What we’re about
Have you ever been the last person in the group ride? Or left behind? Wheezy Riders is THE mountain biking group for people who are looking for a group they can ride with... and not die! This is the group to get outside, have fun, and not feel like you have to prove something.
Our culture:
- This is not a "beginner's" group and we do not provide instruction, though you may get tips from other riders from time to time. We ride mostly greens and blues.
- Our pace is often "social" meaning an average person would be able to talk and ride.
- We encourage you to be vocal about needs (breaks, fixes, fuel) We often stop at hilltops or when the group gets spread out. We don't leave people behind.
- We encourage each other. We welcome all ages, shapes, and identities.
- We will cancel or reschedule rides if smoke AQI is 100 or above.
Active times: This group is active May to October/November with AT LEAST 1 ride per month. We have weekday evening rides and weekend rides. Anyone is welcome to host a ride or suggest a place or route–just message Emily and we'll put it on the calendar! Expect rides at Phil's Trail, Peterson Ridge, Maston, and local canal trails.
This group is free to join but tips are appreciated to help with costs for Meetup.com ($300/yr) and stickers. If you want to tip, you can donate via Pledge below, or to the founder's venmo: @emilyamills - Please put Wheezy Riders as the memo!
From the founder, Emily Mills: I moved to Bend in summer 2022 and was eager to get back into mountain biking after a years-long break... but I quickly realized my exercise-induced asthma put me not only in the slow groups, but the very back of the slow groups. I even got left behind on one group ride. I REALLY wanted to participate and make MTB friends, but it was very apparent that I couldn't keep up with the "all skill levels welcome" groups that didn't *actually* welcome all levels. I knew there had to be other people who felt the same way, so I founded Wheezy Riders to be a slower-paced, low-pressure group that wouldn't leave you behind.
Upcoming events
1
Welcome Center ride - last ride of season?
Cascade Lakes Welcome Center, 18500 Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, Bend, OR, USWell folks, it's November and that means group rides are ending for the season! It's a bit harder to predict good weather ahead of time (and good dirt!) as winter approaches, so this will likely be our last *official* ride of the season. I always encourage number sharing so you can continue riding with friends in the offseason.
Ride facts: Park at the Cascade Lakes welcome Center. Welcome Center, 18500 Cascade Lakes National Scenic Byway, Bend, OR 97702
- Route: TBD! I (Emily) haven't actually from this location yet, so I don't have a route in mind! I'd love to decide a route with whoever shows up. Perhaps Ticket to Ride or Storm King?
- Time: About 2 hours
- Terrain: Trails around this area are green and blue trails but still some technical areas. Some shade with pine trees. There are some spots where you "hike a bike" and a few hills, there's no shame in needing a break!
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the posted start time. We wait about 5 minutes for stragglers and then ride out. If you arrive late, you're out of luck on this one since we have no predetermined route!
Bring:
- Layers. Looks to be about 52º at ride time. Low chance of rain but you never know!
- Water in a hydration pack.
- Fuel: Carbs and sugars are the best mid-ride fuel. Protein is for after!
By participating in a group ride you agree to take ownership and liability for yourself and your bike at all times and do not hold accountable Wheezy Riders or any group leader or member. All participants must wear helmets. Ride at your own risk.
2 attendees
Past events
9
