August wrapped up the third year of the Ride the Dirt Wave (RTDW) race series, presented by the Oregon Coast Visitors Association. Te event drew riders from across Oregon and beyond to Klootchy Creek, Whiskey Run, and Newport.
Here are some of the highlights from 2025:
- Riders traveled far: 66–74% of participants came from more than 50 miles away.
- Families are growing with the series: 17% of racers were under 18, with several families competing together year after year. One family from Florence has raced all three years, and their kids now regularly make the podium.
- Diversity on the trails: The average racer was 39 years old, 21% of the field was female, and 25% competed on e-bikes.
One of the standout stories this year came from a rider who traveled from Santa Cruz with five friends. After seeing the Underexposed: Oregon Coast short film while riding in Ashland, they decided to change course on their summer trip. Instead of heading home, they drove to Bandon, rented a house for the week, golfed, explored the trails, and joined the Dirt Wave festivities. The film has already reached more than 33,000 views, inspiring visitors from Utah, Arizona, and beyond to follow the Dirt Wave trail system up the coast — even those not lining up to race.
Another group from Florence has raced all three years, traveling together with kids who now regularly make the podium. A young couple from Portland, who nervously lined up for their very first race back in 2023, have returned every year since, becoming part of the event’s growing community. And in Newport, longtime participants have been spotted weeks before race day, staying locally to pre-ride the trails and enjoy the coast.
“The Dirt Wave has a way of pulling people in,” shared Series Director Daniella Crowder. “We’re seeing more families, more travel groups, and more riders making the Oregon Coast their summer destination.”
Now entering its fourth year in 2026, Ride the Dirt Wave has grown into one of the Oregon Coast’s signature tourism events. As the only Enduro Race Series in Oregon, it not only showcases the coast’s world-class trails, but also brings new visitors into small communities who stay longer, spend locally, and return year after year. With a fourth venue on the horizon, the wave of excitement is only building.
Read the full 2025 report here, and check out the Underexposed: Oregon Coast film below!