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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

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  • Work Party / O'Leary Landslide / McKenzie Bridge, OR Area

    Work Party / O'Leary Landslide / McKenzie Bridge, OR Area

    DF HQ, 624 NW Congress Street, Bend, OR, US

    Work Party: O’Leary Landslide (~ McKenzie Bridge, OR area)
    Join us for a day of clearing the O’Leary landslip of winter debris, brush, and tree fall. This is a demanding work party that is physically challenging but highly rewarding. You will get that "feel-good vibe" by giving back to the riding community!

    Register Here: https://wkf.ms/44hQTS5 (you must register using this link!)

    The Details:
    We’ll work the O’Leary Landslide route (Miles 4.5 to 10.5). This area is not accessible to vehicles. Thus, we will drop a team of 3 to 4 people at the high point of 4700 feet (mile 10.5). This crew will consist of at least two sawyers and one swamper. This crew will work from the high point to the low point. The 6 miles of riding are all downhill.

    The two other team members will drive to, or meet at, the gate at the low point of 2500 feet (mile 4.5). This two-person team, or more, will work east and upward to meet the high-point team. The low-point team will consist of a sawyer and a swamper.

    Route Link: https://dirtyfreehub.org/routes/oregon/oleary/

    Need:
    3+ Sawyers
    2+ Swampers

    When:
    Wednesday July 1

    Meetup Time:
    6:00 AM at Dirty Freehub HQ
    624 NW Congress Street (alley entrance) – accessed via Louisiana & Congress

    If you are part of the low-point team, you can meet at the low-point gate at ~ 10 am.

    Expect a full day:
    ~ 2.5 hour drive (one-way)
    ~ 4 hours of trail work (we will finish work by 1 pm)

    Late lunch covered by Dirty Freehub.
    We’ll likely return to Bend between 4:00–5:00 PM.

    What to Bring / Wear:
    * Bike (gravel or mountain, recommend flat pedals)
    * Water + snacks
    * Long pants
    * Long work shirt
    * Sunscreen / chapstick
    * Work gloves
    * Eye protection (glasses or sunglasses)
    * Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
    * A backpack to carry your gear and group gear.

    Rain or Shine:
    Unless you hear otherwise from your Crew Leader, the event is ON.

    Questions?
    Email Kevin at Kevin@DirtyFreehub.org

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    4 attendees
  • $10.00
    Gravel Bike Ride, ~Sisters, 43 miles, 3,500 feet of gain

    Gravel Bike Ride, ~Sisters, 43 miles, 3,500 feet of gain

    Into the Horn, 7500 Forest Service Rd, Camp Sherman, OR, US

    Let's get the party started! Before the fireworks light up the sky and the Fourth of July festivities begin, join us for a gravel adventure on one of Central Oregon's most scenic and remote routes.

    The Saxophone route delivers everything we love about gravel riding: quiet roads, sweeping mountain views, towering ponderosa pines, and plenty of adventure. The route winds through the spectacular Horn of the Metolius area, combining smooth gravel roads with rugged forest tracks for a day that is both challenging and rewarding.
    Expect rolling terrain, steady climbs, fast descents, and some of the most beautiful backcountry riding in Central Oregon.

    The Route: Saxophone. DO NOT use the start in Meetup, use the start in the Ride Guide. The route starts about 25 minutes outside of Sisters.
    This is a demanding ride best suited for experienced gravel cyclists who enjoy exploring remote places. You must have the route downloaded and know how to navigate.

    Your Ride Organizers
    Linda English ("Gravel Girl") is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Dirty Freehub. A longtime gravel cycling advocate, route explorer, and community builder, Linda has ridden tens of thousands of gravel miles while helping inspire riders to discover the best backroads across the West.

    Rick Marshall is a Dirty Freehub Gravel Champ, retired Army Major, and gravel adventurer who has completed epic rides across the country. Rick is passionate about helping others discover the healing power of cycling, community, and time spent outdoors.

    This is a paid event ($10). If you’ve donated to Dirty Freehub in the past 12 months, use the promo code “Saxophone” for a free entry.

    We roll out of the parking lot at the posted time. This is not meant to be a race but a social outing. After all, it’s nice to chat and get to know other people. The goal is to have fun, meet other people, and sneak in a ride. We will regroup as appropriate split the group into smaller segments.

    You MUST have the route downloaded and are able to use your device or phone. I plan on riding about 9-11 mph. I will pull out of the start, exactly on the posted start time.

    If the weather takes a dive, you can assume we are canceling but we will also post on Meetup page.

    Sorry to say, but this is NOT a no drop ride. (Gosh, there are a lot of NOs in that last sentence.) but we WILL regroup a few times. This ride is also unsupported.

    Text or call Linda at 541 550 8930 with any questions.

    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/) (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,/) 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.
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    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.

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    7 attendees

Group links

Organizers

Linda English (Gravel G. is a Super Organizer

Members

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