About The PPP - Selco Pole Pedal Paddle

Originally conceived in 1976 by Jenny Sheldon as a way to raise money for uniforms for the Skyliners Ski Team, the First Annual PPP had 12 teams and 16 individuals compete in a cross country ski around Dutchman Flat, an 18 mile bike into Bend, a 1 mile run around Drake Park, and a short paddle up and down Mirror Pond.

Today the Pole Pedal Paddle looks quite different than it did in 1976, but it continues to be the largest fundraiser for Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (formally Skyliners Ski Club). The proceeds from PPP directly support youth skiers and snowboarders develop the skills they need to succeed both in sport and in life!

Competitors in the PPP register as an individual, a pair, or a team. There are over 100 different sub categories and divisions. Top 3 in each one will earn a coveted PPP Mug. No matter how racers are registered, they will each complete all or a portion of the same course.

Today, the Alpine Leg of the race starts at the top of the Red Chair on Mt. Bachelor. Racers sprint 200 feet uphill in only their boots, then get into their skis/snowboards and race down the Leeway Run to the base of the mountain, where they’ll enter the Alpine-to-Nordic transition.

The Nordic Ski leg is a 6 km course that starts with a short, flat connection from the Alpine side of the mountain. After that, racers will enjoy the ups and down offered by the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Trail System. Most athletes choose to skate, but classic technique is also allowed.

The Nordic-to-Bike Transition takes place in front of the Nordic Lodge at Mt. Bachelor. The bike leg is a beautiful and scenic, mostly downhill, 20 mile ride into Bend along Century Drive. The large majority of downhill traffic is detoured at the Sunriver Cutoff so racers can enjoy a mostly car-free ride on the downhill side of the road.

Bikers exit Century Drive just before the Reed Market Roundabout, utilizing a small pave path that connects the road to the parking lot at The Athletic Club of Bend. Volunteers call bib numbers as bikers approach the transition so support people and teammates can enter the transition in time to meet their racer. Volunteers are available to help catch bikes and store them until after the race, unless otherwise instructed by the racer.

The Run leg is a 5 mile course that twists and turns through residential communities, the Old Mill District and Bend parks mostly utilizing the trails that run along the Deschutes River. The course is primarily on dirt and pavers, and includes multiple bridges and tunnels.

Racers who are 12 or under who are completing the running course have the option of utilizing a shortcut which makes their run about 3 miles long.

Runners enter the Run-to-Paddle transition just after the dog park and at the start of the Riverbend Parking area. Boats, which are staged the evening prior, are organized by category, so that support people and teammates can easily connect with their racer. A support person or teammate is allowed to help the paddler carry their boat to the water.

The Paddle leg begins at Riverbend Park. Competitors can complete the Paddle Leg in a kayak, canoe or on a stand-up paddle board. They head downstream from the put-in point for about 1/2 a mile, turn around just under the iconic flag bridge in the Old Mill District, then back upstream for 3/4 miles to Farewell Bend Park for the Paddle-to-Sprint Transition which happens on the beach of Farewell. Volunteers will assist racers with their boats. Most boats will be stored by volunteers in Farewell for later pick-up, or paddlers in the Teams Category can paddle their boat back to Riverbend Park for self-storage.

Sprinters exit the beach at Farewell, stay to the left, and cross the bridge that connects Farewell to Riverbend Park. The sprint course is just under 1/2 mile and is mostly on pavers or gravel, with a brief grass section as sprinters approach the arch at the finish.

At the finish in Riverbend competitors, support people and spectators all have access to the Finish Celebration that includes a beer garden, food vendors and a Finish Expo. Around 3pm the Costume Contest will start quickly followed by an awards ceremony. PPP is know for the large number of participants who go home with something to show for their accomoplishements.

First-time racers and decorated hall of famers — everyone is a winner when crossing the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle finish line!

Best pricing through 4/13. Registration closes at 11:59pm on Monday, May 12th.