Hundreds of cyclists to roll into Sisters

About 800 bicyclists are expected to roll into Sisters this weekend in the inaugural Cycle Oregon spin-off event known simply as Cycle Oregon: the Weekend.

The new event is a mini-version of the legendary seven-day Cycle Oregon ride. Designed to appeal to all those who cannot commit to a week-long ride in the fall, this year's summer event will be based in Sisters on July 23-25.

"Riders like Sisters," said Jerry Norquist, a Sisters resident and member of the Cycle Oregon board of directors, when the event was announced this spring. "When they were here two years ago (for the annual Cycle Oregon ride) they felt very welcomed by the community. They like the weather, they like the people."

Erin Deggendorfer, whose company Fast Creek Productions is helping to stage the event, said the riders will camp at Sisters Middle School, where they will enjoy all the traditional Cycle Oregon comforts including a nice campsite, hot showers, cold beverages, a fully-supported course, gourmet meals and Cycle Oregon entertainment.

Cyclists will enjoy two days of riding along the back roads of Central Oregon. Tour highlights include stops at such landmarks as Smith Rock, McKenzie Pass, Camp Sherman, the Head of the Metolius and Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery.

The entertainment will be on an outdoor stage both Friday and Saturday nights, featuring the bands "3 Leg Torso" and "The Shanghai Woolies."

Concerts start at 8 p.m. both nights.

Sisters' own "The Mixed Nuts" will open the show on Saturday, performing at 5:30 p.m.

Deggendorfer said the event is shaping up to be a major success -- and a lot of fun.

"It's worked out quite well and we're pretty excited because I think they're going to come back next year and do the same thing," she said.

The week-long regular Cycle Oregon event featured an overnight stop in Sisters two years ago.