Oregon Gravel Series: Conquering the Gorge Gravel Race on Argonaut's RM3
Epic Gravel Riding in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge
Formerly known as Gorge Roubaix, the first stop in the Oregon Gravel Series delivered everything a gravel cycling enthusiast could dream of: panoramic Pacific Northwest beauty, challenging terrain, brutal headwinds, and just enough cowbell at the finish line to make it all worth it.
From the start line in tiny Dufur, Oregon—where Main Street doubles as a staging area and the local cattle might also be your biggest fans—riders faced a demanding 97-mile course with 8,400 feet of vertical gain, primarily on finely crushed gravel roads. The stunning views of Mt. Hood would have made the gravel adventure worth the effort alone if the relentless Gorge winds didn't keep your head down and your legs burning throughout the day.
Elite Gravel Racing: Argonaut Factory Rider Shines
On the sharp end of the gravel race, Argonaut factory rider Cassius Anderson put in a gutsy ride aboard his custom carbon RM3, finishing sixth in the elite category. After a long break from competition due to illness and a run of canceled gravel events, this Oregon Gravel Series opener served as both a comeback race and a proving ground for Cassius.
From the starting gun, Cassius stayed glued to the race leaders, slicing through wind and efficiently covering road miles with Schwalbe G-One RS tires in 35mm—a slick-fast combination that allowed him to float on pavement sections while maintaining confident control on loose gravel descents. The versatility of the Argonaut RM3 proved perfect for the mixed-terrain challenge that defines PNW gravel riding.
Overcoming Challenges in Gravel Racing
The race wasn't without its challenges. Despite showing incredible form, the lingering effects of Cassius's earlier illness surfaced at the most critical moment: the final wall of gravel, a climb so steep it felt like the road tried to fold back on itself. After 90+ miles of full-gas racing, this punishing ascent is where the decisive move was made. Already deep in the red zone, Cassius had no choice but to grit his teeth and hang on. Still, with a finishing time just over five hours on this challenging Oregon gravel course, it was a performance to be proud of—and a serious benchmark for the rest of the gravel racing season.
The Complete Oregon Gravel Experience
While the elite racers battled at the front, the rest of the gravel riding field spread across rolling farmland, swapping pulls in pacelines, fixing occasional flat tires, and battling the infamous Gorge Gales. From aid station to aid station, orange flags in the distance became beacons of hope for tired gravel riders. Friendly volunteers offering Goldfish crackers and energy gels felt like a personal support crew for everyone participating in the Oregon Gravel Series. Whether riding in a pack or grinding it out solo, the course was so clearly marked that GPS devices became more souvenir than navigation tool.
The final highway section wasn't anyone's favorite segment, but the moment riders turned back into the park, all was forgiven. The enthusiastic cheering, upbeat music, and the announcer calling out names—it created one of those rare finish line experiences that makes every participant feel like the main character in their own gravel racing story, regardless of podium aspirations.
Beyond the Race: The Oregon Gravel Community
Post-race hospitality elevated the Oregon Gravel Series opener: real food, cold beverages, cornhole remnants from the previous night's festivities, and a welcoming atmosphere that encouraged everyone to linger just a little longer. This wasn't just another gravel race—it was a complete gravel cycling experience that showcases why the sport continues to grow in popularity across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Cassius is already preparing for his next gravel challenge at BWR Utah and the upcoming Cascade Gravel race in Sisters, Oregon. For the rest of the gravel riding community? We're still shaking the Columbia River Gorge dust off our Argonaut bikes and thinking: "Yeah, that was absolutely worth it."
Join the Oregon Gravel Series Adventure
Looking to experience premier gravel racing in the Pacific Northwest? Registration is now open for the remaining Oregon Gravel Series events: Cascade Gravel on June 1st in Sisters, and Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder on June 25-29th, starting and finishing in Bend. Whether you're an elite racer or simply love the challenge of gravel cycling, these events offer some of the best mixed-terrain riding in Oregon. Bring your Argonaut gravel bike and join us at the start line!
