FALL CAMP: MCKENZIE BRIDGE, OR
September 25-28, 2025
ABOUT FALL CAMP
At Special Blend Gravel Fall Camp, we'll spend three days riding through the lush Willamette National Forest, enjoying some of the best gravel roads in Oregon alongside inspiring views of the Cascade Mountains. We'll finish each day at Horse Creek Lodge, where we will recover, relax, enjoy catered meals, drink good coffee, and sit around the campfire to share knowledge and experiences.
Be sure to bring your climbing legs to camp, and be ready to make descending your strategic advantage. While there is some flat terrain, we won't spend much time there; we're headed straight for the hills!
Be sure to bring your climbing legs to camp, and be ready to make descending your strategic advantage. While there is some flat terrain, we won't spend much time there; we're headed straight for the hills!
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 3.5 days of riding, education, and community
- World-class gravel routes, complete aid stations, and mechanical support
- Small group sizes/instruction with awesome professional coaches
- Daily education and Q&A sessions
- Dinner on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
- Breakfast on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Lunch/Recovery Bar Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Various lodging options
- Awesome goodie bag!
We want to create an immersive experience for all campers, one where we are all as present as we can be. In this effort, we ask that you leave your non-camper friends, partners, kiddos, and pets at home.
THE RIDING
The McKenzie River Canyon is majestic; the light, the forest, the wildlife, the amazing network of forest roads, all combine with Horse Creek Lodge make this the ideal place for gravel camp.
While there is some flat terrain in the canyon itself, we won't spend much time there; bring your climbing legs to camp because we'll head for the hills and tackle some big climbs. They may feel never-ending as they wind their way up to vistas that provide sweeping views of the Cascade Range and the McKenzie River Canyon below.
Yep, it will be hard, but the views, and snacks at the top, will be worth it.
While there is some flat terrain in the canyon itself, we won't spend much time there; bring your climbing legs to camp because we'll head for the hills and tackle some big climbs. They may feel never-ending as they wind their way up to vistas that provide sweeping views of the Cascade Range and the McKenzie River Canyon below.
Yep, it will be hard, but the views, and snacks at the top, will be worth it.
THE EDUCATION
During your rides, our professional coaches will help you improve your skills, including group riding, body positioning, cornering, braking, climbing and descending, and riding over washboard. As the ride progresses, we will naturally break into pace groups, each with a coach, and we promise, you will never be the last one on the road.
We also host afternoon education sessions covering nutrition, tire choice, PSI selection, basic bike maintenance, and how to use your cycling computer.
We also host afternoon education sessions covering nutrition, tire choice, PSI selection, basic bike maintenance, and how to use your cycling computer.
ALL THE EXTRAS
We want your experience at Special Blend Gravel Camp to push you just a little out of your comfort zone (because that is where the growth happens), and we also want it to be a time you can tune out of all of “life’s” responsibilities and you can just focus on you and riding your bike.
Once you arrive at camp, your only job is to eat, sleep and ride. We provide catered meals, top-notch aid stations, mechanical support, a recovery lounge, lots of snacks, beverages, and even an afternoon of massages.
We take over the entire Horse Creek Lodge, so we have space to spread out, relax, and feel comfortable.
There will be time to hit the on site pump track, soak in the river, or sit around an evening campfire and make s'mores.
Once you arrive at camp, your only job is to eat, sleep and ride. We provide catered meals, top-notch aid stations, mechanical support, a recovery lounge, lots of snacks, beverages, and even an afternoon of massages.
We take over the entire Horse Creek Lodge, so we have space to spread out, relax, and feel comfortable.
There will be time to hit the on site pump track, soak in the river, or sit around an evening campfire and make s'mores.
THE LODGING
There are a variety of lodging options available at Horse Creek Lodge.
Most are shared, meaning you can bunk with an old friend, be paired with a new one, or pay a premium for single occupancy.
To learn more about the lodging options at Horse Creek Lodge, please visit our lodging page HERE.
Email hello@specialblendgravel.com with questions, and we will work to ensure this process is easy and stress-free.
Most are shared, meaning you can bunk with an old friend, be paired with a new one, or pay a premium for single occupancy.
To learn more about the lodging options at Horse Creek Lodge, please visit our lodging page HERE.
Email hello@specialblendgravel.com with questions, and we will work to ensure this process is easy and stress-free.
PAST CAMPERS
- FrankieFall 2022
Special Blend Gravel is really really really worth the value. I don't know how to express this more; I would easily pay double and still feel my expectations were exceeded. Everyone was so nice and the coaches, wow - they were freaking, like pro racers and SO nice.
- WinnieFall 2022
When I signed up for my first SBG camp in McKenzie Bridge, I expected to learn some skills, ride scenic routes, and meet a few cool people—but I had no idea how transformative the experience would be. The incredible one-on-one coaching helped me go from white-knuckling descents to confidently riding in the drops, while the supportive community pushed me just enough to level up and have even more fun. Between the breathtaking routes and the lifelong friendships I made, I can confidently say there’s something truly magical about McKenzie Bridge and the SBG experience.
- AnitaFall 2022
SBG Camp is a supportive and safe environment to push your limits and get tips from some of the best pro riders in our country! I am leaving with new knowledge and lasting friendships! I can't wait to return for more.
CAMP SCHEDULE
CAMP SCHEDULE
THURSDAY
Arrive at Horse Creek Lodge for social hour and to settle in. We’ll kick things off with a welcome to camp and what-to-expect intro session followed by dinner. Before we hit the hay, we’ll prep you for tomorrow’s ride and answer any questions.
FRIDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head up into the Willamette National Forest for an amazing ride. Today’s ride will focus a bit on riding in a group, but mainly climbing, braking efficiencies, and line choice.
Plan for 4 hours on the bike before we return to Horse Creek Lodge for Lunch/Recovery Bar and a bit of downtime before the afternoon’s education session. We cap the day off with dinner and good conversation around the campfire.
Example ride: 37 miles, 2,700 ft of elevation
SATURDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head out for our longest ride of camp. We’ll dial in our skills on some tricky corners and fast descents.
We have a special surprise for you at the end of today's ride and will have Lunch/Recovery Bar off-site. Upon our return to Horse Creek Lodge, we'll have time to relax and an evening coaches Q&As. We cap the day off with dinner and good conversation. Looking forward to the final ride tomorrow!
Example ride: 40 miles, 3,000 ft of elevation
SUNDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head out for the last ride of camp and a chance to “put it all together”.
Lunch/Recovery Bar upon our return, followed by good-bye high-fives and hugs.
Example ride: 25 miles, 2,300 ft of elevation
Arrive at Horse Creek Lodge for social hour and to settle in. We’ll kick things off with a welcome to camp and what-to-expect intro session followed by dinner. Before we hit the hay, we’ll prep you for tomorrow’s ride and answer any questions.
FRIDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head up into the Willamette National Forest for an amazing ride. Today’s ride will focus a bit on riding in a group, but mainly climbing, braking efficiencies, and line choice.
Plan for 4 hours on the bike before we return to Horse Creek Lodge for Lunch/Recovery Bar and a bit of downtime before the afternoon’s education session. We cap the day off with dinner and good conversation around the campfire.
Example ride: 37 miles, 2,700 ft of elevation
SATURDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head out for our longest ride of camp. We’ll dial in our skills on some tricky corners and fast descents.
We have a special surprise for you at the end of today's ride and will have Lunch/Recovery Bar off-site. Upon our return to Horse Creek Lodge, we'll have time to relax and an evening coaches Q&As. We cap the day off with dinner and good conversation. Looking forward to the final ride tomorrow!
Example ride: 40 miles, 3,000 ft of elevation
SUNDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head out for the last ride of camp and a chance to “put it all together”.
Lunch/Recovery Bar upon our return, followed by good-bye high-fives and hugs.
Example ride: 25 miles, 2,300 ft of elevation
OUR COACHES & STAFF
We bring together the country's best cyclists and support staff to instruct, encourage, and support our campers.
- Annick ChalierIG: @afreakie
- Professional Cycling Coach
- Lover of all things bikes
- Companion to Monkey Face
- CLAIRE REINERT
- Seeker of challenge & adventure
- Lover of the all night ride
- Walter is her sidekick
- Yuri HauswaldIG: @yhauswald
- Gravel Hall of Fame
- Elite Athlete Manager for GU Energy
- Wander & gravel racer
- Serena Bishop GordonIG: @serenabg
- Founder of Special Blend Gravel
- Off-road adventurer
- Lover of coffee and chocolate
Serena lives in Bend with her husband, Ben, and medium-sized pup, Piper, and loves her morning coffee almost as much as she loves riding her bike. She is stoked to share what she knows with others and elevate women in the sport of gravel racing! - Sean Cochren
- Tire enthusiast
- Coffee connoisseur
- Always with snacks
- Colleen Quindlen, Director of LogisticsIG: @trailcupcake
- Logistics Wizard
- Champion for women in sport
- Dog-mom to Tukka and Mr. Bobo
Colleen's unwavering commitment to increasing women's participation in cycling is evident through her advocacy and implementation of various programs and opportunities catering to riders of all abilities and backgrounds. Her dedication to Special Blend Gravel is unmatched, and camp would not be possible without her.
Colleen resides in Hailey, Idaho, with her husband Billy Cook and their two adorable dogs, Tukka and Mr. Bobo.
OUR PARTNERS
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We acknowledge Special Blend Gravel Camp, held in McKenzie Bridge, Oregon, within the Willamette National Forest, is situated on the traditional lands of the Kalapuya, Molalla, Chinook, and other Indigenous Peoples. As we immerse ourselves in the beauty of this region, we recognize the historical and ongoing impact of colonization on Indigenous communities. We express gratitude to the Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, and all Indigenous Peoples who have stewarded these lands.
During our time here, we commit to being respectful stewards, fostering unity, inclusivity, and gratitude for the diverse Indigenous cultures that have shaped this land.
During our time here, we commit to being respectful stewards, fostering unity, inclusivity, and gratitude for the diverse Indigenous cultures that have shaped this land.