The Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF) and SELCO Community Credit Union are kicking off the 50th year of the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle with the announcement of the winning design from the annual artwork contest and the opening of online early bird registration.
The SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle is the largest annual fundraiser for MBSEF, a Central Oregon nonprofit that creates opportunities through competitive snow sports programs to support athletes in achieving their individual athletic, academic, and personal goals.
“The Pole Pedal Paddle has been a cornerstone of Central Oregon’s outdoor culture for half a century,” said Kevin Perkey, executive director of MBSEF, which organizes the Pole Pedal Paddle. “This year’s winning design pays tribute not only to the race’s grassroots beginnings but also the long-standing legacy built by athletes and event staff who continue to be the heart and backbone of this iconic event.”
DESIGN CONTEST WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The winning submission was created collaboratively by designers Angie Tabaczynski and Nikole Beck of Nikolar Art. Their design will be the official artwork for the 2026 SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle, which is scheduled for Saturday, May 16.
The retro-inspired design features Mt. Bachelor alongside equipment representing three of the event’s seven iconic legs — ski poles, a bicycle, and a canoe with a paddle — paying homage to the race’s early years through vintage styling and a throwback color palette.
“It’s been five years of trying for the big win, and I told myself I’m not going to give up until we do it,” said Beck, a 45-year-old Oregon native who has lived in Redmond for the past five years. “It was an honor to be in the top eight finalists, but this was the fifth year and we did it! That cobalt blue was an inspiration and the one thing I wanted to pull from the original design. I wanted the feeling of the design to be retro, but with some modern vibes as well.”
Nikolar Art is a women-owned, passion-driven small business and a close creative partnership between longtime family friends Beck and Tabaczynski. Beck leads the artistic vision and design work, while Tabaczynski — who also runs her own photography business — supports the process through digitization of Beck’s hand-drawn art and management of the business.
“I’m not really a skier or a runner,” Beck said. “I’m more of a float-the-river or go-for-a-walk type of person. But this contest feels like a creative artist’s way of winning the Pole Pedal Paddle.”
As contest winners, Tabaczynski and Beck will receive $500, a commemorative mug, and official SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle apparel featuring their winning design. Their artwork will also appear on event posters, merchandise, and other promotional materials.
The design contest remains one of the event’s longest-running traditions. Submissions are evaluated on creativity, uniqueness, and print suitability by public voters, MBSEF staff, and SELCO representatives. This year, the selection committee narrowed submissions to eight finalists, which were then opened to public voting. More than 1,700 votes were cast, underscoring the strong community enthusiasm surrounding the event.
Click here to download images of the winning design and artist Nikole Beck. For more information on the race, and how it supports MBSEF, visit pppbend.com or call 541-388-0002.
ONLINE REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Online registration for this year’s SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle is now open with early-bird pricing. Set for May 16, the Pole Pedal Paddle features race legs that include alpine and cross-country skiing, cycling, running, and paddling.
Held each May, the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle is organized by Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation staff for the benefit of the Bend-based nonprofit. The annual race has been a tradition in Central Oregon for 50 years and annually attracts thousands of competitors from throughout the Northwest and beyond.
Available through April 12, discounted early bird registration ranges from $57 per person for 12-and-under teams to $130 for elite athletes. After the early bird period, prices will range from $66 to $150, respectively. Participants can register as individuals, pairs, or teams.
For more information or to register for the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle, visit www.pppbend.com.
