This event isn’t just about pedaling a road or mountain biking through beautiful stretches of country side. It’s an opportunity to learn more about rural life in our southern Oregon and northern California communities. Breathe the fresh air as you ride along uncrowded roads. Enjoy our hospitality and small town atmosphere while you learn about our history.
150 years ago, along the banks of Lost River, sharp cracks of rifles broke the restful silence of the Klamath Basin igniting a tragic war between the Modoc Indians and U.S. Army. This Memorial Day Weekend, you’re invited you to join the Malin Community Service Club in “Remembering the Modoc War.” Cycle along the uncrowded backroads of the beautiful Basin in the shadow of majestic Mount Shasta.
Witness first-hand where the war started and where many of the battles took place. Explore Captain Jack’s Stronghold, a natural fortress where 55 Modoc warriors held off a U.S. Army force of several hundred troops for six months. Ride along roads where Army soldiers were marched into battle. Talk to local historians about the land and cattle barons and their relentless efforts to remove the Modoc from the Basin, the Modoc’s desire to stay in their homeland since time immemorial and the plight of the soldiers and settlers friendly to the Modoc caught in the middle.
Whether riding a bicycle or not there is plenty to see and do in the region, so bring your family and enjoy the weekend. Start your adventure at a pre-ride reception on Friday (4 – 6 p.m.) at the Malin Broadway Theater. Pick up your ride packets, meet with other cyclists, enjoy refreshments, view a video on the Modoc War, discover new activities to explore and learn about the history of the area.
Day 1: Choose from four routes that begin and end at the Malin Community Park in Malin, OR – 100-mile Century, 60-mile Metric Century, 38-mile and family friendly 13-mile road routes; plus a 22-mile mountain bike route in the Medicine Lake Highlands.
Day 2: Gravel Grinder Mix covering distances of 73 and 54 miles and a family friendly 13-mile route. All gravel routes begin and end at the Butte Valley Community Center in Dorris, CA. Participants of the two long routes will ride along the flatlands of Butte Valley, including the Butte Valley Wildlife Area, farms, ranches and up to Juanita Lake. Views of snow-capped Mount Shasta and Goosenest Mountain are plentiful.
Learn more and register.