Dirty Freehub invites you to be involved in the Grand Depart of the Dirty Aufderheide which is a 124 mile route with 11,100 feet of elevation gain.
The Dirty Aufderheide takes the beloved Aufderheide ride and stretches it into something deeper, quieter, and far more adventurous. Built on the backbone of the classic paved route, this mixed-surface version follows roughly 90% of the traditional line—then veers off into the mountains, trading smooth pavement for remote Forest Service roads and a true backcountry feel.
At its core is the iconic Aufderheide Drive, a winding ribbon through the heart of the Willamette National Forest. Connecting the McKenzie River to Oakridge, this stretch alone is a masterpiece—cool river corridors, towering fir and cedar, and a sense of calm that’s hard to find anywhere else. But the Dirty version doesn’t stop there. Instead, it climbs. And climbs again.
Periodic turns off the main road send you up steep gravel spurs into higher elevations—above the rivers, above the crowds, and into terrain the classic ride never touches. The payoff? Bigger views, deeper solitude, and that unmistakable feeling that you’ve gone just a little farther than most.
Though technically a lollipop route, it rides like one long, immersive loop—each section flowing into the next, with the landscape constantly shifting between shaded forest, open ridgelines, and quiet backroads.
By the Numbers
– Distance: 124 miles
– Elevation Gain: 11,100 feet
– Surface: 65% paved / 35% unpaved
For comparison, the classic Aufderheide clocks in at 116 miles and 7,800 feet—all paved. This version adds both challenge and character.
The broad goal of this “event” is to flush out more details of this Route Guide. For this development grand depart we are seeking out bikepackers who want to contribute to the community development of the route. In classic grand depart fashion, there is no official riding pace or peloton, just a start date and time to coalesce those interested in joining. By taking part, we hope you’ll contribute in some fashion to the further development of the route, giving your feedback, photos, and post reviews in the Route Guide etc., at the conclusion of your ride so that we can improve the Ride Guide. Do the route in one day … or two days. That’s up to you. Sean Grealish, the onsite organizer, recommends making it a two day ride with a night in Westfir or Oakridge.
What is a Grand Depart?
A grand depart is a group start, but it is not a group ride. It is a group of bikepackers who meet to ride the route leaving at the same time. Every rider is responsible for their own route finding, safety, resupply, and schedule. There is absolutely, positively, no support provided.
Self-supported bikepacking is a serious endeavor not to be taken lightly. It is a true adventure which means it can be dangerous, hard, exhausting, confusing, scary, fun, miserable, painful, rewarding and yes, deadly. Please know your abilities, strengths and weakness and prepare yourself, bike and kit accordingly.
Logistics
Cost:
The event is free. But great routes and guides like this are not built without cost. Thus, we encourage you to donate back to the gravel community with time, talent or money. But more importantly, we develop routes like this to provide a positive economic impact to the small towns and communities along the route. Spend where you ride!
Registration:
We strongly suggest that you register! Click here.This way, we can keep you informed of any route changes, logistics challenges, etc. Even if you don’t attend this year, we will keep you “in the loop” for next year.
Meeting Place:
Upper McKenzie Community Center (Lat/Long: 44.16940675589262, -122.2256201461802) We are rolling out at 10:00 am.
Route:
Dirty Aufderheide Route Guide .
Grand Depart Organizer:
Brian
Lodging:
The Westfir Inn is offering a 20% discount on lodging just for this event. Call to make a reservation and mention the Dirty Freehub discount.
Photo Credit (for bike picture against the water): Deb Goldberg
