The Bandita in us is pushing limits and breaking through our inner boundaries. Together, alongside our fellow Bandita’s – we are one. Head down, eyes up, with a smirk of determination. It’s time to break through, shine and be free.

The Dusty Bandita is a women’s gravel bike race built not only to expand our presence in a male-dominated sport of bike racing, but to inspire ALL women to go beyond their limits, physically and mentally – dig deep, climb the big climbs, and take the inside line; Breathe in the crisp Montana air and leave our cares behind. The distance options available are for the racer or adventurer alike. We want to instill the feeling of freedom and confidence while we ultimately broaden the field of women cyclists entering cycling events throughout the local area, state, and nation.

Come ride for the experience, the personal challenge, and the spirit of competition. Let’s rally together, fellow Bandita’s, while exploring on two wheels; don’t look back, we’re forging forward! See you at the starting line on June 1, 2024!

See all the deets on our calendar page!

See our events page for all the deets on this long running Montana race.

First up on what is becoming a packed schedule for Montana gravel racing is The Montana Gravel Challenge, in Missoula on April 26-28. Gravel racing has overtaken both road and mountain bike racing in Montana, partly due to our amazing options for riding and racing dirt in our beautiful wild state. See our events page for all the deets on this fun race!

Missoula was host to the Pan-Am ‘cross champs the weekend of Nov. 4&5. We are so excited to have Montana chosen for these elite races! The Pan-Am races happened on the heels of Rolling Thunder, which took place the weekend before. See our results page for all the details!

See our results page for all the deets..

Flathead friends (and family) came home with some well earned awards! (Matty B., Levi H., Jess C., Rachel D., Stella H., Amber S.)

Women’s 60 Mile Podium!

Kalispell racer, Amber Steed, stands atop the podium at this year’s Last Best Ride Race. Over 500 racers from all over the country partook in the (fast becoming) best gravel grinder in the country. Amber came back after a badly broken ankle, which happened in a crash with a loose dog in The Spirit Bear Gran Fondo in June. Despite being sidelined for several months, she outrode all the other women in her race! See our results page for all the deets!

Jess Cerra, Amber Steed, Lizzy Boar and Rachel Desimone dominated at this year’s Spirit Bear race! See our results page for all the details!

For the uphillers and downhillers:

And just for the ladies!:

You won’t want to miss this fun and challenging race on some of the most beautiful Flathead Valley gravel roads and exciting single track! See our calendar for all the deets!

Even if it doesn’t look like it, spring is right around the corner, and we are getting our calendar populated with rides and races! If you have an event you would like posted, send it our way! And if you are itching to ride bikes fast in the dirt, check out this fun XC race coming to Helena in May. We love this race! It’s a great start to the mountain bike racing season!