The Best of Both - The Ultimate Dual - Discipline Bike Race

06/06/2023

We strive every year to make the Best of Both an event that isn’t just about hours of making small rocks smaller. And we have evolved each year to accommodate our own vision for a unique bike racing experience, while encouraging riders with less experience of endurance cycling to join us on a tough and unique pedaling endeavor. Our WIP 2024 plan is developing. Yes, we will accommodate motivated racers and they will rollout under the arch with unknown challenges that relate to their choice of equipment, their strength of character, and their fitness over the most diverse terrain. But we will also evolve our participation options for those who are less confident and experienced in this challenge because during the blur of staging this event, the most satisfying thing to witness is those who haven’t really come to race, they sign up “attempting to finish.” Their experience maybe the richest of all and they are the reason we bought a blow-up finish arch in the first place.
If we can truly pull it off in 2024, the Best of Both will be something to behold, once again inspired by the original mission - a tough day of self-propulsion on bikes that puts the riders personal experiences and achievements central to the day. Stay tuned to our channels for updates and tell your mates.

16/09/2022

Oregon dirt rules.

03/09/2022

#2023

07/08/2022

The battle of the 2022 Best of Both mens solo Transition race was an epic fight to the final miles. Tyler Pearce (The Vegan Cyclist ) vs our local hero, Ryder Uetrecht went toe-to-toe for 85 miles over epic terrain and in awesome conditions here in Bend this past June.

Check Tyler’s recap from inside the race as they work together and attack each other FTW.

https://youtu.be/f-sXMuFANfc

3 different bikes, one course, one race, Best Of Both is the most unique bike races I’ve ever done. This cycling race has it all, you start on a Gravel bike,...

20/06/2022

We wanted to thank all of YOU for participating in the Best of Both race! Hail, rain, headwind - it was tough weather but we hoped you also enjoyed the scenic views, champagne gravel, fast grippy trails, and of course 10 Barrel Beer!

This race wouldn't have been possible without the long days of help from our volunteers and along with our sponsors and beneficiaries:









Bend Sustainability Fund

19/06/2022

Podiums at 6p. All riders get free tacos and a beer!

18/06/2022

Single steed mens 1 and 2 right now coming over the summit of mt bachelor.

18/06/2022

It’s game day! Course conditions - stellar, Temps - rising gently, stoke High!

18/06/2022

Just a reminder that open rollout can start as early as 7:15 - 8:15AM and competitive race starts at 8:30 AM.

Open Rollout (7:15-8:15AM) - Start with this group if you want to ride the course as a challenge; non-competitive

Race Start (8:30AM) - Competing for podium and prizes.

17/06/2022

1 mile out on the gravel descent into transition. The course conditions are without a doubt the best we have ever had. Single track hero dirt and fast firm gravel. At 9 am today the temperature was in the late 30’s until a mile into the road decent where it jumps to mid 40s.
Join us for this final edition of the best of both presented by staring from wanoga snow park in less than 24 hours. There will be no in the day registration but you can Register at packet pickup 3-7 pm at see the event guide agate link in our bio for the full lowdown on this epic final effort.

17/06/2022

Let the countdown begin...

Final Best of Both Race - Saturday June 18th

17/06/2022

Don't forget! We are still giving away a frame after the race! Get your raffle tickets and check out their booth at the race. (Raffle tickets available on our website!)

17/06/2022

We have riders coming from 8 states to this years event and heres California rolling into town for the third year running - and Pizza Steve.
A lot of folks out enjoying the great dirt and mild weather while reconning sections of the 2022 course. This is the last year to get stoked on multiple bike options and our super diverse terrain - the best of both finale!. Come sign up at packet pickup tomorrow held at 3-7 PM and get your game on!

16/06/2022

⭐️ Win a titanium frame ($3299) value! All donations benefit Get your tickets on our website. ⭐️ https://www.racethebestofboth.com/masi-bikes-incanto-non-profit-draw

The New Masi Incanto Specs:
- Titanium Frame & Fork
- Titanium Seatpost
- Axle 12x42
- Dropper post compatible
- Tire clearance up to 650b x 2.1 in the rear depending on tread

16/06/2022

Some live course pics from our course marking team including a new water feature on the Single steed course. You can still register at packet pickup tomorrow held at the Embark Building, lolo drive, bend between 3 PM and 7 PM. Don’t miss the last edition!

16/06/2022

What time do I start?
Where is the transition point?
How do I know where to go?

On our website, check out some of our event specifics so you are ready to ride, race, or relay.

✅ Event Overview ✅
- On the events tab on our website
- Bird's eye overview of all categories
- Race timings
- GPX files & transitions

✅ The Event Guide ✅
- Race agenda
- Venue information
- Post-race party

✅ Format / Rules / Equipment Page ✅
- The Need to Knows
- FAQs
- Equipment recommendations

15/06/2022

Online reg has less than 24 hours to run. In person reg is at package pickup 3 - 7 PM Friday at packet pickup. There will be no on the day registration. Don’t miss the final edition.

14/06/2022

The best of both 2022 event guide is available to view and download on the event website at the link in our bio. Check out our mini expo with our headline sponsor and helmet and optical sponsor
Venu food/drink options come from our brewery sponsor and tacos are served by the excellent Saucy Senorita. Get familiar with venue access times and where you can buy those all important race supplies our packet pickup venue. Online registration closes on Wednesday at 4 PM. Register in person at packet pickup but be aware we cannot register riders on the day of the race.

13/06/2022

Zeroing in on next weekend we want to share the final week registration options for those who are still on the fence or just busy and distracted - but motivated.
We close online registration on Wednesday June 15th at 4 PM PST.
Register in person at the packet pickup event on Friday 17th on premises at .bend and between 3 PM and 7 PM
There will be no on-the-day registration options.
Thanks to those who have supported us and who will show up and help send this last edition up in style. Thanks to our sponsors - both local and national.
Podium@prizes come from with podium jerseys from
Register between now and Wednesday on the website and get that race-day game plan dialed!! For those racing, the event guide will be in your inbox later today.

12/06/2022

The Masi Incanto draw tickets are live on the best of both site. This beautiful titanium gravel frame and fork is generously donated by our headline sponsor and your donations (for tickets) benefit our local junior MTB Team - build that dream gravel rig and brag hard to your mates that you don’t ride carbon.
Try your luck at winning this stunner by donating for entry at the link in our bio. Good luck!

11/06/2022

⭐ GIVEAWAY ⭐

In support of the final edition of the Best of Both and our non-profit beneficiary - Deschutes Composite Mountain Bike Team Masi donates this spectacular titanium (frame) Carbon (fork) Incanto gravel frame and fork set in SIZE MEDIUM.

HOW TO ENTER:
1. Enter here: https://www.racethebestofboth.com/best-of-both-masiincantodrawing/p/the-best-of-both-x-craft-2022-endurance-jersey
2. The drawing will take place June 18th, 2022, during the Best of Both awards ceremony at the Embark Building behind Crows Feet Bike Shop, 2843 NW Lolo Dr, Bend, OR 97703.

DETAILS ON
BIKE PRIZE:
Few modern brands are as inextricably linked to cycling culture as Cicli Masi. Founded in 1926 in rural Florence, the small enterprise grew and evolved through the vision of one dedicated and committed young man to become one of the most celebrated institutions in the history of the bicycle.

10/06/2022

This time next week we will be preparing to deliver the final edition of The Best Of Both - an event that exists to push riders out of their comfort zone while inspiring those with a sense of adventure to indulge an unforgettable day of mixed surface bike racing like no other.
As always, the glide path into the event is turbulent and filled with challenges - weather, courses, logistics. But we are ready for you.
Roll up to the start of our slightly sun 100 mile courses with your plan. Ride up to three bikes in our transition race. Go solo on a gravel bike over our dedicated singe steed course featuring 75% off road terrain. Team up with a fast freind and divide the load - one ride on the road, one rider on the dirt.
If you have eyes us as a bucket list event or future ambition, this is your year. Don’t miss it as we won’t be back! Once more into the breach dear friends. Sign up at the link in our bio.

09/06/2022

Check the link in our bio for the guides on race details for the Transition Solo Race, The Single Steed Race, and the Team Relay Race.

1. Race FAQs - the whens, wheres, and whats

2. Bike & Equipment Guidelines - rules, formats, and advice

3. Race Day Timings
6:30-8am - Transition Racers Check-in
7:15-8:15am - Open Rollout for those who do not want to race in the main group
8:30am - Race Group starts in waves

4. Download the 2022 courses and GPX files

08/06/2022

Transition, Solo, or Relay - get those bike (or bikes if you are racing with more than one) ready to shred.

✅ Well-tuned bikes that is a proper fit and size for you. Masi Bikes
✅ Pedals you are comfortable in.
✅ Shoes comfortable for your pedals of choice.
✅ Helmets! POC
✅ Spare tube, flat repair
✅ Cycling gloves, hydration, sunscreen, snacks

Chariot Bikes will also be our mobile mechanic during the race thanks to Julia Sparks!

#

07/06/2022

Race Logistics - are YOU ready to race? There is so much to think about getting ready for a big race but don't forget to have some fun shredding on the trails, lay in the (hopefully no) snow, soak in the views, and remember why you bike.

Oh yeah...and drink beer thanks to our sponsor 10 Barrel Brewing Company

Sign up for the last race Best of Both - here in beautiful Bend Oregon!

06/06/2022

Due to a lack of registration we have decided to cancel the Sunday “Joy Ride” gravel ride at the final edition of the Best of Both. If you have registered, we will refund you in the next 48 hours.
Our full focus remains on the Saturday Mixed Surface / multiple bike/ Team Relay event and we have plenty of fun and epic terrain in store for you! We’re around 10 days out and online registration will close 48 hours before the day of the event with no on the day registration available. If you’re on the fence or undecided, it’s time to jump in or out and participate in the final version of the most unique endurance bike race in the nation. Game on!

06/06/2022

has raced and holds the title for the Best of Both in 2019 and 2021. “It is such a beautiful place to race/ride a bike and the chosen routes definitely show that!! I also love the challenge/excitement of switching terrains and bikes. This is the type of race that is exciting the entire time.

I love both the dirt and the road. As an athlete that trains both on and off-road equally, it is a really cool opportunity to then race both on the same day. I also love the idea of a relay, I feel like this makes the event available to everyone of all skills and abilities. You get a little bit of everything, what’s not to love?”

Anna’s Bike Specs:
Mountain and Gravel Sections: Trek Supercaliber (a cross-country MTB worked well and did not feel like a disadvantage for Anna)
Road: Trek Emonda

03/06/2022

Ride your bike! Happy World Bicycle Day!

31/05/2022

Some 2021 rollbacks.
2022 will be our final edition. Excited to end the most unique endurance cycling event in the nation on a high note. Thanks to a small, but loyal community in Bend who have supported the idea and helped us to make it a reality over the last five years. Our goal was never to simply support you throwing a leg over a bike to make small rocks smaller. We existed to inspire bike riders of all genders, fitness and experience levels to indulge something original with multiple options and a challenging yet beautiful course. Over the last five years we have raised $25,000 for local non profits including and NICA MTB team. We have consistently and energetically promoted women’s and youth participation at the event. We have created access for those with ambitions to win, or simply the ambition to finish. Yes, It has been a struggle and the small team that puts this event together each year can feel satisfied and proud of the achievement.
2022 is your last chance to in Bend. Don’t miss it.