Oregon 24/12, an overnight mountain biking extravaganza in outdoor mecca Bend, Oregon, allows participants to ride 24 or 12 hours through the night. The laps are 11 miles long with 900 feet of elevation, including single-track and double-track. Registration has many options to ride solo or build teams of up to 10 people. Teams can also have themes to make this overnight ride with friends or strangers something to remember. The event is produced by premier regional operator Mudslinger events and is rated by Strambecco as one of the Best MTB Events in the Northwest. Oregon 24/12 is also part of the N24 Series, an emerging 24-Hour MTB race series produced in collaboration with Mudslinger, Gro Races, and Zia Rides. In addition to Oregon 24/12, they organize 25 Hours in Frog Hollow (Southwest Utah), and 24 Hours in the Enchanted Forest (New Mexico), with plans to expand to 6 national events in coming years.
Oregon 24/12 is also a leg of the Oregon XC Series, six premier Oregon MTB events spanning April to September. Everything starts at Wanoga Snow Park, where camping accommodations are provided with the event. Coffee, food, and technical assistance will also keep all riders prepared throughout the night. Note that those who prefer cement over dirt camping options must contact the event directly following registration; details are provided in the registration steps. Since this is an all-night event, it is recommended that riders buy or rent bikes or headlamps, or custom socks, which are also available to purchase within registration.
The route has been updated slightly in 2023 due to previous connecting roads being closed to public access after ten seasons of permitted use. It’s a 1/2 mile longer than previous years with 150 fewer feet of climbing will equal a great time! It may even be 5 minutes faster per lap.
The course starts and finishes at Wanoga Snow Park, several miles from downtown Bend, Oregon, but there are multiple locations close to the campground for food, lodging, and other activities. These restaurant recommendations also include lodging options for those who do not want to camp. The Row, Cabin 22, and full Mount Bachelor experience at The Mountain. 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.
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 Northwest’s best mountain bike and gravel race events. 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. Strambecco rates many of these events as the Best Gravel Cycling Events in the Northwest and the Best Gravel Cycling Events in Oregon. Those 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.
