UNRally UNBlog v2.0

June 28, 2018

A few weeks ago, a group of us met on the Alvord Desert in Southeastern Oregon to camp, ride, and chill for a weekend.

There were no fairgrounds, no group rides, no tire-changing seminars, no presentations, no vendor flags, no dualcorkers, no ride check-ins, no quiet hours, no awards, and absolutely no f-ing raffles. It was the opposite of a rally: an UNRally.

We have six UNRally principles:

• Principles, Not Rules – We hate rules, and don’t want any.
• Active Participation – We, the participants, are the entertainment.
• Self Reliance – We come prepared and we take care of ourselves.
• Leave No Trace – We pack it in and pack it out.
• Everyone’s Invited – However, participation is capped by the BLM.
• No Commerce – We’re not working, selling anything, or promoting anything.

Last year we had 60 people, this year there were 95. I counted 35 cars, vans, and campers Saturday morning. The rest were on bikes. It’s awesome how 95 people feels like nothing in a space as wide open and expansive as the Alvord.

When the wind picked up and scattered showers crossed the mountains on Saturday, about half the vehicles cleared out. Those who stuck around – the dusty survivors – were rewarded with awesome riding in cooler temps, a fun and intimate fire Saturday night, and pristine weather Sunday. The Alvord is a place of extremes – heat, cold, wind, water, sun, and dryness –  and this year did not disappoint.

Huge thanks to everyone who contributed to such an epic gathering. We’re already brimming with ideas for next year. Let’s take it up a notch. I seriously cannot wait.

Pics from Bryon Dorr, Exploring Elements

Pics from Hekter Elliot, HekterVision