About the Northwest Tandem Rally 2026 – Cottage Grove, Oregon

Thank you for a wonderful rally in 2026 in beautiful Cottage Grove, Oregon—the Covered Bridge Capital of the West—for the Northwest Tandem Rally (NWTR), a three-day celebration of cycling, community, and connection.


Hosted by Mudslinger Events LLC, the 2026 edition, themed “Wine & Covered Bridges,” invites tandem riders from across the Northwest and beyond to explore the rolling hills, vineyards, and historic charm of the Willamette Valley. With routes designed for all abilities, participants will enjoy fully supported rides featuring Oregon’s iconic covered bridges, scenic bikeways, and friendly small-town hospitality. Local Non-Profits will be on hand welcoming you along with our friends at the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce.


The weekend includes:


  • Friday Co-Motion Cycles Tour 11 am-12 pm with Lite refreshments
  • Friday Rolf Prima Wheels Tour 1pm-2pm
  • Friday social and welcome gathering in cottage Grove at Coast Fork Brewing.
  • Saturday and Sunday supported rides showcasing the surrounding wine county west and the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway east for all abilities
  • Rest stops every 10–20 miles stocked with local treats and refreshments.
  • Evening entertainment, including live music on Saturday, local food, and craft beverages
  • Vendor expo and community fair celebrating cycling and regional partners
  • Ice Cream Social Celebrate Sunday afternoon with Coneheads of Cottage Grove


Whether you’re new to tandem riding or a longtime NWTR participant, Cottage Grove offers the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Come ride, sip, and celebrate with fellow cycling enthusiasts in one of Oregon’s most scenic settings.

Whether you’re new to tand

NWTR Guide June 5th Update

June 5th, 6th, 7th 2026

Friday Activities optional Co-Motion Tour 11-12 pm and Rolf Prima Wheels 1-2 pm in Eugene. After that head to Cottage Grove to start your fun.

Start your Friday in Eugene with an 11 a.m.–12 p.m. guided tour and refreshments at Co-Motion Cycles, and or a 1-2 pm Tour at Rolf Prima Wheels, only a 10-minute drive from Co-Motion Cycles. Then make your way to Cottage Grove for packet pickup and the evening’s festivities.


Coast Fork Brewing is the place to be for the Friday Welcome Celebration! Located on the same block, stop by for a beverage, grab your welcome packet, and reconnect with friends before an unforgettable weekend of riding.

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Saturday Wineries and rolling hills

Explore the Western Loop on Saturday, a stunning ride through the Siuslaw Valley’s rolling vineyards and quiet backroads. Choose from routes featuring 2,267 ft 46 miles, 4,189 ft and 70 Miles, or a shorter, 30 low-climb option.  Each offering sweeping views, winery stops, and the true grandeur of Oregon wine country.







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Sunday Covered Bridge Scenic Bikeway

The Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway in Cottage Grove features peaceful country roads, six historic covered bridges, rolling farmland, and lakeside paths—an iconic Oregon ride blending history, beauty, and gentle adventure. 









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Choose your Adventure by Tandem

🔴 67.2-Mile Route: The Century-Lite Epic

Ideal for: Endurance riders looking for maximum mileage and maximum scenary

  • Distance: 67.2 miles Gran depart 9am Bohemia Park
  • Elevation Change: +4,036 ft / -4,034 ft
  • Key Highlights: * The ultimate rally challenge. This large, sweeping loop features a prolonged, heavy climbing section that peaks near Mile 35, followed immediately by a technical Slow / Fast Descent warning.
  • A final, sting-in-the-tail climb awaits riders between Miles 55 and 60.
  • Aid & Rest Stations: * Lorane Grange Rest Station (Mile 13)
  • Wolf Creek Aid Station (Mile 34) Small Stop
  • Buck Creek Aid Station (Mile 43) Medium Stop
  • Lorane Grange Mile 54 Rest Stop



🔵 47.3-Mile Route: Lorane & Buck Creek Challenge

Ideal for: Intermediate to advanced riders wanting a beautiful ride with no as much effort as the Century Lite

  • Distance: 47.3 miles Gran depart 9 am, Bohemia Park
  • Elevation Change: +2,324 ft / -2,324 ft
  • Key Highlights: * A diverse route featuring two major, distinct climbs: one steep mountain pass peaking around Mile 8, and another significant climb peaking near Mile 39.
  • Caution Sections: Includes a warning near Mile 35, Cottage Grove, Lorane, as you make your way back to the festivities.
  • Aid Stations: Two Rest station opportunities:
  • Lorane Grange (Mile 13) Biggest and Deluxe
  • Buck Creek (Mile 24) Medium Stop


🟢 27.6-Mile Route: Creswell Cruise

Ideal for: Riders looking for a shorter, flatter, and relaxed route.

  • Distance: 27.6 miles Depart 9:30-10:30 after our Gran Depart 9am
  • Elevation Change: +718 ft / -718 ft
  • Key Highlights: * An out-and-back style loop heading north from the start line before looping back down south.
  • Features a very gentle elevation profile with minor, rolling undulations, keeping riders mostly between 550 and 700 feet of elevation. Not Sears Road is narrow, Single File
  • Aid Stations: One fully stocked aid station at Creswell Community Center (Mile 13). Bakery goodies


🟠 34.4-Mile Route: Dorena Lake Loop Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway SUNDAY

Ideal for: Scenic views with a touch of light adventure.

  • Distance: 34.4 miles Self Depart prior to 10:30 am
  • Elevation Change: +1,278 ft / -1,282 ft
  • Key Highlights: * A gorgeous route that wraps around the shores of Dorena Lake and follows the Row River area.
  • Features mostly steady, gradual rollers with a brief peak near the end of the ride.
  • Row River Bakehouse on trail available for purchase
  • Caution Sections: Features two designated Gravel Sections near miles 10
  • Aid Stations: One fully stocked Aid/Rest station at Dorena School (Mile 13).


Venue Map and schedule of events

Staging from Bohemia Park, with all rides departing from this location, we welcome you to explore and relax with friends, starting with Friday's social and Saturday and Sunday rides.



Friday - June 5, 2026

  • 11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Guided tour and light refreshments at Co-Motion Cycles (4765 Pacific Avenue, Eugene, OR).
  • 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Guided Tour at Rolf Prima Wheels (940 Wilson St, Eugene, OR). 
  • 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Packet Pickup & Welcome Celebration downtown at Coast Fork Brewing.

Saturday - June 6, 2026

  • 7:00 am-9:00 am Welcome Packet Pickup Bohemia Park Park on city streets in the area off of S10th
  • 9:00 am: Supported Rides Begin (Grand mass start, S 10th with street closure. West route options departing from Bohemia Park ).
  • 10:00 am Creswell loop short out and back, suggested start 
  • 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm: Riders Return / Live Music, Vendor Fair 11-5 & Beer/Wine Garden (BBQ available for purchase on-site or through registration or in person 5.00 more).
  • 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm: Raffle, Announcements, and final activities for the day.

Sunday - June 7, 2026

  • 7:00 am - 9:00 am: Pancake Breakfast (Free of Charge).
  • 8:00 am - 10 am: Depart on your own after check-in at Bohemia Park for the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway ride.
  • Bonus Stop: The Bike to Bread rest stop features baked goods from the Row River Bakehouse between trail markers 5 and 5.5 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
  • 11:30 am - 3:30 pm: Ice Cream Social & Vendor Fair Celebration (Lunch provided until 3:30 pm)
  • 4pm Farewell





Venue Map Download

Things to do in Cottage Grove and Beyond

Your friends from the Cottage Grove Chamber of Commerce and Eugene, Cascades & Coast are your local resources on everything Cottage Grove and the surrounding area.

Eugene, Cascades & Coast Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce Wineries and Tasting Rooms

Routes

Saturdays Routes

Depart 9am

Start your Northwest Tandem Rally adventure with an unforgettable ride on Saturday, heading west out of Cottage Grove. Riders can choose between two stunning loop options—a challenging 4,600-foot elevation gain for those who love adventure and can take on the hills, or a moderate 2,300-foot route for a rewarding but less grueling journey out and back to the beautiful Siuslaw River Valley.


Both routes begin with scenic views of farmland, gradually ascending into the rolling foothills of the Coast Range for 12 miles before the course splits.

You'll pedal through tree-lined backroads, past historic barns, and along quiet rural stretches that offer panoramic vistas and peaceful countryside charm.


The full route offers seasoned tandemers the thrill of longer climbs and sweeping descents, showcasing the best of western Oregon’s terrain.


The moderate route trims off some of the biggest climbs but still delivers scenic beauty and satisfying miles.


For those seeking a lighter ride or just warming up, we’ve also included an optional low-climb route. This relaxing out-and-back 700 ft of climbing and 30 miles follows a portion of the scenic Row River Trail and heads northeast into Creswell, where a special aid station awaits with refreshments, camaraderie, and a taste of local hospitality.


Whether you’re chasing elevation or coasting through gentle valleys, Day 1 offers something for every tandem team. Don’t forget your camera—these are the roads memories are made on.

70 Miles/4600 ft LONG

Long Day 1 West

46 Miles/2300 ft

Moderate

Moderate Day 1 West

27 Miles/700 ft Short

Short Option Day 1 East-North out and back.

Your Day your way

Celebrate after in Bohemia Park with Music, and Food and a Vendor Fair

Sundays Route

Depart after 8am until 9:30 am

Sunday’s adventure takes you along the Covered Bridges Scenic Bikeway, a 34-mile ride with 1,210 feet of climbing that highlights Cottage Grove’s historic charm and natural beauty.


Follow peaceful roads and the Row River Trail past farms, forests, and six of Oregon’s iconic covered bridges. Enjoy a smooth mix of paved paths and gentle hills—perfect for a relaxed day in the saddle.


For riders looking to add more miles, simply turn back and repeat any favorite section of the Row River Trail before returning to Bohemia Park for a well-earned Sunday lunch and celebration to close out an unforgettable weekend.

34 Miles/1210 Ft

Roll out on Sunday and enjoy your Covered Bridge Scenic Bikeway

Add Miles on Day 2 or take off a few

Repeat and rinse and add an extra trip up this Rails to Trails route  prior to your Sunday lunch at Bohemia Park for those that would like more miles. Cut your trip after aid 1 and head back with a mostly downhill trip back to Cottage Grove on the Row River Trail

Venue Map Interactive

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Key Places

From Friday to Sunday Key places for your NWTR rally

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Want a bigger image? Click the top right icon

Look for updates as the event draws closer

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Relax

So many great places to visit from Wineries to local food and farm fresh produce. Cottage Grove is a special place

Vendor Fair/Sponsors NWTR 2026

Sponsor/Vendor

At Co-Motion Cycles, we’ve built our reputation on constructing cleanly designed and elegantly executed bicycles since 1988: Bicycles that serve a real purpose for cyclists who expect real performance without unnecessary hype.

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Sponsor/Vendor

World Class Wheels locally built and produced in Eugene, Oregon. Check out why Rolf Prima is built for your cycling adventure.




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Organization/Vendor

Welcome to the home of the Northwest Tandem Rally. The NWTR has traveled extensively throughout the northwest since 1986. The event is traditionally held either on Memorial Day weekend or Fourth of July weekend. It is produced as an all-volunteer event, designed to be family-oriented, grassroots, and affordable.

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Sponsor

Servicing Portland, Eugene & Bend. Bicycle Accident Law understands the cyclist, multisport athlete, and injured party’s point of view. Matthew Scarborough, Esq., is an avid cyclist and experienced personal injury attorney representing injured parties across the nation. 

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Sponsor

Be seen. Stay safe.

Lead with the life-safety angle — riders, runners, and commuters all share the road with vehicles.

"MagicShine keeps me visible when the sun goes down — front and rear, every ride."


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Sponsor

Since 1987 Fuelling Athleties from the casual to National Champions. We proudly serve Hammer Nutrition at all of our events. Click the link to save 15% on your first order with Hammer Nutrition.


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Sponsor

We’re thrilled to welcome Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports as a sponsor for the 2026 Northwest Tandem Rally in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Known for championing sports tourism and community events throughout the region, Eugene, Cascades & Coast Sports helps bring our cycling community together in the heart of the Willamette Valley.

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Sponsor/Vendor

Coast Fork Brewing is proud to support the Northwest Tandem Rally, June 5–7, 2026. As a beloved local gathering spot in Cottage Grove, they’ll be offering riders and guests exceptional craft beverages, great food, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Whether you’re relaxing after a ride or meeting fellow tandem teams, Coast Fork Brewing is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy true local flavor.

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Sponsor

Pactimo has found continuous inspiration in our home’s breathtaking beauty and extreme conditions to develop cycling apparel for every climate, elevation, and adventure. Since 2003, we have shipped over 2.5+ million garments to champions, teams, clubs, and individual cyclists around the globe. 

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Sponsor/Mechanical Support

Official Mechanical Support for the 2026 Northwest Tandem Rally

Bicycle Way of Life is one of Eugene’s most trusted and community-focused bike shops, proudly serving riders of every style for over 30 years. Known for friendly service, expert mechanics, and a passion for getting people out on bikes, their team will be on-site throughout the Northwest Tandem Rally, providing mechanical support, advice, and a welcoming presence for all participants.

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Vendor/Mechanical Support

TandemEZ, Salem, Oregon, sells or rents its tandem gravel e-bikes with independent cranks, front suspension, and a low entry frame, and offers delivery/tours in Oregon. 

Looking for a great way to experience Tandem EZ with a rental on Saturday, June 6th? LINK




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Vendor

ATOC designs and manufactures premium bicycle transport systems built for versatility, durability, and ease of use. Made in the USA, ATOC’s innovative rack solutions support a wide range of bikes—from road and gravel to tandems, recumbents, trikes, cargo bikes, and e-bikes. Engineered with high-strength aluminum and thoughtful design, ATOC racks make transporting bikes simpler and more reliable for riders across all disciplines. We’re proud to partner with ATOC in supporting the cycling community and adventure on two wheels.

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FAQs

FAQ's

Why a Tandem? Submitted by Team Walsh

I have a gravel bike, and I love my mountain bike; neither of those

bikes make people smile.

The tandem starts conversations.

Parents with children stop and wave.

People are compelled to yell, “She is not peddling,” and laugh out

loud.

Even the ferry captain reassures us that our bike is safe.

It seems everyone wants to be a part of “our team”.

It is bigger than just the 2 of us!


Team Walsh


For your Why a Tandem comment, please send it to mike@mudslingerevents.com with a photo, and who knows, you could be low-key famous. THX Team Walsh!

Is Camping available?

YES — through registration, you may reserve a tent space or a Sprinter van/pickup site (up to 20 ft total length) onsite at Bohemia Park. The cost for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday is $10.00. This $10.00 will be donated and split between our nonprofit partners: Cottage Grove Aqua Lions, Coast Fork Kiwanis, Key Club, and Lions Club, who will share in your generosity.

5th Wheel and Travel Trailer at the Ram Dealership 1.5 miles away

RV Camping

Recreation.gov is your best resource, or check back as we look to tie up local RV space, no hook ups

Where to stay?

The Northwest Tandem Rally has a few partner hotels within 10-20 minutes of the event, plus camping and other options. Supplies are limited so book early and check back as we add more partners or opportunities. Please know the most challenging request will be a 30 ft 5th wheel, which is challenging for Cottage Grove.


  • Comfort Inn and Suites Creswell, 10 Minutes away. Reserve with Rally Rate Book early LINK
  • La Quinta 20 Minutes away– Reserve with Rally Rate Limited Rooms Book early LINK
  • Holiday Inn Express 20 Minutes away –  Book Now  Limited Rooms Book early LINK
  • Travel Lane County Visitor Page – Explore additional hotels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals throughout the Eugene, Cascades & Coast region LINK
    Explore Lane County Lodging »
  • Sprinter Van and Tent Camping onsite at Bohemia Park and Reservable via BikeReg registration
  • RV Camping can be located at Recreation.govor this local  LINK


Tandem Mass Start

Still have a question?

All questions welcome for your tandem fun. Want the latest on NWTR 2026? Make sure to follow NWTR social and or subscribe to the Mudslinger Events Newsletter below

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