Knowledge Base
Riding in the Desert Southwest
What You Need to Know
Gravel riding in the desert southwest is unlike anywhere else in the US! It is rugged and demanding with ever changing conditions. You should expect sandy washes, sometimes for miles; you should expect washed-out trail from the heavy summer monsoon rains, and you should expect rocky and gnarly. One year, the riding is […]
Livestock Guardian Dogs: What Cyclists Should Know
Livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) are special breeds trained to protect herds of sheep, goats, cattle, and other livestock from predators like wolves, cougars, and coyotes. Known for their strength, intelligence, and loyalty, LGDs are crucial to Oregon’s agricultural landscape. This guide helps cyclists recognize LGDs, navigate encounters with […]
Timberlands Riding Etiquette
During your ride, you may encounter active timber harvesting operations. To ensure your safety, the safety of the timber workers, and to avoid conflicts, please familiarize yourself with the following guidelines.
Signs of Active Logging Operations
Signage (i.e., CB channels, mile markers, etc.)
New brushing and mowing alongside the […]
Indigenous Peoples
Purpose Statement:
Within its broader mission of fostering connections, Dirty Freehub places emphasis on gaining a deeper understanding of Indigenous communities and their role as stewards of the lands they inhabit. Specifically, our guiding principles are to:
Understand the complicated history of Indigenous peoples and white settlers on […]
Keep it Local!
One of our guiding principles at Dirty Freehub is “spend where your ride”. We think it is critically important that when you are visiting and riding in the backcountry that you spend some money in the local, supporting towns. That could be for gas, groceries, bike parts, a coffee, or a burger and beer. But not all of these dollars have the […]
Winter Range Closures (Deschutes National Forest)
The problem
Wild-ranging local mule deer populations have decreased by 56% from 2004 to 2021.
In recent years, there has been a 10% decline in population per year
This is 60% below objective
What is Winter Range?
Winter range is habitat deer and elk migrate to in order to find more favorable living conditions during the winter. […]
West Bend Project (Thinning, Mowing and Fire)
As you ride through the Phil’s system of trails, you will notice ongoing tree thinning work or tree thinning that has occurred recently. This is all part of the West Bend Project, a 15-year forest restoration project to improve forest health and to create a buffer protecting our communities from wildfire.
A combination of historical […]
Cows!
At some time, you will come across cows on your ride, off to the side of the road, or maybe in the middle of the road. Now, what to do??
Not this!
Encountered a cow that did not want us to pass. I got off my bike and head-butted her with my front tire. She charged me and I backed off the trail. The cow then went after my friend. She […]
Wildlife Impact
As gravel cyclists, we think our impact on wildlife is minimal to none. That is not always the case! Even though we may not see the wildlife, they may see, hear or smell us, all resulting in an increase in their awareness and anxiety level. But, we can take steps to minimize this impact.
The most important things you can do:
Understand […]
British Columbia Resource Roads
Many of the gravel roads ridden in British Columbia are “resource roads.” Resource roads are typically one- or two-lane gravel roads built to access natural resources in remote areas. They are used primarily by industrial vehicles engaged in forestry, mining, oil and gas, or agriculture operations (think big trucks!). Resource roads […]
