Although 2019 was its first year, the Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder made a big splash with its ambitious five-day stage race format, sold out field and varied, challenging and beautiful routes.
Don’t get too close to the edge of some of these roads. 2019 Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder. © Adam Lapierre
The event started and finished in the town of Sisters, located west of Bend, and used gravel roads, doubletrack and even historic wagon roads to wind its way counterclockwise into the Cascades.
The event offered the best in off-road riding that area has to offer. Day 1 was highlighted by “The Sandbox,” which was a deep, sandy section of an old wagon road. Stage 3 was the climby Queen Stage, and Stages 4 and 5 were a bit of a slog thanks to thick and dusty conditions.
Day 4’s route kicked up quite a bit of dust. 2019 Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder. © Adam Lapierre
We recently posted results from each stage and the five-day GC, but the best way to experience the beauty of west-central Oregon is to soak in the views. Adam Lapierre provided the gallery of images below from across the five days of gravel racing, camping and revelry.
You can see more from Adam on Instagram at @the_lapierre.
Photo Gallery: 2019 Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder
Riders wind through the pines on Day 1. 2019 Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder. © Adam Lapierre
