CHALLENGE HIGHLIGHTS
Cycle 600 miles through the Southern Blue Mountains of Oregon on a 10-day expedition that traverses remote ridgelines, alpine lakes, and expansive canyon lands. With over 56,000 feet of ascent, this journey offers a rare opportunity to experience the vastness of North America’s less-travelled wild interior.
You will ride fully loaded gravel bikes along forest tracks, river valleys, and high passes, carrying your own equipment and working together to reach each night’s camp. Supported by an experienced guide and a roaming safety vehicle, you will learn how to manage energy, navigate the diverse terrain, and adapt to the changing weather. This is bikepacking in its purest form – self-reliant, challenging, and deeply rewarding.
The Blue Mountain Challenge is different to any other cycling trip. You are immersed in Oregon’s backcountry, where you will cycle from prairie to alpine, pass through old mining towns, and observe how landscapes change mile by mile. Expect long climbs, swift descents, and the clarity that comes from pedalling all day with nothing but your bike, the trail, and your own personal peloton.
This Challenge requires stamina, resilience, and focus. The daily distances are considerable, the terrain harsh, and resupply points few and far between. At Pole to Pole, we provide the structure and expertise to make this journey possible, from pacing strategies to backcountry campcraft and nutrition.
Whether you aim to undertake larger bikepacking journeys or seek a single defining ride, the Pole to Pole Challenge 3 – Blue Mountains embodies the spirit of human-powered travel in the Land Domain: endurance, dedication, and the freedom that only comes from venturing far beyond where the tarmac ends.
ITINERARY
WHATS INCLUDED IN THE TRIP
Whats Included?
- Group airport transfers from and to Boise Airport, USA
- Bike and helmet hire.
- Panniers and bike spares
- Pole to Pole rider jersey and mid-layer
- Shared tents
- Sleeping bag, mat, and headtorch
- Kitchen pack – stove & pot between two, bowl, plate, cutlery, mug per person
- Meals while on the Blue Mountain Challenge including breakfast, lunch, trail snacks, and dinner. These will be a mix of trail rations and fresh food.
- Guides
- Celebratory final night BBQ
Whats Not Included?
- Flights
- Personal clothing and equipment
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Accommodation in La Grande, Oregon
- Alcohol
- Guide gratuity
FAQs
Full details in the information document.
Frequently asked questions we've received for this challenge from previous challengers.
If your question isn’t covered in our FAQs, we’re here to help — reach out below and we’ll get back to you soon.
Is this for me?
You do not need any prior bike packing experience to take part in Challenge 3 but being a competent cyclist will allow you to focus on enjoying the trip and the scenery.
This Challenge is a physically demanding expedition where you will be in the saddle for up to 10 hours a day, over undulating gravel and woodland tracks. It requires good fitness and competent technical skills.
When you've completed this Challenge, you will have seen some of the least explored backcountry the Pacific North West has to offer.
How fit do I need to be for Challenge 3?
This expedition requires a solid base of general fitness and a readiness to spend several hours outdoors each day. You don’t need to be a pro athlete but strong walking stamina is required.
The fitness plan will assist you in your training.
