Gravel Ride With Rock Doc (Geologist) on Water and Lava (Bend)
Details
Join Dirty Freehub for an in-depth geology bike tour with our one and only Rock Doctor, Dr. Kim Ely (Rock Doc) — geologist, educator, longtime Dirty Freehub contributor, and expert storyteller of Central Oregon’s volcanic past. Rock Doc has a gift for connecting big geologic ideas to the places we ride, turning “cool scenery” into a deeper understanding of why this landscape looks the way it does. She will take you on a tour of the Water and Lava Route and talk about the following:
- How the area formed over time and the ages of the lava flows that shaped it.
- How lava blocked and redirected the Deschutes River, changing its course.
- The story behind Lava Butte and the larger Newberry Volcanic Complex.
- Why the iconic red cinder roads exist — and what makes cinder cones stable (or not), including the critical steepness of their slopes.
- The different types of volcanic products you see along the route: lava, cinders, and more.
- Those coarse crystals in “the rock” — how they formed, what they tell us, and just how much that rock actually weighs .
- Why rocks fall off cliffs (and onto routes…).
If you’ve ridden Water and Lava, you’ll come away seeing familiar landmarks in an entirely new way. If you haven’t ridden it yet, consider this the ultimate preview of what makes the route so special. Bring your geological questions and your curiosity.
If you attended her earlier webinar about this route, the content will be similar. However you are welcome to join us. Also, the event will be cancelled if the weather is bad! (No, we don't do organized rides in the rain!)
This is a paid event ($10). If you’ve donated to Dirty Freehub in the past 12 months, use the promo code “Hawk2025” for free entry.
The Route:
Water and Lava Route
The route is 31 miles and 1,400 feet of gain, however, we will cut the route short to give Kim time to explain features. Plan for 25 miles with 1,000 feet of gain.
Please have the route downloaded to a bike computer or similar device and be able to navigate from it.
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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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.