Summer cycling in the Pacific Northwest can’t be beat. With the snow melting, gravel roads and trails offer dreamy dirt and numerous road races or tours take you through a variety of classic PNW scenery.
PNW Cycling for Every Rider
June 21 - Silverton, OR The Oregon Garden
Celebrate the solstice and enjoy a laid-back gran fondo-style gathering of cyclists riding a variety of distances.
June 28 - Canyonville, OR Takelma Gravel Grinder
Choose the 30 or 57-mile route passing farm and ranch landscapes along the South Umpqua River, finishing with well-deserved refreshment and entertainment at the event’s Bites, Blues & Brews Festival,
July 26 - Olympic National Forest, WA Gravel Unravel: Why-Not-Chee
Escape summer heat to the lush shade of the Olympic National Forest and choose from 3 distances to compete, or just enjoy a ride with some friends. Each course combines pavement and gravel and are suitable for all level of rider.
August 9 - Seattle, WA Fred Hutch Obliteride
Be sure to check out this bike ride and 5K walk/run that connects and empowers people to help cure cancer faster by raising funds for Fred Hutch Cancer Center. In its 12-year history, the Obliteride has raised more than $58 million for cancer and disease research. The non-competitive 25, 50 and 100-mile courses offer a fun day of pedaling through the Seattle area with plenty of support along the route.
August 31 - Rebecca’s Private Idaho
As one of the original true gravel events, this Idaho classic has something for everyone. Experienced riders can compete in a 3-day stage race, while Sunday’s main event offers 18.9, 56 and 102.9 miles of gravel roads and views for all.
Have you been watching the Giro d’Italia this month? It’s the last week but not too late to tune in and catch a few days of stunning mountain scenery as the riders work their way through grueling climbs on their way to the finish in Rome on Sunday, May 31. Read about the history of one of cycling’s greatest grand tours.
The Beginner's Guide to the Giro d'Italia
You might be wondering what this “gravel cycling” is all about if running is your usual thing. Personally, I love it as a way to get away from traffic on dirt roads (and a few trails here and there!) without the intimidation of technical mountain biking. Read all about what gravel riding encompasses and get your questions answered in this thorough review of this more recent genre of cycling.
Gravel riding explained | Everything you need to know to get started gravel cycling
Mixing up your run training with some cycling can help prevent injury and mental burnout, but it’s still important to be mindful not to overdo it with whatever endurance sport, or sports, you love. Summer can be especially hard to manage with long days and plenty of sunshine beckoning you out more and more. Take a minute daily to assess how your body and mind are feeling, and don’t be afraid to throw in an unplanned rest day or gentle walk now and then.
Preventing Overtraining — When Less Is More
Are you more motivated to get out and run or ride with friends and conversation? Or, do open roads and quiet trails offer much needed alone-time? Endurance sport can be powerful for us in very different ways, sometimes adjusting how we use the time as we move through life and its challenges. Ultrarunner, Amy Rusiecki, discusses how running has been a life-saver for her and her husband in unique ways, and how it can be for us, too.
The Rise of the Run Club: From Solo Miles to Shared Moments
In cities and towns across the globe, runners are lacing up not just for solo miles but for the social, motivational, and wellness perks of a run club. What was once a niche gathering of die-hard racers or high school cross-country alums has transformed into a global phenomenon, where beginners, weekend warriors, and elite athletes converge for community-powered fitness.
Training for a Century: Be Prepared for Your First 100 Mile Ride
Taking on a century ride can be a daunting task, especially when it’s your first. But with the right century training plan, you’ll be ready for the long haul. With these training tips and tricks, you can feel confident that you’ve got the necessary information to nail your first 100-mile ride.
Puma claims its latest Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 high-tech shoe will boost efficiency for all runners. WIRED compared it to the leading competition to separate the facts from the marketing jargon.
