For any mountain biker who feels a little big in their bibs after flawlessly sending Lower Whoops in Phil’s Trail Complex, Mt. Bachelor’s Red Line Rally offers the chance to recalibrate one’s self-image — while gawking in awe of elite riders across age and gender.
The Red Line Rally, which is an invite-only downhill mountain bike race now in its fifth year, will showcase some of the downhill discipline’s most gnar-bucket senders on Aug. 30. Organizers of Mt. Bachelor’s biggest downhill event recommend spectators gather at the Moonbooter, the crowning obstacle in a 1.4-mile line that features jumps, berms, rollers and table tops and dumps 1,1173 feet. (Organizers have designated hiking and cycling routes for spectators.) The contest traces the eponymous Red Line Trail, which was built by Dirt Mechanics and pro downhill rider and trail builder Kyle Jameson in 2020, according to Bendtrails.org.
Judges will award prizes for best whip, best style and best overall trick. Additionally, female and youth competitors will vie for GRL Boss and Grom Champ, respectively.
The Red Line Rally got its start during the onset of the Covid pandemic in 2020. The inaugural event, hamstrung by flight restrictions, pivoted to serve as a throwdown for Bend’s ample supply of downhill hucksters. Local rippers Sage Cattabriga-Alosa, Carson Storch and Austin Hemperley (just to name a few) competed in the rally’s first iteration. They’re among nearly 20 featured riders invited to this year’s event. The complete roster can be seen here.
Red Line Rally
Sat Aug. 30, 10am—3pm
Mt. Bachelor
13000 SW Century Drive, Bend, OR 97702
More info here
Free
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