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
3
- $10.00
Gravel Ride, Ochoco National Forest 54 miles, 5,900 feet of gain
Steins Pillar viewpoint, Lat / Long: 44.417175, -120.618701, Prineville, OR, USRide With Us: Major Enoch
Come ride a big Ochocos day with us: remote forest roads, old volcanic terrain, Steins Pillar views, long stretches of gravel, and that “find your rhythm and enjoy the space” kind of riding.
This is the kind of route that feels even better shared — steady miles, big views, trailhead chatter, and a chance to connect with other Dirty Freehub riders who enjoy a big out in beautiful places.
The route is not wildly technical and the climbing is rarely dramatic in any one spot, but it adds up: 54 miles, about 5,900 feet of gain, remote terrain, and long sections without services. Come prepared for a steady, self-sufficient day in the Ochoco National Forest.
The Vibe
This will be a consistent, steady-effort ride with plenty of room to settle into your own pace. Riders may naturally settle into smaller groups based on pace, and we may regroup briefly when it makes sense. The goal is good roads, good views, and good company — with enough space for everyone to ride their own rhythm.A Quick Reality Check
This is not a supported or no-drop ride. Please come ready to be self-sufficient and comfortable navigating the route.That means:
- Route downloaded ahead of time
- Comfortable riding your own pace
- Flat kit, tools, fuel, and hydration
- Enough food and water for a remote day with no services
- A heads-up mindset for rougher or primitive road sections
A few things to know:
- Route: Major Enoch
- Surface: Mostly gravel / primitive roads, with some pavement
- Technical Difficulty: Moderate
- Navigation: Attention required
- Locale: Remote
- Start: Steins Pillar Viewpoint
- Coordinates: 44.417175, -120.618701
- Route + GPX: Dirty Freehub — Major Enoch
- Questions: Please ask 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 Enoch.About Me
If I’m a new face, I hope to be a familiar one soon — learn more about me here.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.3 attendees 
Bikepacking: Dirty Aufderheide Grand Depart
Upper McKenzie Community Center, 54745 McKenzie River Drive, Rainbow, or, USJoin Dirty Freehub for the Grand Depart of the Dirty Aufderheide, a mixed-surface adventure through the heart of Oregon’s Western Cascades. Built on one of the most iconic road rides in the state, this version goes further—trading smooth pavement for remote gravel, higher elevations, and deeper solitude.
The Route
The Dirty Aufderheide is a 124-mile loop with 11,100 feet of climbing, weaving through the Willamette National Forest. Included in this route is roughly 90% of the classic Aufderheide Drive—a stunning river corridor connecting the McKenzie River to Oakridge. But we toss in gravel roads so each direction you are riding a mixture of the Auderheide road with gravel roads.Expect:
- Towering fir and cedar forests
- Steep gravel climbs to ridgelines and big views
- A mix of ~65% paved / 35% unpaved surfaces
Ride It Your Way
- Go big and complete it in one long day
- Or break it into a two-day bikepacking or credit card tour, with an overnight in Westfir or Oakridge
What is a Grand Départ?
A Grand Départ is a group start, not a group ride. Everyone rolls out together, then rides their own pace, their own plan, and their own adventure.
There is:- No support
- No course markings
- No sweep
Just you, your bike, your preparation—and the route.
The Purpose
This isn’t just a ride—it’s part of building something bigger. Dirty Freehub is inviting riders to help shape and refine the route by sharing feedback, photos, and insights after the ride.- Cost: Free (donations encouraged to support route development)
Important
This Meetup is NOT how you register. You must register through Dirty Freehub to participate.Photo Credit: Deb Goldberg
4 attendees
Past events
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