New twist this year adds team competition!
Running two weeks from Oct. 1-15, Oregon’s Get There Challenge is a timely reason to drive less by using transportation options and working remotely for the chance to win prizes and get recognized.
For the first time ever, the Get There Challenge will be team-based. Join an already existing community or worksite team or create one with up to 10 of your friends, neighbors, and/or coworkers. Teams will compete to be a top team and win prizes by logging trips taken by bike, foot, carpool, vanpool, and transit and remote work days. Plus, win bonus prizes by unlocking early bird achievements!
Each time you log a trip is another chance to win prizes, including $1000 to the top team, gift cards to local restaurants and businesses, and more! Learn more at GetThereOregon.org/Challenge.
Local Get There Challenge Events
Historic Downtown Medford Walking Tour
Time: Sunday, October 1, 10am-12pm
Venue: Southern Oregon Historical Society (106 N. Central Ave., Medford, OR 97504)
Join regional historian Jeff LaLande for a walking tour across both time and space. He’ll share stories and insights as you walk through the rich history of Medford. We will stop several times on a leisurely stroll of 1-2 miles. Space is limited; register at www.rvtd.org/walk
Transit Tips Class: Medford
Time: Monday, October 2, 3-4:30pm
Venue: Medford Public Library (205 S. Central Ave., Medford, OR 97501)
Interested in learning to use the bus system? Come join RVTD’s Travel Trainer to answer all your questions and to go for a short ride. Register at https://jcls.libcal.com/event/11183701
Free Fare and Passenger Appreciation Day
Time: Tuesday, October 3
Venue: Entire RVTD service area
Come to Front Street Station (200 S. Front St., Medford, OR 97501) from 7 to 9am for snacks and prizes. Ride FREE on all RVTD buses all day!
E-bike Skills and Safety
Time: 2 consecutive Tuesdays, October 3 and 10, 1-3pm
Venue: Campbell Center (655 Frances Ln., Ashland, OR 97520)
This 2-part OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) course is open to riders of all ages and abilities. For course information and registration (required), visit https://olli.sou.edu/olliatsou/course/course.aspx?C=1263
International Walk+Roll to School Day
Time: Wednesday, October 4 (all day)
Venue: Schools throughout the Rogue Valley
Photo Contest! Take a photo of your walk or ride to school, and post it to Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook with a caption that lets us know why you ride. Use #RideRVTD for a chance to win gift card prizes. And ask your local school what they’re doing to celebrate.
Bike Social + Skillshare
Time: Wednesday, October 4, 5-7pm
Venue: Gil’s Tap House (175 N Pioneer St, Ashland, OR 97520)
Join us for free, hands-on basic bike maintenance skills taught by an experienced mechanic. Perfect for beginners! Bring your own bike and learn some tuning techniques, receive a free safety check, and socialize with other riders.
Transit Tips Class: White City
Time: Thursday, October 5, 3-4:30pm
Venue: White City Public Library (3143 Avenue C #1443, White City, OR 97503)
Interested in learning to use the bus system? Come join RVTD’s Travel Trainer to answer all your questions and to go for a short ride. Register at https://jcls.libcal.com/event/11183787
Ashland Walk + Bike Breakfast
Time: Friday, October 6, 7:30-9:30am
Venue: Railroad Park (785 A St., Ashland, OR 97520)
Find us along the Central Ashland Bike Path at Railroad Park for some snacks, coffee, and conversation. Free bike safety checks, light bike tuning, and safety gear provided. Sponsored by Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission.
Talent Harvest Festival
Time: Saturday, October 7, 10am-4pm
Venue: downtown Talent (E Main St. btwn Talent Ave. and Front St., Talent, OR 97540)
Join us and other vendors, artists, growers and crafters showcasing their offerings, an abundance of children’s activities, and live music on multiple stages. RVTD will be there with free safety swag, a “melon drop” demonstration, and to answer your travel questions.
Free Fare and Passenger Appreciation Day
Time: Tuesday, October 10
Venue: Entire RVTD service area
Come to Front Street Station (200 S. Front St., Medford, OR 97501) from 4 to 6pm for snacks and prizes. Ride FREE on all RVTD buses all day!
Bike Social + Skillshare
Time: Wednesday, October 11, 5-7pm
Venue: Common Block Brewing Co. (315 E. 5th St., Medford, OR 97501)
Join us for free, hands-on basic bike maintenance skills taught by an experienced mechanic. Perfect for beginners! Bring your bike and learn some tuning techniques, receive a free safety check, and socialize with other riders.
Medford Walk + Bike Breakfast
Time: Thursday, October 12, 7-9:30am
Venue: North side of Alba Park (301 W Main St, Medford, OR 97501)
Calling all walkers, transit and bike riders: Check out the new multimodal street improvements downtown and join us early for hot breakfast and refreshments. Free safety gear and basic bike tuning for participants. Sponsored by the City of Medford.
Driver Appreciation Day
Time: Friday, October 13
Venue: All buses, all routes
Your bus drivers are essential front line workers! Don’t forget to thank your driver today. Post a note and/or photo to Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook that lets drivers know you appreciate them; use #RideRVTD for a chance to win gift card prizes.
Bike Safety Clinic
Time: Saturday, October 14, 9:15-10am
Venue: Parking lot at 300 E. Main St., Medford, OR 97501
What can keep you safe when you ride amid traffic on city streets? Join fellow riders (and would-be riders) for a brief discussion led by a certified instructor (LCI). To participate in the Bikes n Brews ride (not an RVTD event) that follows, see https://downtownmedford.org/events/bikes-n-brews/
Ashland Cultural History Walking Tour
Time: Sunday, October 15, 10am-11:30am
Venue: Meet at the Lithia Park entrance sign by the Ashland Plaza (intersection of Winburn Way and N Main St., Ashland, OR)
Join one of Ashland’s distinguished historians, Peter Finkle, to learn all about the cultural and economic influences that transformed Ashland from an isolated pioneer community into a destination for lovers of creativity and culture. We’ll walk approximately one mile together. Space is limited; register at www.rvtd.org/walk