BADCAT Ultra: Mountain Bike Section

Race - Sep 11, 2020

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

Features Commonly Bikepacked · Views

This is stage two of an ultra-distance, off-road triathlon. Leaving the kayak portion, riders follow Forest Service roads for the first 15 miles approaching Mt. Bachelor.

The remainder of the ride is largely singletrack with widely varying terrain, and extended climbing and downhill. Short course riders will complete at the Wanoga Sno Park, while long-course riders will continue back to Mt. Bachelor for a second lap.

In a region known for its incredible mountain bike trails (with great thanks to the Central Oregon Trail Alliance!) this course gives the grand tour of Bend's beautiful Deschutes National Forest.

While the ride has many road, trailhead, and parking lot access points off the Cascade Lakes Highway, the trails tend to be remote. Riders should bring sufficient self support if attempting this route without a crew.

Central Oregon is known as the trail capitol of the United States. The title is well-deserved and this course features many of the regions classic rides including the Phil's trail complex.

Riders leave Crane Prairie Reservoir (after a 20k or 50k kayak) to start their bike portion. The first 15 miles are on Forest Service roads with moderate elevation gain. This section suffers some sandy sections and riders may encounter downed trees.

Beginning the main loop, riders utilize well-designed mountain bike trails for nearly all the remaining miles. Going left onto the Metolius-Windigo loop, riders move along the west edge of Mt. Bachelor approaching Tumalo Mountain. Crossing the Cascade Lakes Highway, riders go clockwise around the Flagline Trail in ponderosa stands continuing to climb to the peak altitude of just under 7,000ft.

Starting downhill, riders swing past Vista Butte with parking lot access before heading onto Swede Ridge on the way to Phil's. Riders descend all the way to Phil's Trailhead with crew access, then ride Marvin's Garden to COD. The climb back to Wanoga Sno Park includes Lower Storm King and Funner alternate.

Riders completing the long-course then leave the west end of Wanoga on the Forest Service road for about 5 miles. Making the right onto Edison-Lava trail, riders cross the road and follow Edison-Lava back to the original entry to Metolius-Windigo: Cascade Lakes loop.