PORTLAND, Ore. (BRAIN) — The Oregon Tourism Commission has tapped seven of the state's leading bike builders to craft a custom bicycle for each of the state's seven wonders.
Each of the custom builders will handcraft a bike that will be hidden for contestants to find and win. Travel Oregon will reveal clues to each bike's whereabouts starting the week of June 15.
The marketing campaign, dubbed "7 Bikes 7 Wonders," draws attention to what Travel Oregon hails as the states seven wonders — Mt. Hood, the Columbia River Gorge, Smith Rock, the Coast, Crater Lake, the Painted Hills and the Wallowas — and their accessibility by bike.
"Cyclists have long been drawn to Oregon's diverse geography, breathtaking scenery and varied terrain," said Oregon Gov. Kate Brown. "It's no wonder that each year bicycle-related tourism in our state contributes about $400 million to the state's $10.3 billion tourism economy. The nexus between Oregon's 7 Wonders and some of the best bike makers in the country will further highlight Oregon as a leader in outdoor recreation."
Each week, one bike will be hidden near one of the wonders, and clues to its location will be shared on TravelOregon.com, Facebook and Twitter (#7bikes7wonders).
The first clue will be shared on Mondays, and the second clue will be revealed mid-week. The final clue will await adventure-seekers at the wonder itself, and the first to discover the bike gets to keep the custom ride.
Builders took inspiration from their wonder's environment, local community, ride opportunities and features, stories, folklore and cyclist experiences.
Bikes feature tailored spec and components, hand-made frames, custom paint jobs and site-appropriate gear and accessories. Each bike is crafted to give the rider the best experience of its wonder. Plus, each bike also has a custom badge.
The builders took route options into consideration, developing bikes suited to conditions ranging from paved roads to trails and gravel to sand and snow. The builders and bikes include: - Oregon Coast: Ahearne Cycles, a fat-tire beach cruiser - Columbia River Gorge: Argonaut Cycles, an ultimate bike for a varied landscape - The Wallowas: Breadwinner Cycles, a "29er" bike for wide-open spaces - The Painted Hills: Igleheart Custom Frames & Forks, an adventure-seeking bike - Crater Lake: Mike DeSalvo, a lightweight road bike - Smith Rock: Vulture Cycles, a purpose-built "Smith Rocket" for challenging trails - Mt. Hood: Wolfhound Cycles, a mountain bike for back-country single-track trails and lift-assisted bike park riding.
The 7 Bikes 7 Wonders scavenger hunt is part of the wider 7 Wonders of Oregon campaign that re-launched this spring. In 2014, the campaign contributed to nearly 10 percent growth in statewide lodging revenue over 2013. For a more on the builders and their stories, go to RideOregonRide.com.
