Some of the best cycling in the Pacific Northwest can be found at the inaugural Bike Camp Walla Walla June 7-12 where miles of carefully curated routes await you.
Former bike industry executive (many years of it spent in Walla Walla) and cycling advocate Jerry Norquist is the passionate architect behind his longtime if-you-build-it-they-will-come dream. For years, he knew that Walla Walla was ideal for a hub and spoke event (participants stay in one location – “the hub” and ride to different destinations daily – “the spokes”) with plenty of paved backroads with barely a car in sight. That vision only grew with the town bustling with boutiques, elevated dining, world-renowned wine, and microbreweries.
Norquist’s vision attracted a partnership with Whitman College as the hub, its campus, lodging, and dining options able to accommodate the scope of the event. Though Norquist’s background includes over a decade as the director of Cycle Oregon (orchestrating events with up to 3,000 cyclists), he “wanted to stay retired” he stated jokingly and looked to former colleague from Cycle Oregon, Jim Moore, to put the organizational wheels in motion. Moore is the Executive Director of Bicycle Rides Northwest (BRNW), a non-profit which has run some of the best bicycle tours in North America for almost 40 years. Between Norquist, BRNW, Whitman College, and support from the town, Bike Camp Walla Walla is destined to become a premiere cycling event.
Following the tradition of BRNW supporting a local charity, Norquist was moved by Whitman College’s unprecedented outreach program with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR) and Moore was on board. The college, located on the homelands of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes, offers the Šináata Scholarship as part of their outreach which provides a full ride to Whitman for tribal member recipients. All net proceeds from the bike camp will benefit the scholarship, and Whitman alumni Feather Huestings has offered a matching gift through the camp of up to $30,000. When Norquist states, “Cycling has the power to transform communities,” this is a perfect example.
In addition to the rides, organizers really wanted to create a fun, camp-like feel. Each day will feature programming for riders and non-riders alike with cultural presentations, wine tasting, live music, walking tours, art experiences, and more. Plus, plenty of free time to explore town or simply hang out.
SOME LOGISTICS
There are several diverse lodging options ready to accommodate you. Whitman College is the center of the camp action where you’ll stay in a modern dorm room that feel more like a lodge than college housing or opt to camp adjacent to the dorms. Within walking/riding distance with special room reservations for the event include the Marcus Whitman Hotel, a downtown landmark built in 1928 which received an elegant refresh in 2024 and The FINCH, a boutique hotel with a hip modern vibe.
Cleveland Commons on Whitman Campus through Bon Appétit–one of Walla Walla’s culinary gems –will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily available for purchase upon registration. Registration includes a special First Foods dinner where you’ll dine on the traditional foods of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). Dining off campus is encouraged as Walla Walla is home to many award-winning chefs and plentiful dining options.
For more information on lodging, dining, and other camp logistics click here.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- Each ride offers shorter (20-40 miles) and longer routes (50-65 miles).
- Feel free to skip a ride to enjoy all that Walla Walla has to offer.
- Ebikes? Sure thing.
- Non-riding partners allowed? Absolutely
- Locals can enjoy a day ride with a $50 donation to the Šináata Scholarship program.
- A day ride for Whitman students, staff, and alums is free.
- All are welcome: experience, race, gender, age, religion… inclusivity is a BRNW creed.
- A drumming circle is included with registration.
- Base price includes route support, free snacks and beverages, crew expenses, permits and insurance, etc.
- You can find tips on preparing for the camp here.
- Register here!
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS
Day 1: Take a spin past historic homes to the foothills of the Blue Mountains where miles of vineyards beckon. Get a taste of la joie de vivre on the longer route with a stop at a working lavender farm.
Day 2: Enjoy delightfully quiet open roads with a stop at Whitman Mission National Historic Site, offering a lesson in part of the valley’s significant history.
Day 3: The Waitsburg Loop, an iconic Walla Walla route takes you through miles of rolling wheat fields and the charming town of Waitsburg.
Day 4: Meander south and east of town with a stop at the delightful Frog Hollow Farm. The longer route takes you up Mill Creek Road past farmland and into wooded foothills with a rest stop at Walla Walla Vintners.
Day 5: A final punctuation mark to this picturesque valley where you’ll be immersed in wine country and lush orchards; a longer route winds up the south fork of the Walla Walla River.
Allez!