Updated April 1, 2024
The 15th annual High Cascades 100 is a classic endurance mountain Bike race in the mountain mecca of Bend, Oregon. The race is produced by Mudslinger Events and is part of the Oregon XC Series, six premier Oregon MTB events spanning April to September as well as a stop of the National Ultra Endurance Series. The High Cascades 100 is Mudslinger’s pinnacle-MTB event at 100 miles and just under 10,000 feet elevation gain and an event that the team at Strambecco considers to be one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in the Northwest.
The 2023 course design for High Cascades 100 is well thought out and was created to avoid the 8ft snowbanks that are up in the high mountains. It has resulted in one of their most technically demanding courses, offering breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and more over the course of 100 miles. Check out the course map below.
Cascade is a premium event that looks at the quality of aid stations, merch, and overall perks. Four fully stocked aid stations are kitted out with Hammer Nutrition, and Sagebrush Cycles provides mechanical support. A 2022 event participant exclaims, “Thanks for putting on a great race. At no point did I feel lost or question what direction to go.” The aid stations were perfect. Best race I have ever done.” Being such a well-organized event, there are some excellent merchandise options to remember the suffer-fest, ranging from race-designed jerseys, bibs, socks, button-down tops, and hats. You can sign up for multiple event categories around the 100-mile main course. There are the Open Men, Veteran Men (40-49), 50+ masters men, 60+ masters Men, Single Speed, and the same for the women with open and 40-49, 50+ masters categories, respectively. Refer to the official 2023 Tech Guide for all of the nitty-gritty details for the event.
The High Cascades 100 is also a stop of the National Ultra Endurance Series (NUE) Epic Series. The Epic Series is a world-class mountain bike endurance race series with a calendar of 9+ 100-mile endurance races, bringing the best riders in the country to compete for the overall title. NUE comprises an Epic Series, 100-mile events, and a Marathon series, which includes 50-mile and 75k length events. Strambecco rates all of the events here: True Grit 100/50, Cohutta 100 – Big Frog 65, Mohican MTB 100, Wilderness 101k, Telluride 100/50, Shenandoah 100, Marji Gesick 100/50, Ring of Fire 100, Big Grizzly 100/75, Carrabassett 100.
The High Cascades 100 is an excellent endurance mountain bike race utilizing some of the best single tracks in the Northwest. It is a guaranteed physical challenge with top-level organization, aid stations, logistics, and perks. A peak event, by all means, the Cascades 100 is very much approved by the Strambecco staff.
Mudslinger Events was formed by Michael Ripley, an enthusiastic mountain biker who grew up in Eugene, Oregon. The organization brings people together to explore the gorgeous outdoor areas of Oregon. Having been run since 1987, Mudslinger Events brings back a vintage atmosphere to Mountain Biking and cross-country racing. They organize some of the best mountain bike and gravel race events in the United States in the Northwest. The Oregon XC Series includes Mudslinger XC, Sisters Stampede, Oregon 24/12, High Cascades 100, and Ring of Fire.
Mudslinger also produces the Oregon Triple Crown Series, a series of 5 premiere gravel and mixes surface events: Oregon Coast Gravel Epic, West Coast Gravel, Oregon Gran Fondo, Sasquatch Duro, and Takelma Gravel Grinder. People interested in participating can register for each event separately or benefit from the OTC Series Pass, which includes price discounts, bike accessories, and prizes associated with the timed-event awards.
Bend is known as an outdoor mecca with stunning natural beauty and endless recreational opportunities, whether you’re seeking adventure, scenic beauty, or simply a chance to connect with nature. For those who enjoy hiking, it is surrounded by a multitude of trails perfect for hiking and trail running, ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs. The Deschutes River Trail, Tumalo Falls, Smith Rock State Park, and the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway are just a few examples of popular spots. Outside of the event itself, Bend has earned a reputation as a premier destination for mountain biking. Phil’s Trail Complex, Wanoga Trailhead, and the North Fork Trail are highly regarded, offering various levels of difficulty and stunning views. Lastly, The Deschutes River, which runs through Bend, provides ample opportunities for outdoor water activities. Whitewater rafting, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and fly fishing are popular choices. The Bend Whitewater Park, located in the heart of the city, is a great spot for kayaking and river surfing.
