Gravel Bike Ride, Camp Sherman, 53 miles w 4,500 feet of gain
Details
Join Dirty Freehub for a special small-group ride on the beautiful Horn Metolius route — a quiet and scenic gravel adventure through one of Central Oregon’s most ecologically sensitive landscapes. Starting from the Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery, this route winds through towering forests, volcanic terrain, dramatic canyon country, and the headwaters region of the Metolius River. The area is known for incredible wildlife habitat, remote beauty, and a true sense of backcountry adventure.
This is a challenging ride: 53 miles and 4,500 feet of elevation gain. Riders should come prepared for a long day in remote terrain, including rugged gravel roads, primitive doubletrack, and short hike-a-bike sections along the Metolius River corridor.
We will ride a moderate pace but given the remoteness of this route, you must be a strong navigator and competent on rougher terrain. Because of the sensitivity of the area and the wildlife corridor we travel through, this ride is limited to just 6 cyclists, and the group will stay together for the duration of the ride. Expect a community-focused pace with plenty of opportunities. (Estimate 9 mph due to the terrain and elevation.)
The $25 registration fee helps cover ride insurance and supports the Dirty Roads Crew, whose stewardship and advocacy efforts help protect access to routes throughout the region. Specifically, the Dirty Roads Crew has spent many hours clearing this route.
Route: Horn Metolius
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.
If the weather takes a dive, you can assume we are canceling. We will also post on this forum.
Contact Info
Text or call Linda at 541-550-8930 with any questions.
To Participate:
- You must be registered for the event.
- You must wear a helmet.
- You must be an adult, 18 years or older.
- You must be self-sufficient.
Liability Waiver:
By registering for this event, you agree to the following Liability Waiver.
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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.