts at Village Green Park in the quaint town of Sisters and first skirts along the Cascade foothills before getting real and heading straight up into the mountain range. Huge, up close, breath taking views around every corner will help to numb the pain and suffering. Well stocked aid stations along the route will help fuel riders on to the finish back at Village Green Park were music, great food, and beer garden await. Bring your climbing legs and strong resolve for this final day.

Small Grind
Start Time: All Riders 9am
Total Gravel 90%
Total Ride Distance 48 Miles
Total Elevation 3900 Feet

Big Grind
Start Time: All Riders 9am
Total Gravel 90%
Total Ride Distance 67.9 Miles
Total Elevation 5112 Feet

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