Gravel Bike Ride, Bend, 42 miles 1,500 feet of gain

Cross my fingers ... hold my breath. But I am going to ride early tomorrow and you are invited. A shorter version of Big, Big Red. (Which does not make it Big Red.). So pay attention to the START details.

But first, this is a fun ride ... plenty of river hugging fun. But you can also expect some moon dust because you do remember that it's been gosh, darn dry out. But still, you will see the world's largest ponderosa tree. Well, make that in Oregon ... Big Red. And there are plenty of opportunities to go jump in a creek (pronounced CRICK where I come from.). And there's even a WATER stop.

Now if the smoke rolls in, you can assume I am canceling.

The Start: Royal Flush Trailhead. This is mile 3.2 into the Big, Big Red Route, right where we cross back over Conklin Road. Here's the Lat Long: 43.920347, -121.468778. Call or text if you are worried abut this: 1 541 550 8930.

The Route: Big, BIg Red

We roll out of the parking lot at the posted time. We will average around 10 mph. If we have more than 10 people we will split up the group into faster and slower groups.

Your Ride Organizers
Linda English ("Gravel Girl") is a 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. Phone: 541 550 8930

Kevin English is a Co-Founder and Director or Routes and Technologies for Dirty Freehub. He's designed and ridden most of the Dirty Freehub catalog.

Registration
$10 per person
If you've contributed to Dirty Freehub within the past 12 months, use coupon code "BigRed" during registration to receive a free registration.

About Dirty Freehub Community Rides
Dirty Freehub community rides are informal, volunteer-led group rides that bring people together to explore gravel roads and trails while building community. Our ride leaders are unpaid volunteers who share their time and local knowledge with fellow riders.

Dirty Freehub is a nonprofit organization, not a commercial guide or outfitter. Participation in our community rides is not the purchase of a guided service, and each rider is responsible for their own decisions, equipment, safety, and well-being throughout the ride.

To help sustain our year-round community ride program, we encourage participants who have not contributed to Dirty Freehub within the past 12 months to make a $10 administrative contribution. This contribution helps offset the costs of operating the program, including Meetup, insurance, and other administrative expenses. It is not payment for guiding services or for this specific ride, and no portion is used to compensate ride leaders.

Other Details:
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.

You MUST have the route downloaded and are able to use your device or phone.

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.
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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 (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 (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.