About us
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 riding 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 welcome all ages, shapes, and identities.
Bike types: At this time, 99% our group is on a manually-powered bike. Full suspension bikes are recommended for our rides. Hardtails are fine but know you might have a rougher time on some trails (I know from experience!) Bikes with no front shocks and no rear suspension (aka rigid bikes, ex: gravel, road, or cruisers) are not recommended. We may have some urban rides where this will be appropriate, but for the majority of our rides, you will not want to be on a rigid bike.
- A note about eBikes: We encourage you to follow the local laws and signs when it comes to eBikes. We have rides where class 1 ebikes are allowed and you're welcome to join! We also have rides on land where eBikes are not permitted, and we ask you to respect these rules and laws. Learn More
Active times: This group is most active May to October/November, shooting for 2 rides 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, La Pine, 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! We are getting off Meetup in 2027 because of costs. Stay tuned for updates.
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
3
Urban Group Ride
Juniper Swim & Fitness Center, 800 Northeast 6th Street, Bend, OR, USCome ride with us in and around Bend! Route TBA
Ride facts:- Route: 9 miles around Bend! Start at Juniper park, stop for a snack/drink at The Grove in NWX, then ride back to Juniper! Route map on trailforks
- Bike: Bring whatever bike you have! Since we'll be on roads, a gravel bike or ebike will work, too. (Just know most of the group is on human-powered bikes!)
- Meeting Time/Place: Juniper Park. See map. Arrive 5:45-5:50-ish, we ride out at 6! Text us if you don't see a group of people on bikes.
- Terrain: 98% street/bike lane
- Yielding: Ding bell if coming up on someone slower and to give pedestrians notice. Go slow around people and dogs. Uphill travelers have right of way. Stay in bike lanes. Let faster riders pass.
- Bring: Water, layers. All riders encouraged to carry a pack with supplies for flats/injuries. Be prepared!
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, leaders, and group members. All participants must wear helmets, no exceptions. Ride at your own risk.
About Wheezy Riders/Slow AF (And Fun): We are a Mountain biking group for people who want to have fun and not suck wind and feel like they're dying or falling behind the whole time. We have nothing to prove here! We go at a slower/social pace, stop when a group member needs it, and don't leave people behind. In 2027, we're getting off meetup.com (because it's expensive!) and changing our name to "Slow AF*" (*and fun). Led by Emily Mills and Rob Garrott.
12 attendeesUrban Group Ride
Juniper Swim & Fitness Center, 800 Northeast 6th Street, Bend, OR, USCome ride with us in and around Bend! Route TBA
Ride facts:- Route: 9 miles around Bend! Start at Juniper park, stop for a snack/drink at The Grove in NWX, then ride back to Juniper! Route map on trailforks
- Bike: Bring whatever bike you have! Since we'll be on roads, a gravel bike or ebike will work, too. (Just know most of the group is on human-powered bikes!)
- Meeting Time/Place: Juniper Park. See map. Arrive 5:45-5:50-ish, we ride out at 6! Text us if you don't see a group of people on bikes.
- Terrain: 98% street/bike lane
- Yielding: Ding bell if coming up on someone slower and to give pedestrians notice. Go slow around people and dogs. Uphill travelers have right of way. Stay in bike lanes. Let faster riders pass.
- Bring: Water, layers. All riders encouraged to carry a pack with supplies for flats/injuries. Be prepared!
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, leaders, and group members. All participants must wear helmets, no exceptions. Ride at your own risk.
About Wheezy Riders/Slow AF (And Fun): We are a Mountain biking group for people who want to have fun and not suck wind and feel like they're dying or falling behind the whole time. We have nothing to prove here! We go at a slower/social pace, stop when a group member needs it, and don't leave people behind. In 2027, we're getting off meetup.com (because it's expensive!) and changing our name to "Slow AF*" (*and fun). Led by Emily Mills and Rob Garrott.
3 attendees
Past events
13
