Spectators
Graand Kinetic Challenge Schedule
July 18-19, 2026 | Corvallis, OR
All are welcome! Come as your glorious fun selves, costumes encouraged. Spectators are welcome to follow the race on their bikes (please mind all traffic laws that apply). There will be opportunities to gawk up close and meet the makers. Seeing these amazing and inspiring works of art and engineering is a reminder that it's fun to get around under pedal power!
On Sunday, after the racers are through the Mud Bog Challenge, spectators can play in the mud! Who knows, you may even be tempted to compete in the Kinetic Kween contest! Racers do it for the glory, so make sure you include being at the Finish Line at Riverfront Park.
Hotel Special
New this year, we have partnered with the Holiday Inn Express, 781 NE Second Street (near where teams exit the river on Sunday, Michael’s Landing, and a short walk to downtown).
TO BOOK: Call direct at (541) 752-0800 to ask for the special group rate.
You must book by Wednesday, June 17th, and mention “Graand Kinetic Challenge” to get the group rate.
Schedule of Events
Saturday
Saturday’s event starts at PRAx (Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts) where the fun begins with Pageantry at 10 a.m. The starting line follows at 12:15 p.m., and you are invited to follow along on your bikes, or meet the racers at their next stop, the Sand Dune Challenge, held at the Benton County Fairgrounds at 53rd and SW Reservoir Ave. Shuttles or bike shares will be available between PRAx and the dune challenge.
Racers then loop around Bald Hill to Campus Way and return to PRAx for the hurrahs of that day’s Finish Line. Food trucks will be available.
Sunday
The day starts with the beloved Mud Bog Challenge at Crystal Lake Park. Teams must carry all their different gear for conquering the different terrains at all times. On Sunday you’ll them start the day ready for 175 feet of mud! Food trucks will be available.
After a rinse off, they line up and transition to floating down the Willamette River, entering at the nearby Willamette Boat Launch and exiting at Michael’s Landing. Will they float? Look for the biggest splash! The boat dock will be reserved for Judges and Press.
From there, teams transition back to Road Ready, and head to the Finish Line at the Riverfront Park in downtown. Grab a spot near the Brass Monkey or Sugar J’s Ice Cream to cheer them on along with the rah rah music of the DTW New Orlean’s Street Jazz style band! Be sure to wander downtown and enjoy the local shops and their Midsummer Market sidewalk sales.
Best Spectator Locations
Saturday
PRAx, Oregon State University Campus
- 470 SW 15th St
10AM - 11:15 ish- Pageantry competition at PRAx outdoor stage. Seating on grassy knoll or nearby benches.
12:15 ish - Race Start, teams lined up in smaller parking lot between PRAx and Kerr Administration Building.
Sand Dune Challenge
- 110 SW 53rd St
12:30 ish - racers start arriving at the Benton County Fairgrounds parking lot, 110 SW 53rd St, for the Sand Dune Challenge. After completing the dune, teams proceed to the Bald Hill Loop, to Campus Way, to the day’s Finish Line at PRAx.
The course closes at 5PM.
12PM - 6PM - Corvallis Kaleidoscope. Enjoy an afternoon of S.T.E.A.M. fun for all ages.
7PM - Corvallis Knights home game featuring a drone show!
Sunday
Crystal Lake Sports Park
- 100 SE Fisher Ln.
Field parking available, $5 donation appreciated.
Bike racks courtesy the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition. Fareless bus to SW 3rd & SW Avery stop, approximately 20 minute walk to Crystal Lake.
10AM - Mud Bog Challenge
12:30PM ish - River Entry at Willamette Boat Launch
1:15PM ish - River Exit, Michael’s Landing, NW 1st St, behind The Old Spaghetti Factory.
Finish Line
- 2 NW 1st St.
Teams exit and head along 1st Street to Riverfront Commemorative Park, 2 NW 1st St to Finish Line in front of Sugar J’s Ice Cream Workshop, 134 SW 1st
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