FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
MBO Planning
When will 2025 Registration Open?
How will ride selection work this year?
Can I switch the rides I signed up for?
I’d love to come but prefer not to camp. Ideas?
I am flying, do I need to bring my bike?
MBO trail levels & non-riding guests
I am a beginner mountain biker, will I be in over my head at MBO?
What if one of my ride buddies is not capable or interested to ride with the rest of our crew?
My non-riding partner/friend would like to come, can they join me?
I’d like to bring my child with me to MBO, is that ok?
Oakridge/Westfir questions
Will there be ice available for me to purchase?
Are there stores nearby where I can purchase food & beverages?
Is there poison oak in the area?
During MBO
How will my bicycle be transported to the trails?
How will I be transported to the trails?
Will there be afternoon shuttles to hop on?
What food will be provided at MBO this year? What times?
I am gluten or dairy-free or vegetarian, will you have food for me to eat?
Does the event provide beverages?
How does the Demo Bike program work at MBO?
Additional Questions
What is your cancellation & refund policy?
Can I sell my ticket to a friend?
Will there be MBO branded clothing and gear for me to purchase?
MBO Planning
When will 2025 Registration Open?
Registration will open soon! We will announce first via newsletter, so sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of this page!
Before you register, we recommend:
- CHOOSE YOUR TOP 2-3 RIDE PACKAGES
- READ all the information in the below links, MBO 2025 has some changes, don’t be surprised:
- This FAQ page – Read the whole thing!
- COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
- WAIVER – You’ll sign the waiver at the end of your online registration.
How will ride selection work this year?
When you register for the event you will select 1 of the 7 three-day ride packages. Each package is based on different preferred ride types and includes a different variety of trail options for three days of riding.
Each ride package will run as a POD, in which you will ride with the same riders and guides for the duration of the weekend.
Note: This excluded participants in the Ladies & Youth Clinic. Your shuttles are different.
Can I switch the rides I signed up for?
Choose wisely, we can not guarantee being able to change rides prior to MBO starting.
Disclaimer: If a package does not fill to capacity before event, MBO reserves the right to combine pods. We will call you and discuss options.
What is the camping like?
Camping is on 80 acres nestled between the base of Alpine Trail and the North Fork of the Willamette River at a scenic old Mill Site. There are grassy areas near the river for tents, and flatter areas for RV’s, trailers, vans, etc.
There are no hookups so come prepared to be fully self-contained. We ask if you run a generator, you be kind to your neighbors and turn it off between 9pm-7am.
No fires are allowed on the site. No exceptions.
I’d love to come but prefer not to camp. Ideas?
First look to see if Westfir Lodge still has availability. If not, go to our Camping & Lodging page to learn about motel and vacation rental options available in both Westfir and Oakridge, a short drive away.
NOTE: You will need to park in the small parking area on the left immediately after crossing the bridge. You will need to wait on the other side of the bridge in the mornings until our volunteer gives you the all clear to cross. Mornings are very busy and we have many buses and Uhauls trying to exit the one lane bridge to get participants on the trails. Please arrive early and exercise patience.
I am flying, do I need to bring my bike?
Do you rent camping gear?
No, we do not. You will need to bring your own with you, or borrow from your friends.
MBO trail levels & non-riding guests
I am a beginner mountain biker, will I be in over my head at MBO?
You should be an intermediate or advanced rider. The trails of Oakridge are not beginner-friendly. We do not recommend MBO being your first mountain biking experience UNLESS you participate in the Ladies Clinic.
What if one of my ride buddies is not capable or interested to ride with the rest of our crew?
Your friend can choose a different ride package. Don’t worry, we have options for different ride interests. And your friend will meet other awesome riders, heck, we’ve had folks get married after meeting at MBO, so you never know what will happen (ignore if your friend is married).
It’s important this year everyone choose a ride package that is within their riding ability means. You’ll still be able to hang with your buddy after the ride and it’s an opportunity to meet more awesome riding friends.
My non-riding partner/friend would like to come, can they join me?
Yes, we have a ticket for Non-Riding participants.
The ticket includes camping, breakfast, lunch, all you can drink at the beverage garden (for over 21). You will not be allowed to ride on the shuttles if you are a non-riding participant. We are camped on 80 acres along a beautiful river and there is plenty to do & explore for the non-riding participant.
I’d like to bring my child with me to MBO, is that ok?
Yes!
Kids ages 8-14 are welcome to join our Youth Skills Clinic. This way parents are free to enjoy shuttles rides during the day while your kid(s) are also having fun on their bikes.
Otherwise:
- Non-riding children are welcome at MBO and you will need to register them for appropriate ticket (depending on age).
- Kids between the ages of 13-16 are welcome to register as a rider if they can ride intermediate level mountain bike trails and parent agrees to ride with them at all times.
- Kids between the ages of 16-17 are welcome to register as a rider and ride solo if they can ride an intermediate to advanced level trail.
- All children under 18 will need to have their parent sign a waiver.
- Please note that any minor that is deemed to be “over their head” on any given trail and/or presenting a danger to themselves, others, or guide team will be pulled off ride and arrangements made for them to be returned to camp.
Note: After 8PM the Beverage Garden turns to 16 & older.
Be aware that MBO is an event with mostly adults and the beverage garden may not be the most appropriate place for children.
Can I bring my dog?
We would REALLY prefer if you leave your dog at home during MBO. If you have to bring your dog, your dog must be on leash and with its owner at all times.
Dogs are not allowed on the shuttles or on the trails during MBO. If you plan to ride all day and are coming solo, you may not leave your dog at camp all day while you ride.
The camp is in full sun and can get very hot during the day while you are out riding and there isn’t much shade to safely leave your pet. If you have a ticketed non-riding participant joining you at event that can assure your pet is watched over then we will consider on a case by case basis.
During MBO
Are the rides guided?
Yes! Our MBO Guides are highly trained and will be with you on the trail to keep you on track, build the stoke, guide the way, offer encouragement & assure you have an amazing time!
The guides train throughout the year, ride the trails often, are First Aid/CPR certified. There are a minimum of 3 guides on every ride (The Rabbit in the lead, the Middle guide for support, and the Sweep to assure everyone stays on trail and give extra encouragement to those that may need it).
How will my bicycle be transported to the trails?
MBO rides include the shuttling of bicycles from the MBO main event site to various ride trailheads.
Bikes are shuttled by:
(1) placing numerous bikes in a U–Haul type truck using blankets as separators between bikes; and/or
(2) placing bikes into rooftop or front or rear mount bike racks.
The people handling bikes attempt to handle the bikes with care and to avoid damage to bikes, but due to the number of bikes handled, the number of bikes being transported, the rough roads traveled to reach trailheads, it is possible a bike may sustain damage in the shuttling process. Such damage may be cosmetic only, minor, or significant.
You agree to hold MBO and those handling the bikes during the shuttle process harmless from any claims for property damage, and to defend and indemnify them from any claims.
If you are concerned about minor or cosmetic damage to your bike you may want to consider “frame wrap” products such as InvisiFRAME, Ride Wraps, Module, Cameleonskin.com, or the like.
See the following PinkBike article for more info and products.
How will I be transported to the trails?
We will be using school buses and shuttle vans. It’s like you are back in school but a lot more fun!
Will there be afternoon shuttles to hop on?
Yes, we will offer afternoon shuttles. Shuttle times and locations will be available at the actual event.
Can I bring my E-bike?
Yes, but the only Ride Package that is 100% e-friendly is #4: “Amped Up.” This package is open to pedal-only bikes as well as e-bikes.
We have noted which trails allow e-bikes on the Ride Package page so be sure to choose carefully when picking your package or demo bike. Our permit is very strict on what trails allow e-bikes and you may miss your ride if you arrive with an e-bike on a shuttle that they are not allowed.
NOTE: For package #4, only class 1 (no throttle & under 20 mph) e-bikes are allowed at MBO.
You need to be self-sufficient in charging your bike, we will not be providing electricity and there are no charging capabilities in the campground.
What food will be provided at MBO this year? What times?
Breakfast
- 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM on site, Friday, Saturday & Sunday mornings.
- Provided by Oakridge’s local The Campfire, home of Cowgirl Cook’n. The menu will include a variety of breakfast options with breakfast burritos available each day. There will be options for vegetarians (egg & dairy eating), vegans, and GF eaters.
- You are also welcome to bring your own items to supplement breakfast as needed.
Lunch
- Pick up prior to boarding your shuttle rig for the day, Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
- Lunch will be a pre-packed bagged lunch of a sandwich (lunch meat or peanut butter & jelly), chips, fruit, & a bar.
- You are also welcome to bring your own items to supplement lunch as needed.
Dinner
- 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM onsite Friday & Saturday
- Food carts will offer a variety of meal options for meat-eaters, vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free.
- NOTE: You are responsible to purchase your own meals from the food carts, via cash or credit.
- More details about the carts will be available closer to the event.
NOTE: We are not able to cater to all special diets (especially celiac). If you have special dietary needs, please plan to bring your own food.
I am gluten or dairy-free or vegetarian, will you have food for me to eat?
- Oakridge’s local The Campfire, home of Cowgirl Cook’n prepares a hearty breakfast every morning. This includes options for vegetarians (egg & dairy eating), vegans, and GF eaters. We can not guarantee a flour free environment for celiac diets.
- Lunch is a pre-packed bag lunch & will include a sandwich (lunch meat or PB & J), fruit, chips, and a bar. At this point we are not sure if we will be able to offer GF bread or not.
- We are unable to safely cater to gluten free diets as there are too many areas that risk gluten items touching non-gluten items. If you are gluten free or vegan, we suggest bringing your own food.
- Afternoon and evening food carts will have items for vegetarian, vegan diets, and gluten free options as well. We have asked all food carts to cater these diets.
All participants are welcome to bring meal supplements to ensure you get the nutrients and provisions you require for days of riding.
Does the event provide beverages?
WATER
We will have water stations set up around the registration area where you can fill hydration packs and water bottles.
HYDRATION & RECOVERY DRINKS
Scratch Labs is our awesome hydration sponsor. They will have products available each day before shuttles start and in the afternoon.
ADULT BEVERAGE GARDEN
- 6pm – 7pm on Thursday, 4 – 10pm Friday & Saturday
- Always a good idea to have your own beverages available to drink outside of those hours.
- The garden provides Oregon’s best wine, beer, kombucha, & cider and is complimentary.
- We have a variety of non-alcoholic beer & ciders for our guests that prefer NA.
- Food carts can offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverages for your purchase.
How does the Demo Bike program work at MBO?
Once you arrive at MBO and check-in, you can go to the bike demo booth area and reserve your bike for the next day. Check-in with multiple bike companies and set up reservations for multiple days of the event. Demo bikes are limited and are NOT guaranteed – we highly recommend that you bring your own bike. If you are taking an e-bike demo, you are responsible to ensure that the trail you are scheduled to ride allows e-bikes. Each bike demo booth will have a list as well as at the registration tent and on our website.Oakridge/Westfir questions
Will there be ice available for me to purchase?
Our friends at the Westfir Lodge (a short walk across the covered bridge from event) will have bags of ice for sale if you need it.
Are there stores nearby where I can purchase food & beverages?
Across the bridge (walking distance):
- Westfir Lodge has a small Mountain Market with assorted drinks, beer, and specialty items as well as delicious house-made pierogi.
If you need to do a large amount of grocery shopping, we encourage you to head into Oakridge (5 miles away) where they have a large grocery store, Ray’s Food Place.
Is there poison oak in the area?
Yes, you can find poison oak in the area, although most riders are fine. Bring extra gloves and riding clothes if you are sensitive. We highly recommend you bring Tecnu wipes or wash to rinse off with after each ride. Unfortunately, we will NOT have Tecnu wipes to give away this year as the company was recently purchased and they are no longer providing samples to events.
Whose ancestral lands of Indigenous People is MBO on?
Oakridge and Westfir sit on the ancestral lands of the Kalapuya, Molalla, Winefelly and Yoncalla.
We are honored and thankful to be able to host MBO in such a sacred location.
Are there other fun things to do nearby?
Yes:
- Cascades Outdoor Center (across the bridge from event) offers river rafting.
- Willamette Fish Hatchery
- Tons of hiking options
- And more!
Additional Questions
What is your cancellation & refund policy?
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
Our policy if you, the participant, needs to cancel:
- Until April 15th: 75% of registration fees refunded.
- April 16th – May 23rd: 50% refund.
- From May 24th, no refunds will be given.
- Note: in addition, until May 23rd, all refunds will also include a 3% deduction for the registration processing fees.
The above policy also applies if we, the organizers, have to cancel the event due to COVID-19, fires, acts of God, smoke, or any issues out of our control.
For 2025, we are not able to offer 100% refunds due to expenses that must be paid even if the event does not occur. These include (but are not limited to) permits, insurance, registration fees, third-party vendors, transportation and administrative expenses. Thank you for your understanding.
Can I sell my ticket to a friend?
Yes.
If you need to transfer your ticket to a friend, please email us at Director@mtboregon.com and make sure the words “Transfer Ticket” are in the subject line.
Am I allowed to come and go from the event as needed, or are there specific restrictions on driving in and out?
To avoid any confusion, please be aware of our strict policy on driving in and out of the event: If you need to come and go during the event, you must park in the small parking area to the left immediately after crossing the bridge onto MBO grounds. This area is reserved specifically for staff and participants who need to drive in and out, especially in the mornings. In the mornings, the bridge is closed to all regular traffic as our buses, Uhauls, and shuttle vans leave with participants. You will need to wait in your vehicle until a volunteer on either side of the bridge signals it’s safe to drive over. If you know you’ll need to leave early in the morning, make sure your vehicle is parked in this area the night before. No vehicles are allowed through the bus loading area from 6:30 AM until 1 PM. After 4 PM, you may come and go freely, but always be cautious of vehicles crossing the one-lane bridge. Please arrive early and exercise patience to ensure the safety and flow of the event.Will there be MBO branded clothing and gear for me to purchase?
We have an new MBO online store for fun MBO branded items that you can purchase and have shipped to your home to bring with you to the event. We will also have a booth at the event that sells MBO branded gear.
Who maintains the trails used by MBO?
Several local trail groups as well as the staff, guides, & owners of MBO work to maintain the trails used by the event. The local trail groups include: Oakridge Trails Alliance (OTA – a formal consolidation of Alpine Trail Crew Association and the Greater Oakridge Area Trail Stewards), The Disciples of Dirt (DOD), & the Scorpions Trail Crew.
When was the event started?
Mountain Bike Oregon began with humble roots in 2005 and had only 34 riders – there were more guides than riders! Riders were from over 10 states and had a blast, then went home and told all their friends. The MTBR website was flooded with buzz about Mt. Bike Oregon and the news of this awesome new event spread like wildfire.
In 2006, the event came into its own and sold out with 300 riders from 20 states. Following years included a second weekend where there was a sell-out crowd as we are committed to always keeping our numbers small. Mountain Bike Oregon is special because of the community that comes together to ride, and we want to preserve that awesome atmosphere. We also believe it is important to respect the trails and keep our impact to a minimum.
The event has consistently been named in the Top 10 Mountain Bike Festivals in the country and the trails in Oakridge are known as some of the best in the world.
