SPRING CAMP: DUFUR, OR

April 8-11, 2027

REGISTRATION OPENS JANUARY 2027

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ABOUT SPRING CAMP

At Special Blend Gravel Spring Camp, we'll spend three days riding amazing gravel roads on the Columbia Plateau, with just enough climbing to wake up the legs and just enough descending to hone your skills. We'll finish each day at the Balch Hotel, where we will recover, relax, enjoy catered meals, drink good coffee, and sit around the parlor to share knowledge and experiences.

During camp, we will ride many of the same roads used for the Gorge Gravel Grinder course, providing a “race preview” for those planning to race, and helping to prepare you for the gravel season ahead, whether that includes racing the entire Oregon Gravel Series, Lost & Found, Unbound, The Last Best Ride, Spirit World, a bike packing trip, or big adventures with friends.

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WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • 3.5 days of riding, education, and community

  • World-class gravel routes, complete aid stations, and mechanical support

  • Small group sizes/instruction with awesome professional coaches

  • Education and Q&A sessions

  • Recovery lounge

  • Dinner Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

  • Breakfast Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

  • Lunch/Recovery Bar Friday, Saturday, and Sunday

  • Camper gift bag!

PRICE: $2300 - $2850, depending on lodging option at the Balch Hotel

  • 3 nights at the Balch Hotel in Dufur, OR; or other lodging options. Select a lodging choice when registering.

We want to create an immersive experience for all campers, one where we are all as present as we can be. In this effort, we ask that you leave your non-camper friends, partners, kiddos, and pets at home.

THE RIDING

Dufur, Oregon, situated on the Columbia Plateau, is the center of an amazing network of gravel roads, winding through orchards and wheat fields with sweeping views of the Cascades. We include just enough climbing to bring your legs out of winter hibernation. These gravel roads are well-maintained and receive a lot of sun exposure, making this the ideal spot for early-season riding.

During camp, we will ride many of the same roads used for the Gorge Gravel Grinder course, providing a “race preview” for those planning to race, and helping to prepare you for the gravel season ahead, whether that includes racing, a bike packing trip, or adventures with friends.

THE EDUCATION

We kick camp off with a skills session in the park on Thursday afternoon, giving us a foundation upon which to build.

During your rides, our professional coaches will help you improve your skills, including group riding, body positioning, cornering, braking, climbing and descending, and riding over washboard. As each day’s ride progresses, we will naturally break into pace groups, each with a coach, and we promise, you will never be the last one on the road.

We also host afternoon education sessions, including nutrition, tire choice, PSI selection, basic bike maintenance, and how to use your cycling computer.

ALL THE EXTRAS

We want your experience at Special Blend Gravel Camp to push you just a little out of your comfort zone (because that is where the growth happens), and we also want it to be a time you can tune out of all of “life’s” responsibilities and you can just focus on you and riding your bike.

Once you arrive at camp, your only job is to eat, sleep, and ride. We provide catered meals, top-notch aid stations, mechanical support, a recovery lounge, lots of snacks, beverages, and afternoon educational seminars.

We take over the entire Balch Hotel, so we have space to spread out, relax, and feel comfortable.
Work hard, recover better!

THE LODGING

Spring camp is based out of the historic Balch Hotel. We take over the whole place, so we can spread out and relax.

Everyone staying at the Blach Hotel will have a private room; however, most rooms have shared bathrooms. You can select the lodging option of your choice when registering for camp.

Lodging options at the Balch Hotel:

  • ​​Mountain View King, private bathroom

  • Signature Queen, private bathroom

  • Traditional Queen, shared bath

  • RV / Van Camping Dufur Park, 1/4 mile off-site

Additional lodging is available at The Cousins Country Inn, located in The Dalles, 20 mins by car from the Balch Hotel. Transportation to and from is not included. This lodging option will be available once all rooms at the Balch Hotel are reserved.

Email hello@specialblendgravel.com with questions about lodging options. We will work to ensure this process is easy and stress-free.

To learn more about the lodging options at the Balch Hotel, please visit our lodging page HERE.

You belong here

Special Blend Gravel is dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive space where all people, including members of the LGBTQ+ & BIPOC communities, feel safe, respected, and celebrated. Special Blend Gravel is committed to fostering a welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or background.

PAST CAMPERS

  • Clay - Spring 2025

    My second year at Special Blend Gravel camp was literally the BEST: empowering, fun, and full of connection. The inspiring coaches, amazing women, Dufur’s stellar setting, and perfect champagne gravel made me fall even deeper in love with riding off-pavement. I strengthened friendships, made new ones, and left with more confidence than ever.

  • Madelyn - Spring 2024

    I started the year completely unsure of myself and after the Special Blend camp and being surrounded by more women on the bike, I felt stronger and confident I belonged. It’s been amazing to see the growth in myself this year, and I know a big part of that is the support and community you’ve created with Special Blend.

  • Sally - SPRING 2025

    Over the last 3 years, SBG has been an integral part of taking me from gravel novice to gravel race podiums. The combination of expert instruction from coaches and a strong sense of community and support create ideal conditions for learning. And the Dufur area is a beautiful place to ride with friends! 

CAMP SCHEDULE

THURSDAY
Arrive at the Balch Hotel; camp check-in and social hour. We’ll kick things off with a welcome to camp and what-to-expect intro session, followed by skills in the park and dinner. Before we hit the hay, we’ll prep you for tomorrow’s ride and answer any questions.

FRIDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head out into the Gorge for the day’s amazing ride. Today’s ride will focus on riding in a group, climbing and braking efficiencies, and line choice.

Plan for 3-4 hours on the bike before we return to the Balch Hotel for Lunch/Recovery Bar and a bit of downtime before the afternoon’s education session. We cap the day off with dinner, good conversation, and of course dark chocolate in the recovery lounge.

Example ride: 40 miles, 4,300 ft of elevation


SATURDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head out into the Gorge for our longest ride of camp. We’ll dial in our skills on some tricky corners and fast descents.

Lunch/Recovery Bar upon our return, followed by education sessions, recovery lounge, and coaches' Q&As. We cap the day off with dinner and good conversation. Looking forward to the final ride tomorrow!

Example ride: 48 miles, 3,900 ft of elevation

SUNDAY
Following breakfast and our pre-ride briefing, we'll head out into the Gorge for the last ride of camp and a chance to “put it all together”.

Lunch/Recovery Bar upon our return, followed by good-bye high-fives and hugs.

Example ride: 25 miles, 2,500 ft of elevation

our coaches & staff