Race Info

Race to Support MBSEF

All proceeds generated from the U.S. Bank Pole Pedal Paddle support the programs of the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation (MBSEF).

MBSEF is a non-profit organization that promotes and supports amateur alpine, cross country, snowboard, and cycling training for junior athletes. Our main objective is to assist junior athletes in achieving their individual athletic, academic, and personal goals.

The program's guiding philosophy is to encourage academic achievement and promote the positive values of competitive sport: sportsmanship, self-discipline, goal setting, character building, and the pursuit of healthy lifetime activities.

MBSEF would like to thank everyone who makes this event possible. This includes the athletes, sponsors, volunteers, and the City & citizens of Bend, Oregon.

The Race

It's a relay race, with six legs that include alpine skiing/snowboarding, cross-country skiing, biking, running, canoe/kayaking and sprinting to the finish! You can do it all yourself or be part of team (or pair). We invite you to take part in the festivities and enjoy Central Oregon.

1. The Alpine Leg starts at the top of Mt. Bachelor's Pine Marten chair lift with a mad dash uphill to put on your skis. The skier wearing his/her helmet (helmet required) will pass through the SG gates to the exchange point by West Village Lodge.
2. In the Cross Country Leg you can use the skate or classic techniques to ski around the parking lot and onto the Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center's groomed trail system for 8 km. The change to cycling takes place in front of the Nordic Lodge parking area.
3. The Bike Leg is a beautiful ride into Bend along scenic Century Drive for 22 miles - the majority being a descent, except the one uphill stretch after the Sunriver junction. The biker then proceeds to Colorado Avenue for the next exchange point. Helmets are required and drafting is not allowed.
4. The Run Leg leaves the exchange point and heads towards the scenic running trail along the Deschutes River. After completing the 10k course the runner passes the lanyard to the canoe/kayak participant.
5. The Canoe/Kayak Leg paddles upstream from put-in point for 1/2 mile on the Deschutes River to Healy Bridge then back downstream for 3/4 mile, then back upstream for 1/4 mile to the sprint exchange. Any float-worthy craft that does not have oarlocks is legal. Dress appropriate, the Deschutes River can be cold in the spring. Floatation devices are required.
6. The final Sprint Leg is along the grassy banks of the river to the Finish Arena from the Canoe/Kayak take-out, is approximately 1/3 mile in length. Cheer everyone on for the final leg!

Race Divisions

Lost & Found

• Lost & Found check points will be at Mt. Bachelor (382-2607) and the White House (behind the stage on Shevlin-Hixon Dr.) in Les Schwab Amphitheater on the day of the race. MBSEF is not responsible for lost equipment.
• Use the tags provided in your Bib Packet. Put your name, address and phone # on ALL equipment.
• Bag your small items (bike gloves, helmet, shoes, etc.) and label the bag.
• PICK UP ALL EQUIPMENT WITHIN ONE HOUR AFTER YOU FINISH. The Exchange Captains or MBSEF will NOT be responsible for your equipment after the deadlines. Bikes MUST be picked up by 2:00pm and boats by 4:00pm.
• All participants must arrange for their equipment to be brought down from Mt. Bachelor.
• Please do not give the volunteers a bad time about checking your ID; they are trying to protect your expensive equipment.

Aid Stations

There will be Cytomax and Earth20 Water at the following locations:

• Cross Country Ski/Bike Exchange
• Bike Course: Century Drive near Widgi Creek Golf Course
• Bike/Run Exchange
• Run Course: Mount Bachelor Village Resort South Entrance
• Run Course: Near the Healy Bridge at the north end of Mount Bachelor Village along the river trail-at turn around
• Run/Canoe Exchange
• Canoe/Kayak Finish
• Finish Arena

Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol and other qualified volunteers will be along the race route with radio contact for emergency assistance. Ask for help if you need it! There will be operators from the Central Oregon Amateur Radio Operators along the bike and run courses to provide assistance if needed.

First Aid

Medical facilities are available at Mt. Bachelor through Ski Patrol and the Mountain Medical Group. Sheriff cars and the Central Oregon Amateur Radio Operators are along the bike course with radio communication to 911. In the Les Schwab Amphitheater, representatives from Desert Orthopedics and Mt. Medical will be set up near the finish line. Aid Stations will have contact with 911 and the Mt. Bachelor Ski Patrol and volunteer doctors and nurses, all of whom have had first aid and CPR training.