Trip Overview Map

The Grind: A Daily Log

Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions

Bend is an awesome town! There's a ton of activities to partake in if you love the outdoors. The river runs right through town so you can either hop in a kayak or tube and float down the Deschutes. Food in town has a lot of healthy tasty options.

Day 2: Let's Go Racing!

Started off at the Cascades campus of Oregon State University. The gate kicks you off in batches with groups at different levels. Legs are fresh so get after it.

Day 3: Round 2 Fight

Legs are still fresh, you can really ride hard still. Go for it and get after it.

Day 4: The Reality Sets In

Legs are not fresh, you hurt a lot.

Day 5: Full Stride

Legs hit a new found energy, you worked through yesterday and you can get after it again.

Day 6: Chunky Death

By far the hardest day of racing. You're sore. You hurt. Bike is tired. You don't want to eat gels... The trails are incredibly chunky and punishing. The reward is HUGE, you can rest easy now and eat some food with your new found friends.

Photo Gallery

Tips for Future Grinders

• Packing:Get at least 2 containers! (Everything should fit in 1 container) When you get off the bike you'll be tired, packing is much easier with the little bit of extra space.
• Transportation:Bicycle and Car. You can get everywhere on your bike but if you want a short trip grab a car.
• Food:During the stage race the food is catered and very tasty, load up on carbs, they are your friend.