When most people think of a bicycle race, they envision a pack of riders jockeying for position on a paved surface. The Skull 120/60/30 Gravel Grinder, taking place June 16 in Harney County, is something completely different.

Following a multi-surface course that winds across public lands, participants in the Skull 120 (120-mile course) climb a cumulative total of 10,000 feet in elevation, coast the downhill portions, pedal through water hazards, and try to stay focused as they pass through scenic Eastern Oregon.

Competitors in the 60-mile and 30-mile races might not cover as many miles, but they will still experience similar obstacles and exhilaration.

The race had its beginning just last year when the Harney County Chamber of Commerce, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service, and Oregon State Parks got together to form Adventure Harney in an effort to increase tourism in the county and get more people enjoying the outdoors.

Mandy DeCroo, assistant field manager-resources with the BLM, said the collaborative’s goal was to better, as well as use, the outdoors and promote what the county has to offer.

“The race was something that we could put together and get it off the ground quickly,” DeCroo said.

Last year’s race drew 22 competitors, and this year’s event already has close to 70 participants registered, the majority in the Skull 120.

Douglas Kile, GIS specialist for the BLM, helped to design the three courses and is an avid bicyclist. When asked if riding in gravel grinders is considered an “extreme sport”, Kile answered, “Ours is.”

He noted that some participants have called it the toughest gravel grinder in America, while another stated, “Put this race on your bucket list.”

All three races start and end at Triangle Park in Burns, and all three courses incorporate Skull Creek Road, giving the event its title. Kile said the 120 course eventually crosses Emigrant Creek, and racers then have the “luxury” of climbing 17 miles uphill to the top of Snow Mountain, an elevation of 7,164 feet.

“It’s an awesome view,” Kile said. “Then it’s down to Delintment Lake, which is a pretty spot, Emigrant Creek, and the Pine Springs Basin before coming back into town.”

DeCroo added that REN Cycles, one of the race sponsors, will have a scavenger hunt set up along the Skull 120 course to add to the fun.

There will be seven aid stations located along the three courses to provide medical assistance, food, water, limited bicycle tools, and communications.

Tara Thissell, public affairs specialist for the BLM, said Harney County Search and Rescue, Harney EMS, Harney County Sheriff’s Office, Burns Paiute Tribe, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife also provide resources to make the race a safe and memorable event, with additional support from the cities, county, and volunteers.

Following the race, an after-party is held for all those involved.

“There’s a good feeling among the people there,” Thissell said. “They’re competitive, but in a friendly way, a good group of people.”

DeCroo added that last year’s race received good feedback on how all the agencies worked together.

“The racers said they felt like there was good support throughout the race, including communications,” DeCroo said. “You don’t have cell service up there, so we use radios to make sure everyone is safe and accounted for.”

Kile rode in last year’s race and commented, “It’s fun competing against others and riding the course I laid out.”

The competitors will be coming in from all around the country, and organizers expect to see the event continue to expand its numbers.

“It’s probably going to grow to the point where we’ll have to put a cap on it,” Thissell said. “It’s a collaborative effort between agencies and the chamber to bring people here and share the public lands with everyone.”

To register, visit adventureharney.com by June 14. To volunteer to help with the races, contact Mandy DeCroo at 541-573-4474.