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Join The Velo
Membership benefits
- Social Rides & Events
- Local Bike Shop Discount
- Support Cycling Advocacy
- Much More ...
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Featured Rides
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Woodrat Loop
The Woodrat ride is a great intermediate length loop that quickly takes you out of the populated Rogue Valley into a forrested rural area. The ride is roughly 46 miles with 3000 feet of...
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Greensprings Keno Access Loop
This loop will take you through some very scenic areas around two lakes in the cascade range before you get onto the Keno Access Road. The Keno Access Road does a gentle climb up to a...
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Anderson Gap
The road to Anderson Gap is one of only a few paved one lane roads that climb into the mountains above the Bear Creek Valley. It does this in spectacular fashion. I enjoy hard climbs. A...
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Ashland Watershed Loop
Nothing about this ride is ordinary; the road is single-lane decomposed granite, the route is remote (like cycling in the wilderness), and the surrounding landscape is breath-taking. Yo...
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Salmon River Loop
If any ride speaks to the rugged beauty of the State of Jefferson, the very challenging Salmon River Loop does it in spades. This 100 mile loop is in the middle of one of the least deve...
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Cedar Flats/Deer Creek
Experienced cyclists who've exhausted all of the possible rides and loops in the Medford/Ashland area may not be aware of this very challening loop south of Grants Pass. Like the Conde...
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Applegate Dam via Sterling Creek
This route leaves from Jacksonville and starts to climb immediately on Cady Road. Once at the top of Cady you make a left onto Sterling Creek Road. The climb from Jacksonville to the...
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Butte Falls Prospect
The Butte Falls/Prospect Loop is an amazing ride into the cascades. It has some good climbing - nothing that will break the legs - and superb scenery. Traditionally the club rides will...
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Crater Lake Loop
This is probably the classic ride in Southern Oregon. It brings everything a rider could want to the table. It's a short 33 mile loop around the lake with several options for starting l...
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Applegate Lake
The ride to Applegate Lake and back is possible at just about any time of the year, it just so happens that it's about the best moderate length ride to open the season in the spring. It...
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Cantrall Park Loop
The route up to the top of Cantrall Road is strenuous but worth the effort. You climb through thick fir forests mixed with madrone trees. The average gradient of the climb is 8.9% wi...
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Galice to Wolf Creek Loop
Ride goes from Galice Resort to Wolf Creek. This is a scenic route along the Rogue River and Graves Creek for much of the route. There are many miles on Graves Creek Road that is a si...
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The Lakes Loop
The Lakes Loop is a great training ride in the weeks before the Mountain Lakes Challenge (MLC). It incorporates all of the really hard parts of the MLC and still gets in roughly 50 mile...
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Conde Creek Loop
The Conde Creek Loop is one of the harder rides the Club will run each year. It is very similar to the Cedar Flats/Deer Creek Loop in that it is generally a rolling/flat ride with one v...
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Triple Peak Challenge
Looking for something a bit out of the ordinary? Try riding to the top of Dead Indian, Mount Ashland and the Greensprings in one day. The total elevation gain for the 92-mile thigh-burn...
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Mt. Ashland
There aren't many places around with views like you get on the Mt. Ashland Road. Once you clear the initial mile you are thousands of feet above the landscape below and the horizon open...
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All Ages and Abilities
Bicycling on Southern Oregon Streets Should Not Require Bravery
Making Bicycling Safe for Everyone
Please volunteer to help. Contact president@siskiyouvelo.org to find out what you can do.
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Update on Mega Corridor / Foothill Road Project
Rider and drivers using this route regularly have already come across the impacts from the utility work during the past year, but now the contractor is officially starting construction.
Knife River Materials will begin tree and brush clearing along Foothill Road between Hillcrest and Delta Waters Roads starting Friday, February 17. This marks the first phase of a modernization and safety project that upgrades the narrow roadway in east Medford.
Drivers should expect delays of up to 20 minutes, budget extra time and seek alternate routes.
“We want users of Foothill Road to begin thinking about taking other routes,” said Medford Public Works Director John Vial. “This project is going to cause delays and require detours, so start planning now to avoid being l late and frustrated.
Initial construction will focus on the McAndrews Road interchange area of Foothill Road. During this construction, Foothill Road will remain open, but traffic may still be delayed.
Read more on the Press Release.
Posted by Jeff Roberts 1 month ago | 0 comments | View/Post New Comment
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Update on Multimodal Enhancement Project in Medford
Following up on the Petition to support the Multimodel Enhancement in Nov 2022:
There’s a timeline showing on the Public Works page for the study being done by Kittelson, which is now complete.
The Main bike facility implementation timeline looks like:- curb ramps along Main could start any day (Contractor is hired and will schedule at their discretion amongst other ramps in the City)
- paving is scheduled to be complete by August 15
- striping complete by mid October.
Please keep in mind, while Public Works will do the best they can to keep to this schedule, it is all still subject to change.The plan for the continued discussion of possible changes on Riverside and Central is to be at the Transportation Commission in April/May and a Council study session in June. Riverside is scheduled for an overlay in 2024 so those discussions will help Public Works better understand the City’s direction forward.Thanks to Christina Charvat of Medford Public Works dept. for this update.Posted by Jeff Roberts 1 month ago | 0 comments | View/Post New Comment
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Act By Web. Feb. 15 to Advocate for Protected Bike Lanes in Ashland!
On behalf of Gary Schaff:
A recent Streets for Everyone (SFE) survey found that 90% of Ashlanders want our streets to have protected bike lanes. We’re excited to let you know that the Ashland City Council is considering adding protected bike lanes on two of our major streets.
If you support protected bike lanes, this is your time to speak up!
One of many varieties of protected bike lanes
The city has recently re-established a Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC), replacing the former Transportation Commission. The TAC’s next meeting is February 16, 6-8pm. At that meeting, at the request of the City Council, the TAC will consider whether protected bike lanes should be included on upcoming re-paving projects on Ashland Street between Siskiyou and Faith, and on North Mountain from East Main to I-5.
Click here to see the TAC’s February 16 meeting agenda.
At Streets for Everyone, a volunteer Action Team of the Ashland Climate Collaborative, we believe it should be safe, convenient, and efficient for people of all ages, abilities, and means to choose to bike, walk, and roll throughout Ashland for their everyday travel needs. Protected bike lanes on major streets are essential to achieving this vision. Major street improvements occur only once every 15 to 20 years, so when they do occur, we have an important opportunity to make our streets safer for all road users now and for years to come.
Here’s what YOU can do:
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Send comments. Tell the TAC that you support protected bike lanes on both Ashland Street and North Mountain Avenue, between East Main and the Bear Creek Bridge. Send your comments to Public Works Director Scott Fleury (Scott.fleury@ashland.or.us) by 10am February 15th. Please cc Council@ashland.or.us and info@ashlandclimate.org.
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Attend the TAC meeting. Here’s the link to tune in.
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Sign up to speak to this agenda item at the meeting. To do so, notify Scott Fleury (Scott.fleury@ashland.or.us) by 10am February 15th.
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Make it a party! Encourage your friends to do all of the above with you!
Remember: Feb 15th @ 10am is our deadline!
Just the Facts
We’ve compiled some key facts and figures to support your written comments and testimony in support of protected bike lanes:
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Incorporating protected bike lanes on major streets whenever a street is re-paved or repaired is the most cost-effective and least disruptive way to modify our local streets to safely include cyclists.
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Studies have shown that protected bike lanes make our streets safer for everyone – including people driving cars.
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Surveys in other communities have found that more than 50 percent of the residents would ride a bike for some of their in-town travel if they didn’t have to share the road with cars/trucks. (See Types of Cyclists)
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Transportation accounts for 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon. Giving people a safe, convenient, and efficient alternative to driving a car (by either walking, biking or rolling) is an important means of reducing emissions.
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Improving safety for those who walk, bike and roll is an important component in creating an affordable and equitable community. Transportation is the second largest household expense for Ashland households, accounting for, on average, for 28% of expenditures for single-person households and 16% for a family of four. If people can forego auto/truck ownership (or own one fewer car) they will increase their spendable income.
Streets For Everyone is a volunteer team of the Ashland Climate Collaborative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Just the Facts
We’ve compiled some key facts and figures to support your written comments and testimony in support of protected bike lanes:
-
Incorporating protected bike lanes on major streets whenever a street is re-paved or repaired is the most cost-effective and least disruptive way to modify our local streets to safely include cyclists.
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Studies have shown that protected bike lanes make our streets safer for everyone – including people driving cars.
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Surveys in other communities have found that more than 50 percent of the residents would ride a bike for some of their in-town travel if they didn’t have to share the road with cars/trucks. (See Types of Cyclists)
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Transportation accounts for 40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon. Giving people a safe, convenient, and efficient alternative to driving a car (by either walking, biking or rolling) is an important means of reducing emissions.
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Improving safety for those who walk, bike and roll is an important component in creating an affordable and equitable community. Transportation is the second largest household expense for Ashland households, accounting for, on average, for 28% of expenditures for single-person households and 16% for a family of four. If people can forego auto/truck ownership (or own one fewer car) they will increase their spendable income.
Streets For Everyone is a volunteer team of the Ashland Climate Collaborative, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.We rely on your financial support.
Click here to donate!Send us an email if you’re interested in joining
one of our volunteer teams!Posted by Jeff Roberts 1 month ago | 1 comment | View/Post New Comment
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Virtual Public Meeting Tonight (February 2) "Climate-Friendly Areas Southern Rogue Valley"
You are invited to join the cities of Ashland, Medford, and Talent at a virtual public meeting on Thursday, February 2 at 6:30pm to learn about new state requirements regarding Climate-Friendly Areas. The meeting will include a presentation on the rules from Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) representatives and breakout sessions to learn about what each community is doing to implement the rules. The meeting will be recorded and made available via each city’s project website.
Virtual Public Meeting
Climate-Friendly Areas Southern Rogue Valley
Thursday, February 2 from 6:30 to 8 PM
Meeting link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85805274968?pwd=cXRKK0NOL2dCd3JWMmhyeHhENWpidz09
Call: +1 253 205 0468
To help the state meet its climate pollution goals, more development will need to occur in urban areas where residents, workers, and visitors are less dependent upon single vehicle trips. “Climate-Friendly Areas” are intended to be places where people can meet most of their daily needs without having to drive by having housing located near a mix of jobs, businesses, and services. The Climate-Friendly Areas process requires centering voices of underserved populations and working towards equitable outcomes.
For more information, visit the state website https://www.oregon.gov/lcd/CL/Pages/CFEC.aspx or contact one of the city representatives listed on the attached flyers.
Posted by Harlan Bittner 1 month ago | 0 comments | View/Post New Comment
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Club Activities in 2022
As we approach 2023, I wish everyone health and happiness in 2023. It’s also a good time to review what our club accomplished in 2022. If you have any questions, ideas for activities in 2023, or want to get more involved, please email me at president@siskiyouvelo.org. Thank you.
2022 Summary of Siskiyou Velo Activities and Accomplishments
- Hosted a table at the Ashland Bike Swap in April to promote our club. A few club members helped clean and fix donated bicycles to be sold at the swap. Proceeds helped fund bike education in local elementary schools.
- John Fries, Phil Kolczynski and Mark Moran highlighted with bright spray paint the bumps, cracks & other hazards on the Greenway pavement so that they are easier to see.
- Local advocacy to promote safe and enjoyable cycling:
- Invited members to provide input about the
- Future of Bear Creek Greenway (April and August)
- Medford’s Wayfinding Project – improved signage (March)
- Multi-modal study of proposed improvements for cyclists and pedestrians in downtown Medford (August)
- Developed and distributed a petition to show community support for infrastructure along HWY 99 to improve cycling & walking in the downtown corridor. 337 people signed the petition which we presented to the Medford City Council on November 3. We are hoping that Medford will create a bike lane along one section of Main Street in 2023 when re-paving is planned.
- SV members and board members served on Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Jackson County Active Transportation Advisory Committee
- Invited members to provide input about the
- Promoted the Ride the Rogue bike ride in September
- Maintained a list on our website of organized bike rides in Oregon, Northern California and other states. https://www.siskiyouvelo.org/other-rides-and-events/ Thank you to Jeff Roberts.
- Hosted a bike corral at the Bikes ‘n Brews bike ride on October 15. Club members kept an eye on 60 bikes while their owners enjoyed lunch and the Heart of the Rogue Festival.
- Wrote and distributed a guide to hand signals for cyclists
- Created business cards with a QR code to distribute to people and merchants. If you want a few to carry with you, please contact Lisa Brill at president@siskiyouvelo.org.
- Offered 3 new levels of bike rides:
- Easy Rider, thanks to Steve Nickel (although we need to find a new leader for 2023)
- Thursday Hilly rides, thanks to Tony Hayes and John Fries
- Explore Southern Oregon rides, thanks to Phil Kolczynski
- Continued offering our standard club rides – VeloMelo, Saturday Brisk, Monday coffee, Wednesday coffee ride and Fred’s rides. Many thanks to our volunteer leaders: Bob MacCracken, Dennis Cramer, Fred Stapenhorst, George Stevens, John Fries, Julie MacDiarmid, Lisa Brill, Phil Kolczynski, Richard Handler, Robin Dressler, Steve Nickel, Tony Hayes, and Viki Brown.
- Enjoyed ourselves at three social events: the June BBQ, August Ice Cream Social and December Holiday Party.
Plans for 2023 We will continue many of the club activities we initiated in 2022, and hopefully embark upon a few more. Broadly speaking, ideas for 2023 include:
- Continue community advocacy to enhance the cycling experience. We will continue to work with Medford to encourage better bicycle facilities in the OR 99 corridor through the city.
- Support standard club rides and identify a leader(s) for the EZ Rider group
- Hold at least one general meeting on a topic of interest to club members
- Write additional guidelines promoting cycling safety, rules of the road and technique
- Provide a table and/or bike corral at local bike rides offered by other organizations
- Offer social events
- Promote the Siskiyou Velo at public events
- If you have any ideas, please email Lisa Brill at president@siskiyouvelo.org
Meetings of the Board of Directors are open to members
Monthly board meetings are open to all members. They are held the fourth Tuesday of each month, 4:30 to 6:00 PM. They are held at the Medford Library and also accessible via Zoom. For details, please click here.
If you have any questions or ideas, please email me at president@siskiyouvelo.org. Thank you.
Lisa Brill, Siskiyou Velo President
Posted by Lisa Brill 2 months ago | 0 comments | View/Post New Comment
