Bikepacking: Dirty Aufderheide Grand Depart

Join 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