Course descriptions for our events    Note: this is assuming dry weather conditions.  Inclement weather or fire danger will dictate probably running only B or C courses, so as not to damage trails.  Letter designations are in key with typical AMA enduro class descriptions.

AA: VERY DIFFICULT [extremely advanced] -  sophisticated and complex trails that are only passable by a real dirt bike. Extreme uphills/downhills and trials-like sections, which require lower gearing.  Aggressive knobbies required.

A: DIFFICULT [advanced] - plenty of challenging trail that requires advanced trail techniques.  Aggressive knobbies highly suggested.

B: MODERATE [normal] - moderate or mild trail skills required.  Larger single-cylinder or two-up bikes should easily traverse these  sections.  Generally passable by an advanced Jeep/driver combo.  Regular dualsport tires are acceptable.

C: EASY [very easy] - practically no trail.  Mostly gravel road. Passable by large 2-cylinder bikes, two-up, sidecars or most any 4-wheel drive.  Regular dualsport tires are acceptable.

Here's a helpful check-off list of things to do before showing up for this event: Say to yourself, "Self, remember that the staging area is at the Diamond Mill OHV Staging Area near Lees Camp and the ODF Forestry Center. Mount a rollchart holder on your handlebars. Post your rider number on the front of your bike. Confirm number by clicking on "List Of Entries Thus Far" at top of this page. If you didn't pre-enter, your number will be assigned at event. Bring raingear (This is Oregon, so you never know!). Make sure you have your state's current OHV sticker installed. Pack a good assortment of tools in your fanny pack for unforeseen, trail repairs. Also put a few dollars in your fanny pack so you can purchase lunch or snacks along the way. Be sure to carry items to repair a flat tire. The staging area has plenty of room, but that's it.  Pack camping gear/food accordingly, if overnighting. Be sure your spark arrestor/muffler is QUIET! Loud bikes - stay home! Do that maintenance on your bike that you keep putting off: check nuts/bolts, oil, air filter, tires, chain...

• 1/24/13: To sweeten the pot even more for you riders, we now offer the Rocky Mountain Race Gas Program to all event entrants! CLICK HERE to read about it!

• 11/28/12: August 17 is the proposed date we have submitted for next year's Rat Dog, FYI! And we are changing the staging area to be Hollywood Camp!

• 8/15/12:We are heading out for the duration beginning Thursday, so no more email or phone communications afterwards - see y'all there and plan on a GOOD TIME!

• 8/13/12:Just posted the Pre-Ride Poopsheet! You can view/print it in the List of Entries Thus Far link above! Read it, know it. This is gonna be yet another GREAT ride - see ya there!

• 8/8/12:FYI, pre-entry will close this Saturday August 11 and it will be post-entry only out at the event afterwards - show up, there's plenty of room! And we only take cash or checks, no credit cards! Also, to provide more incentive, we will be handing out TWO $50 BILLS at the event - so plenty of incentive to show!

• 8/6/12: We were out laying out some A course yesterday - hoooo boy, it's gonna be good for you expert riders! Have some fun stuff planned on the easier courses too!

• 6/19/11: So you know, we will be teaming up with the Annual OMRA Poker Run with our Rat Dog - the more, the merrier!

• 6/12/12: The Black Dog was a huge hit, so now time to start working on the Rat Dog!

• 3/4/12: The Rat Dog flyer is now posted above for those that prefer mail in!

• 12/19/11: We officially have our date for 2012: August 18! And it's our 10th annual too!

• 8/11/11: What an awesome time we all had and so many great people out for a fun time! Thanks also to Cardenas Motorsports and Beaverton Motorcycles for the great prizes. And congrats to Tiny Knight and Cindy Roberson for each going home with a crisp $50 bill!

• 8/3/11: Heading out to the start/finish for the duration of the event, hope to see you all there! Should be an awesome weekend for riding! FYI, pre-entry is long closed and post entry only out at the event - show up, there's plenty of room! Oh, and we only take cash or checks, no credit cards! Oh, and to provide more incentive, we will be handing out TWO $50 BILLS at the event - now there's no reason not to show!

• 8/1/11: Hope you all have good brakes, because the course has plenty of scenic vistas, which means you'll have to come down from the summits! CLICK HERE to see the course profile!

• 7/30/11: The Preride Poopsheet is now posted! You can view/print it in the List of Entries Thus Far link above!

• 7/27/11: Just got back from an 8-day OBCDR Trip - was awesome! Going out Sunday to preride the Rat Dog courses with the ranger. Looks like we'll be staging out of the same area as last year (Cedar Creek). Everything's coming together!

• 7/11/11: Sheesh, the flyer is posted (click the link above)! At the moment, we've reserved the Cedar Creek OHV Staging Area again for the event, but if we hear back with positive vibes from Tillamook County, we're hoping to again stage out of the Trask County Park like we did in the past, stay tuned!

• 6/9/11: Well, now that the Black Dawg's done, it's time to focus on the Rat Dog! As we always do, we plan on changing things up again this year. We plan on also having new routes for everyone. The B & C courses will really be beautiful and fun and the A routes will put the challenge onto the A riders!

• 12/5/10: We got the 2011 Rat Dog Ride officially entered on both the Tillamook State Forest and OMRA Event Calendars, so the stars are lining up!

• 8/8/10: We busted our fanny, (had problems then laughs with our preride crew and had to call Search-and-Rescue) but things worked out awesome for the event. The weather was great and it sounds like the rollcharts were dead-nuts on. The sidecars had fun on the C course, the B course had some tasty treats and the A riders were sweating heavily when they came in - a great event! The help and sweep crews are by far the best ANYWHERE! Again, thanks everyone who showed and we look forward to next year's Rat Dog! -Tom

• 8/4/10: That's it - taking off early Thursday morning to finish laying out the courses with some awesome helpers/riders! See ya'll out there for a FUN time, and don't forget to bring a roll of Scotch tape. See everyone out there!

• 8/2/10: Wow, the weather will be PERFECT for this Saturday's ride! Be aware there will be NO MORE email, web or cell phone access after Wednesday night, since we will be out there finalizing the courses!  Head's up! ALL motorbikes are required to have an Oregon ATV tag if you are off pavement in Oregon on public lands! This event is on public lands, so the cops might be out checking! CLICK HERE to get more info on Oregon's ATV tags! (There IS reciprocity between states if you have a tag from the state you live in). CLICK HERE to find out where to get a tag near you or on the way to the ride!

• 7/26/10: We have the Pre-Ride Poopsheet posted, so go check it out (above)!

• 7/20/10: Wow, have we got a sweeeeet ride for everyone! Some brand new stuff too! Finished laying out most of the B & C courses last Sunday and will finish up the A & AA options this Saturday. Am I actually ahead of schedule - what the ????

• 7/15/10: Am heading out this weekend for some serious recon and course layout. It's gonna be fun! Refreshing too, since it's in the Coast Range! I mailed out a few flyers for the event, so if some of you that receive them have already entered, please pass onto your riding buds!

• 6/16/10: The Rat Dog flyer is now posted, so sign up today!

• 12/1/09: The 2010 Rat Dog Ride will be: August 7!

• 8/5/09: Thanks everyone for showing up! Although there was no trail options (due to the fire level), we heard nothing but great comments about the course - and the Coast was nice and cool! See ya'll in 2010!

• 7/31/09: The Pre-Ride Poopsheet has been posted (see above)! See you all out there!

• 7/27/09: There has been requests of a detailed map of the Cedar Creek Staging Area. Just click on the link above to view it!

• 7/24/09: After returning from vacation, we've updated all the entries and mailed out some spare flyers. Going out this weekend to mark/confirm the routes!

• 7/6/09: The Rat Dog flyer is posted! After being very busy since the Black Dog, we're now working on the Rat Dog. Permits and routes are submitted and we are quite sure you all will REALLY enjoy this year's ride!