About us
Do you love bikes? Looking for people to ride with on a mountain bike, gravel/adventure bike, road bike, touring bike, fat bike, or tandems? Are you 18 years or older? Then this is YOUR tribe.
Bend Area Cycling Enthusiasts (BACE) offers a variety of organized bike rides, some ending at breweries. Some harder, some easier, some more technical. Many close to Bend, some include camping overnight or a few hours of carpooling. And sometimes, we are joining races as a group. It all depends on the ride organizer. (If you can't figure out if you belong on a ride, just text the ride organizer.) It's all about riding safe, while having a blast. Meeting new people to ride with or helping you coordinate with your riding buddies.
And speaking of ride organizers, the BEST way to ride your DREAM route at YOUR pace that works for YOUR schedule is to become an organizer. Drop Gravel Girl (Linda English) a note or text her at 541 550 8930.
BACE is supported by Dirty Freehub which is a nonprofit organization dedicated to gravel cycling. You'll find us at https://dirtyfreehub.org/. If you would like to support BACE, you can donate money to Dirty Freehub.
Come Join Us!
Upcoming events
2
- $10.00
Gravel Ride, Ochoco National Forest, 50 miles, 4,000 Feet of Gain
Old Ochoco Ranger Station Parking Lot, 33689 Ochoco Ranger Station Loop, prineville, OR, USLet’s Ride: Big Summit Prairie!
Wildflowers, Wide Roads, and the Full 50We had such a good time riding the shorter Big Summit Prairie loop in April that it seems only reasonable to go back—and this time, keep going.
This is the classic 50-mile loop, circling Big Summit Prairie through open grasslands, ponderosa forest, flowing creeks, and big Ochoco views.Recent ride reports say the route is riding well, the wildflowers are out, and the purples are officially popping. Wildlife sightings may include pronghorn, sandhill cranes, wild horses, and whatever else happens to be enjoying the prairie that day.
At 50 miles with about 4,000 feet of climbing, this is a solid day out, but the terrain is more steady than spicy. The route has three distinct climbs, generally in the 4–6% range, with wide roads, mellow descents, and plenty of stretches where riding side by side and enjoying the company is entirely possible.
The Vibe
A big, beautiful day with plenty of room to find your rhythm. Riders may settle into smaller groups by pace, with brief regroups when it makes sense. Expect good roads, big views, good company, flower stops, and perhaps an unreasonable amount of wild-horse spotting.
A Quick Reality Check
This is not a supported or no-drop ride. Bring enough food, water, tools, layers, and navigation to be self-sufficient for a full day in the Ochocos.
That means:
- Route downloaded ahead of time - there may not be cell service at the start
- Comfortable riding your own pace
- Flat kit, tools, fuel, and hydration
- Enough food and water for a remote day with no services
A few things to know:
- Route + GPX: Big Summit Prairie
- Start: Old Ochoco ranger station parking lot
- Coordinates: Lat / Long: 44.396250, -120.425972
- Questions: Welcome by the night before. Service may be limited at the start.
Cost and Code
$10 ride fee. Donated to Dirty Freehub in the past year? Use code Big.About Me
If I’m a new face, I hope to be a familiar one soon — learn more about me here.My Why
This one’s for my mom, who took me on innumerable Mommy-and-Me adventures and introduced me to the Little House on the Prairie books. We’re both rereading them ahead of the new series, so apparently any ride with “prairie” in the name is now mandatory. Especially one featuring the abandoned Four Horsemen hotel and an old mine.To participate:
- You must be registered for the event and as such agree to the Meetup and BACE rules. These include one’s concurrence that cycling can be dangerous and cause serious bodily injury or even death.
- The organizers of this group and its members will not be held responsible for the actions of any participant at any event.
- Please do not bring pets.
- You must wear a helmet.
- You must be an adult.
- You must be self-sufficient.
Liability Waiver
Dirty Freehub Group Ride Waiver
Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, and Assumption of Risk Agreement
(Version 1.2 / Dated August 2, 2025)
By registering for any organized group bike ride led by Dirty Freehub through Meetup.com (or any other registration platform used by Dirty Freehub), you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to the following terms and conditions. Participation in these rides is conditional upon agreement to this waiver.
Acknowledgment of Risk
I understand and acknowledge that participating in a group bike ride organized by Dirty Freehub involves inherent risks, including collisions, road hazards, weather, wildlife, mechanical issues, and remote conditions that may limit emergency response. These risks can result in serious injury or death.
2. Assumption of Risk
I voluntarily assume all risks associated with my participation and take responsibility for riding safely, using proper gear, and maintaining my bike.
3. Release of Liability
I release and hold harmless Dirty Freehub and its affiliates from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from my participation.
4. Indemnification
I agree to indemnify Dirty Freehub against any claims resulting from my participation.
5. Medical Treatment
I understand no medical support is provided and accept responsibility for any treatment costs.
6. Fitness to Participate
I confirm I am physically able, will ride within my limits, and follow all laws and guidance.
7. Personal Responsibility
I am responsible for my own decisions, equipment, hydration, and nutrition.
8. Binding Agreement
This waiver is binding upon myself and my heirs.Why do we charge for rides?
Running community rides takes resources:
MeetUp platform**: nearly $550 per year**
Liability insurance**: ensuring we can host rides responsibly**
Event organization**: planning, route design, and coordination**
Altogether, hosting community rides costs $2,000–$3,000 each year**. Right now, those expenses are carried by our generous donors. To keep things fair, we ask all riders to contribute—either through an** annual donation or a per-event fee.
When you donate, you’re not just paying expenses—you’re fueling a movement**. You’re helping Dirty Freehub build community, create unforgettable experiences, and highlight the beauty of gravel cycling.**
We’d love for you to join the Dirty Freehub team—because together, we make these rides possible.6 attendees - $10.00
Gravel Ride, Clear Lake, 28 miles, 2,400 feet of gain
Fish Lake (Willamette Nat'l Forest), 9999 Old Santiam Wagon Road, Sisters, OR, USRumor has it, Sunday is going to be toasty ... so we are heading over to hide in the trees. The BIG, BIG trees of the route Tombstone, which includes parts of the Santiam Wagon Trail (for you history buffs.).
Note: We are using an alternate start because parking at Clear Lake on warmer day is a bad idea. We are starting from Fish Lake. Here is the Lat/Long: Alt Start / Fish Lake Day Use Area
Lat / Long: 44.400949, -122.003471
This is a designated dirt parking lot with pit toilets and no fees. DO NOT USE MEETUP to find the start.The ride will take off for a few miles, then split up into two groups. Leave a note on the forum if you want to carpool with others. The start is approximately a 70 min drive from Bend, but use the starting point to check the time.
Code
The cost is $10. If you’ve donated to Dirty Freehub in the past year, use code “Tombstone” to waive the fee.A quick reality check:
This is not a supported or no-drop ride—come ready to be self-sufficient and comfortable navigating the route. This route is remote so navigation skills are required.That means:
- Route downloaded ahead of time
- Comfortable riding your own pace if things spread out
Route:
Tombstone: https://dirtyfreehub.org/routes/oregon/tombstone-pass/Questions:
Ping me with any questions: Linda 541 550 8930.To participate:
1. You must be registered for the event and as such agree to the Meetup and BACE rules. These include one’s concurrence that cycling can be dangerous and cause serious bodily injury or even death. The organizers of this group and its members will not be held responsible for the actions of any participant at any event.
2. Please do not bring pets.
3. You must wear a helmet.
4. You must be an adult.
5. You must be self-sufficient.Liability Waiver
By registering for this event, you agree to the following liability waiver.
---
Dirty Freehub Group Ride Waiver
Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, and Assumption of Risk Agreement
(Version 1.2 / Dated August 2, 2025)
By registering for any organized group bike ride led by Dirty Freehub through [[MeetUp.com](http://meetup.com/)](http://meetup.com/) (or any other registration platform used by Dirty Freehub), you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to the following terms and conditions. Participation in these rides is conditional upon agreement to this waiver.
1. Acknowledgment of Risk
I understand and acknowledge that participating in a group bike ride organized by Dirty Freehub involves inherent risks. These risks include, but are not limited to, collisions with other cyclists, vehicles, pedestrians, or objects; accidents caused by road hazards, gravel, weather conditions, wildlife, and mechanical failures; as well as risks associated with riding in remote areas with limited access to emergency services. Such risks can result in serious injury or death.
2. Assumption of Risk
By registering for the ride, I voluntarily and knowingly assume all risks associated with my participation, including those resulting from the actions or negligence of other riders, third parties, or environmental conditions. I understand that it is my responsibility to ride safely, wear appropriate safety gear, and maintain my bicycle in proper working condition.
3. Release of Liability
I hereby release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless Dirty Freehub, its officers, directors, employees, volunteers, agents, and any affiliated individuals or organizations (collectively referred to as "Dirty Freehub") from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death, arising out of or in connection with my participation in the group ride.
4. Indemnification
I agree to indemnify and hold Dirty Freehub harmless from any and all claims, causes of action, damages, judgments, costs, or expenses, including attorney’s fees, that may arise as a result of my participation in the group ride or from any breach of this agreement.
5. Medical Treatment
I understand that Dirty Freehub does not provide medical services, supervision, or insurance coverage for participants. In the event of an injury, I consent to receiving medical treatment deemed necessary by emergency personnel and agree to be financially responsible for any costs associated with such treatment.
6. Fitness to Participate
I declare that I am physically fit and capable of participating in the group ride. I confirm that I will ride within my abilities, follow all traffic laws, and adhere to any instructions or safety guidelines provided by Dirty Freehub ride leaders.
7. Personal Responsibility
I understand that I am solely responsible for my actions during the group ride, including my own route decisions, hydration, nutrition, and mechanical preparedness. I acknowledge that participation is at my own risk.
8. Binding Agreement
I understand that by registering for a Dirty Freehub group ride through [[MeetUp.com,](http://meetup.com,/)](http://meetup.com,/) this waiver and release is binding upon myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns. It is recommended that you print and retain a copy of this waiver for your records.Why do we charge for rides?
Running community rides takes resources:- MeetUp platform**: nearly $550 per year**
- Liability insurance**: ensuring we can host rides responsibly**
- Event organization**: planning, route design, and coordination**
Altogether, hosting community rides costs $2,000–$3,000 each year**. Right now, those expenses are carried by our generous donors. To keep things fair, we ask all riders to contribute—either through an** annual donation or a per-event fee.
When you donate, you’re not just paying expenses—you’re fueling a movement**. You’re helping Dirty Freehub build community, create unforgettable experiences, and highlight the beauty of gravel cycling.**
We’d love for you to join the Dirty Freehub team—because together, we make these rides possible.6 attendees
Past events
1990
