Bend Dirt Fest: trail running, gravel cycling and mountain biking
Published 6:00 am Thursday, July 9, 2026
Trail running, gravel cycling and mountain biking are three of the most popular pursuits for outdoor endurance enthusiasts in Central Oregon.
The Bend Dirt Fest combines all three for one day of summertime racing on trails west of Bend.
Set for this Saturday, and starting and finishing at the Athletic Club of Bend, the second annual Bend Dirt Fest allows racers to choose from one of three disciplines: a 49- or 36-mile gravel grinder, a 39-mile mountain bike ride or a 13.1-mile trail run.
Participants can compete as individuals or as part of a three-racer team. All team members race at the same time, and their total team time determines their final standing. Solo competitors will be competing for the best individual time in their sport’s age-group category and against all team members being scored for the overall.
The event starts at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Athletic Club.
Race director Mike Ripley, who runs Mudslinger Events, said that the Bend Dirt Fest has grown by 120% in its second year, and the three-person team option has become more popular.
Half marathon trail run
The scenic westside loop run takes runners from the Athletic Club of Bend on a 13.1-mile run/walk, ending with a celebration at the club. The run is a mix of twisty singletrack and paved paths. Singletrack trails include COD, KGB and Marvin’s Gardens.
Gravel grinder
This 49-mile or 36-mile ride in Central Oregon offers three to hours of adventure. The course is a mix of gravel/dirt roads in the Deschutes National Forest and paved paths. The finish is at the Athletic Club of Bend where friends and family can celebrate.
Mountain bike ride
The journey covers 36 miles, warming up on pavement before diving into the lively west-side mountain bike trails, including Catch and Release, Funner and Tyler’s Traverse.
Schedule
The gravel and mountain bike riders both depart from the Athletic Club of Bend at 8 a.m., 30 minutes before the trail run. They will ride 5 miles with flaggers assisting on the way out of town before the gravel and mountain bike routes split.
Packet pickup is available Friday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Pine Mountain Sports or Saturday starting at 6 a.m. at the Athletic Club.
Festivities, awards, live music and announcing will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Athletic Club.
High Cascades 100 set for July 18
The High Cascades 100, also run by Ripley and Mudslinger events, is scheduled for Saturday, July 18. The event is a 100-mile mountain bike race on singletrack trails and dirt roads west of Bend through the Deschutes National Forest. Registration is still available and is $295.
Each year the High Cascades 100 features a new course, from fast, smooth singletrack to grueling climbs. The average finisher rate of the High Cascades is about 90%, according to Ripley.
For more information on the High Cascades 100 or the Bend Dirt Fest, visit mudslingerevents.com.