I’m new to the area—where can I ride?

Wherever bikes are allowed! Locally, we have a great network of urban trails at Thurston Hills Natural Area and a growing network in the Eugene Ridgeline System. We’re also well known for our work at Carpenter Bypass (Whypass), which was formally adopted by the BLM in 2013, and for our long history supporting mountain bike trails in Oakridge, which offers a wide variety of singletrack.

Where can I ride in the winter? I don’t want to damage trails.

Thank you! Many trails are sensitive to wet-weather riding. Carpenter Bypass is designed for winter riding—bring fenders and maybe a towel to sit on afterward. Alsea Falls is often good a couple of days after rain. North Shore (near Lowell) is a great cross-country option. The Ridgeline trail system has shared-use gravel trails, and Pipedream remains open in winter.

How do I meet more people to ride with?

Come to one of our Happy Rides, or the Taco Tuesday ride at Thurston Hills in summer and fall. You can also introduce yourself in the Eugene Mountain Bike Facebook Group to find riders with similar pace and preferences. Check our calendar or sign up for the newsletter for updates on group rides and trail work parties.

Why are you called the Disciples of Dirt?

Because we love dirt—and spreading the good gospel of trail stewardship.

Why should I join the Disciples of Dirt (DoD)?

Your membership helps us build and maintain more local mountain bike trails. You also get discounts at local bike shops like Lifecycle and Bicycle Way of Life. Considering how much we all spend on gas and bikes, $30 to support local trails goes a long way.

Can I donate more than the membership fee?

Of course! We’re a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so your donation is tax-deductible.

I’d rather pay more in taxes and let the government do it.

Us too—but we don’t set tax rates. We are advocating that the bike taxes collected on mountain bikes should go toward building bike trails instead of going to ODOT.

I don’t know anything about trail work. Can I still help?

Yes! Every one of us started with zero experience. You’ll learn quickly from more seasoned stewards.

I want to build a mountain bike trail in my neighborhood park/open space. Can you help?

Probably! First, contact the local land manager to ask about park adoption and whether other groups already maintain the area. Trail building takes longer than you’d expect, but we’ve recently helped build and adopt several local trails.

Which local bike shop should I go to?

We love all our local shops.

• Lifecycle carries Kona, Juliana, Norco, Pivot, Rocky Mountain, Santa Cruz, Transition, and Yeti.
• Bicycle Way of Life carries Trek and Scott.
• Hutch’s carries Giant and Specialized.

Show your DoD membership card for discounts on parts and accessories.

When will Eugene get more mountain bike trails?

Suzanne Arlie Park is slated for development in 2025. Eugene Parks and Open Space won a $1.2 million grant, matched with $800,000 from bond funds. Contracting has closed, and the project is required to be completed by May 2026.

I’m a beginner. How do I get started mountain biking?

Have a bike? Have a helmet? Go have fun! Work on basic skills by messing around on curbs—just like being a kid again. If you’re learning to jump, start small and progress slowly. Invest in knee and elbow pads because crashing is part of the sport. There are excellent skills clinics from Ninja MTB and Dennis Silvia-Young. Pump tracks (Creswell, Oakridge, and Horse Creek Lodge) are great for learning cornering and pumping.

Why aren’t you in IMBA?

IMBA does great work nationally, but many of the benefits they used to offer local clubs—like handling nonprofit administration—have declined. For us, the membership fee no longer made sense for the limited local benefit.

My kid wants to mountain bike. How do I get them started?

Bring them to one of our kids’ rides! If they’re middle- or high-school-aged, check out the Eugene Composite NICA Team. They practice twice a week from summer through mid-fall and race in five events across Oregon.