Dirty Freehub

06/19/2026

If this doesn't make you want to ride Sherman's Waltz that starts in Sisters, OR. Thanks BrianS for including photos in your comments. Here's the Ride Guide: https://dirtyfreehub.org/routes/oregon/shermans-waltz/

06/18/2026

Drift Creek Falls is a gravel biathlon. Imagine: you bike to an amazing hike … that takes you to the Drift Creek Falls. The combo thinks in threes … 30 miles with 3,000 feet of climbing and then a 3 mile hike in the middle with a 300 foot suspension bridge (ok the bridge is only 250 but stay with us!)

Where is this gem? Along the Oregon coast … near Taft which is considered the Central Coast. The roads are only 20% gravel but we promise this is well worth the effort. See our Ride Guide for all the details: https://dirtyfreehub.org/routes/oregon/drift-creek-falls/

06/18/2026

This podcast episode features a discussion with a Geological Survey and Services Program Manager Jason D. McClaughry regarding the unique characteristics of the Wildcat Mountain Caldera in Oregon. A caldera is described as a massive volcanic depression formed when a volcano collapses into its own emptied magma chamber. Unlike famous landmarks like Crater Lake, the Wildcat Mountain Caldera is approximately 41.8 million years old, meaning its circular shape has been hidden by millions of years of erosion. Because its physical boundaries are no longer obvious on the surface, scientists had to identify the site by analyzing zircon crystals and ancient rock deposits. The experts use a puzzle analogy to explain how mapping and data collection allow geologists to reconstruct the history of these ancient, invisible landscapes. This educational segment highlights the compositional differences between various Oregon volcanoes and the investigative work required to discover hidden geological wonders.

Link: https://dirtyfreehub.org/podcasts/wildcat-caldera/

Photos
Wildcat Mountain caldera from our 2021 Bulletin 108.
The text below explains each graphic.

Figure 6‑81. View north across the southwest part of the Wildcat Mountain caldera (44.409397, -120.654502). Dashed white line shows the approximate location of the caldera margin; ticks point into the interior of the caldera. Dashed black line is the unconformable lower contact of the tuff of Steins Pillar (Tcts) over older andesite and dacite lava flows (Tcal). The X shows the location of the Steins Pillar viewpoint area shown in Figure 6-82. Photo credit: Jason McClaughry, 2006.

Figure 6‑82. Steins Pillar viewed from the parking area along USFS Road 33 (44.417057, -120.618693). Steins Pillar is ~106 m (350 ft) tall and is composed of a compound cooling unit of strongly welded to rheomorphic, propylitically altered intracaldera ash-flow tuff (Tcts). Photo credit: Carrie Gordon, 2009.

06/18/2026

Hope to see you at Sunnyside Sports in Bend at our Fit Kit Night. Come try on our apparel from Voler. You can order from our store online (go to our website select Store, Bike Wear). You can only submit orders until June 28th. Shipping begins Aug 7th.

06/17/2026

Cool part of riding McKay Creek outside of Prineville? Seeing cyclists from the Oregon Outback. Did you know Dirty Freehub has a route called the Oregon Outback Reimagined …. This 400 mile route starts in Klamath Falls and crosses the state using gravel and paved roads (no single track). You’ll find all the details on our website: https://dirtyfreehub.org/routes/oregon/oregon-outback-reimagined/

06/16/2026

The Santiam Wagon Road is no joke, but you will appreciate the rugged terrain that was used to move cattle in 1860s. It’s part of the Tombstone route ((west of Sisters, OR.).

We started at Fish Lake which means you ride the single track along Clear Lake first..

Highly recommend this route for you adventurous types!

06/15/2026

We're excited to unveil the new Dirty Freehub cycling apparel collection by Voler — inspired by the roads, maps, and landscapes that make every gravel ride an adventure.

You'll find jerseys, bibs, shorts, hoodies, shirts, vests, arm warmers, and more — all featuring this Dirty Freehub design.

ORDER WINDOW: June 14–28

LIVE IN CENTRAL OREGON?
Join us for Fit Kit Night and try on sample apparel before you order!

Thursday, June 18
4:00–6:00 PM
Sunnyside Sports
930 NW Newport Ave, Bend, OR

We'll have sample sizes available, fit advice, and plenty of opportunities to see the collection in person. Whether you're between sizes or curious about different cuts.

Here's the link to the store: https://dirtyfreehub.org/df-voler-bike-kit/

06/15/2026

Join us Wednesday, June 17th at 8:30 to ride McKay Creek Lollipop just outside of Prineville, OR. (This is one of our Passport routes: https://dirtyfreehub.org/passport/.)

This scenic 38-mile ride takes us through the heart of the Ochoco foothills, climbing from working ranchlands into forests of towering ponderosa pines before returning along quiet gravel roads.

One of the highlights of the route is a series of dramatic basalt spires that rise from the landscape, offering a glimpse into the area's volcanic past and creating some of the most memorable views of the ride. Much of the route follows the McKay Creek and Little McKay Creek -- a critical water source for both wildlife and the local farming community.

Here are all the details, including how to register:

Join us for a group ride on the McKay Creek Lollipop route, one of Dirty Freehub’s Passport Routes, outside of Prineville, Oregon. This scenic 38-mile

06/14/2026

Terrible Tilly. Perched on a lonely rock offshore, the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse earned its nickname after enduring fierce storms, crashing waves, and decades of life on the edge of the Pacific.

This 31-mile ride with 4,000 feet of climbing takes you through lush coastal forests before revealing unforgettable views of Oregon's most legendary lighthouse.

Some rides have scenery. This one also has a story. See the Ride Guide for all the details: https://dirtyfreehub.org/routes/oregon/terrible-tilly/

06/12/2026

Ready for a wicked hill climb? Our Oregon Coast gravel route Winchuck Wicked (27 miles with 2,800 feet of climbing) got its name because most of the ride feels surprisingly friendly—rolling through forests, river valleys, and quiet backroads—until you meet the hill. For 2.5 miles, it pitches up at an average 9% grade and reminds you exactly why this route earned its reputation.

The adventure begins in Brookings, one of Oregon’s quietest coastal towns. Founded in 1913 as a lumber company town, Brookings was once so isolated that residents relied on a weekly supply boat for mail and groceries until Highway 101 finally connected the south coast. Today, you'll trace the Winchuck and Chetco River valleys into the rugged Coast Range, riding through towering forests, historic timber country, and sweeping mountain and ocean vistas.

Seem too easy? Link Winchuck Wicked with our Bombsite Route to create the legendary Bombsite Wicked (55 miles and 6,800 feet of climbing)—a full day of gravel, grit, and bragging rights.

https://dirtyfreehub.org/routes/oregon/winchuck-wicked/