Cyclists set to stampede to Sisters

It's become a kind of seasonal migration pattern. On the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, hundreds of mountain bikers roll into Sisters and race the Peterson Ridge Trail in the Sisters Stampede.

This year is no exception. Race organizer Joel Palanuk expects 500 riders to compete in categories ranging from beginners to experts on a course utilizing the Peterson Ridge Trail.

"It's a new, revised racecourse this year, which reduces impact on the trails and allows more passing options for our racers," Palanuk said.

Beginners have a 13-mile course; everybody else rides 27 miles.

The youngest racers ride for free.

"Sisters Rotary is helping organize the kids' race, which is really cool," Palanuk said. "They're going to have prize packets for the kids."

The race caught on right from its launch in 2010. The appeal of a Memorial Day weekend race in Sisters has proved powerful.

"It's location, it's time, it's venue," said Palanuk. "People want to come to Sisters. They want a reason to come here."

Significant effort has gone into creating a festive environment for the race. Sponsor Three Creeks Brewing Co. is brewing a special Ridge Trail Ale for the event.

"We're going to have quite a few vendors out there selling things in addition to the sponsors, who have displays as well," Palanuk said.

He noted that tents will be on the meadow near the start line. The vendor "city" has been moved out of the FivePine campus to avoid parking conflicts. There will be a Puerto Rican Pig Roast and live music.

Palanuk noted that the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce has been helpful in promoting the event, which is regarded as a boon to tourism.

"I think it helps people in town realize that cycling is a viable tourism marketing tool," Palanuk said.

There's still room for race volunteers. Contact Karly Hedrick at [email protected]