Windigo 100s - Race #2 of 4
Wolf of the willamette - august 5, 2023

Please note: This is an unsupported, low-key, bikepacking-style event (despite being a sub-24h event). The rules are the same for this event as for all other Competitive Adventures hosted by Northwest Competitive Adventure. No drafting, No outside support/visitation, No cutting the course. Riders are required to record their attempt and submit to the race director to receive a categorized finish and to be included in the series standings. Or don’t, and just come have fun in the woods without being included in the race results.

Pertinent Details:

  • See Route Description Written By Robots Below
  • The course begins in McKenzie Bridge, OR. at 5:55 AM on August 5th
  • Resupply at the Blue Sky market – mile 25
  • Potentially last water until McKenzie – mile 33
  • Resupply at Clear Lake Resort – mile 69
  • Finish: McKenzie Bridge
  • ~93 miles, 12,000+ of vertical gain

route description courtesy of ai

Welcome to “The Wolf of the Willamette,” a legendary 95-mile mountain bike loop that will ignite your adventurous spirit and leave you howling with joy. This thrilling journey takes you through McKenzie River’s rugged backcountry, where you’ll conquer the infamous O’lallie/O’Leary trails, navigate heart-pounding descents, and triumph over challenging climbs with the grace and finesse of a bike-riding Jedi. 

As you traverse north on remote gravel roads, a special treat awaits – the stunning “Wolf Rock,” a magnificent boulder that stands as a silent sentinel to all who dare to embark on this wild cycling adventure. With one eye on the trail and the other on the ever-changing landscape, you’ll pedal past this magnificent sight, feeling a surge of triumph knowing you’ve conquered more than just the path beneath your tires. You’ve conquered a piece of biking history, forever etching your name in the scriptures of bike nerd lore.

As you pedal your way through this wild and untamed landscape, prepare to be swept away by the stunning beauty of Browder Ridge, a rollercoaster of dirt and adrenaline that will have your heart racing faster than a caffeinated bike geek at a carbon fiber convention. With panoramic views that will make you question whether you accidentally wandered onto the set of a nature documentary, this breathtaking ridge rewards your hard-earned efforts with vistas that will leave you awestruck, if you can manage to tear your eyes away from the trail.

But hold on tight, because the dramatic adventure doesn’t end there. Prepare to tackle Gate Creek, a trail that twists and turns like a demented rollercoaster on wheels, only instead of screaming tourists, you’ll find yourself dodging trees and rocks as if they were obstacles in a real-life video game. The forest canopy provides much-needed shade as you navigate this bewitching path, the thrill of uncertainty pushing you forward with a wondrous mix of excitement and trepidation. This is where your inner bike nerd truly shines, defying gravity and defying all odds as you channel your inner mountain goat, proudly proclaiming, “I’m not just a bike nerd, I’m a bike maestro conquering these treacherous trails with the grace of a ballet dancer and the swagger of a rock star.”

To finish off the ride, brace yourselves for a thrilling adventure along the legendary McKenzie River Trail, where emerald forests envelop you in their magical embrace. Ride amid a symphony of cascading waterfalls, their sparkling curtains of liquid magic soothing your weary soul. Feel the raw power of ancient lava rock formations, as they tell tales of fiery beginnings with their twisted shapes and rugged textures. Let the trail take you on a journey of wonder, where adrenaline fuels every descent and childlike awe guides each pedal stroke. The McKenzie River Trail, where waterfalls and lava rock unite, beckons you to indulge in the beauty of nature and embrace the joy of mountain biking.

So adorn your helmet, dust off your spandex, and embark on this epic journey. Whether you’re a seasoned master or a novice just discovering the joy of off-road exploration, “The Wolf of the Willamette” promises an unforgettable adventure that’ll leave you grinning from ear to ear, with a few extra “bike nerd” badges to proudly display on your handlebars. Embrace the challenge, savor the beauty, and let your inner bike nerd roam free.