DF Connection

In this episode, we uncover one of Oregon's most surprising World War II stories: the only mainland U.S. bombing by enemy aircraft. In 1942, a Japanese pilot launched from a submarine off the coast of Brookings and dropped incendiary bombs on Mt. Emily, aiming to spark chaos and forest fires.

Decades later, the same pilot returned to Brookings not with bombs, but with a gift: his family’s 400-year-old samurai sword — a gesture of peace and reconciliation.

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This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces.

Meet David Toste, or "Toast" as we call him at Dirty Freehub, and Michelle Taylor. In this episode, Toast, Michelle, and Kira Corbett of Dirty Freehub take a ride along the Deschutes River Trail in Biggs, soaking in the stunning views of the gravel route while also connecting with the experience of being fully present in their bodies. Both David and Michelle have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, a condition that has shaped their journey into gravel cycling. Instead of focusing on limitations, they celebrate what their bodies can do—when they can do it. In this episode, they share their personal stories of living with MS and reflect on how this "snowflake disease" manifests differently for each of them, offering a powerful reminder of resilience and adaptation.

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This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces.

All Access Episode #3

All Access Episode #2

All Access Episode #1

In this episode of The Connection , we speak with Michael Orwick, an oil painter whose work is deeply inspired by the unique light and atmosphere of the Pacific Northwest. Michael shares his artistic journey, from studying illustration at the Pacific Northwest College of Art to transitioning into landscape painting. He describes his creative process, which focuses on capturing fleeting moments of illumination during sunrise and sunset, using layers and a mix of warm and cool colors. Michael also explains how his style leans towards impressionism, using optical mixing and broken brushwork to create energy and movement in his art.

He draws inspiration not only from the Pacific Northwest but from his global travels, including a year-long trip where he painted with children from orphanages around the world. We are thrilled to incorporate some of Michaels work in our upcoming ride guide and possible future collaborations with Michael and other artists alike.

Portfolio Site  

On this Episode of the Connection we tune in with Dr. Jim Rivers as he provides an insightful conversation about the marbled murrelet, a fascinating seabird with unique behaviors and a complex relationship with both ocean and forest ecosystems.

Dr. Rivers explains how this small seabird, the size of a robin, flies long distances inland to nest in old-growth forests along the Oregon coast, challenges facing the marbled murrelet population, and conservation efforts.

It’s a deep dive into the lives of a fascinating bird and an important conversation about how wildlife ecology connects to broader environmental concerns.

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This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces.

In this episode, we dive deep into the history of the Monterey Cypress with Nancy Appling Salucci of the Heritage Tree Committee and Beth Dehn of Oregon Travel Information Council. What makes this unique tree so special, and why did it stand out in a world of towering giants? We explore its origins, the man who planted it, how this impressive tree came to be on the rugged coastline of Oregon, and what it looks like today. 

In this episode, we sit down with Tony Bixler, the President of Local Ocean Seafoods, a popular restaurant and fish market in Newport, Oregon. Tony shares the story of how Local Ocean was founded in 2005 by Laura Anderson and Al Pazar, focusing on sustainable, local seafood from the Oregon coast. He discusses the restaurant’s changes to improving overall workplace sustainability and emphasizing the importance of supporting locally-owned businesses and buying local seafood. Not only does this reduce some of the environmental impacts but also supports ethical fishing practices and boosts the local economy. Tony’s tips for finding local secrets in the food industry are also an important tool to keep it local. Learn about where the majority of Oregon seafood comes from!

Local Ocean Seafoods

When it comes to cycling in rural areas, there is a chance you may cross paths with dogs..most likely livestock dogs. How do you know if they are aggressive? What happens if you get bit? We join two different perspectives - a K-9 officer and a veterinarian with a background in canine behavior. Glen Scruggs, a retired Oregon police officer has worked in the field for 27 years, 7 of which were with a K-9 provides perspectives on the laws and legal matters surrounding canine bites. Dr. Chris Pachel who is a veterinarian working in the behavior space for the last 20 years shares insights into canine body language, territorial instincts, and how to prepare yourself as a cyclist passing by. 

Dr. Chris Pachel Canine Information

30 Minutes Over Oregon tells the true, powerful story of reconciliation after war. In WWII, a Japanese pilot bombed the continental U.S.—the only enemy to do so—and returns 20 years later to offer a heartfelt apology. This children's nonfiction book, illustrated by author and illustrator Melissa Iwai, blends history with beautiful watercolor artwork where she captures the moments of healing and forgiveness. She shares insights into the creation process from her research trip to the Oregon Coast  to the challenges of bringing this significant story to life.

Stay connected with Melissa:

A carnivorous plan you say? The Cobra Lily, also known as Darlingtonia californica may look like a snake poised to strike but is actually a carnivorous plant that contains unique characteristics. Throughout the episode, our guest Haleigh Martin from Klamath-Siskiyou Wild (KS Wild) emphasizes the significance of personal connections to nature, advocacy in the environment, and identifying more about the Cobra Lily.

For more information on Cobra Lily and KS Wild:

Two stunning geological formations in Central Oregon offer a wealth of insights into the beauty and complexity of these balancing or “ghost” rocks. Shaped by volcanic activity and erosion over millions of years, our resident “rock doctor” Dr. Kim Ely explains how the cliffs were formed, highlighting four distinct geological formations. Dr. Ely also gives advice on how you can find and visit these natural wonders of Oregon.

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This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces.

Uncover the fascinating history behind this unique landmark with Ryan Parker, a beach ranger from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. In this episode, we discover how a massive Cascadia earthquake in 1700 led to the preservation of ancient trees, whose stumps now emerge from the sand at low tide. Through these geological processes, the ghost forest was born. Ryan shares about the best times to visit for a glimpse of these remarkable stumps covered in marine life, essential tips for safely exploring, and tide considerations surrounding Neskowin. 

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This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces.

Creating illusion through color - from an artist's perspective. We delve into the world of local Pacific Northwest artist, Spencer Reynolds, whose stunning coastal paintings are a reflection of the raw beauty and power of the Oregon coast. We speak with Spencer about his unique artistic style and the inspiration he draws from the rugged landscapes of the Pacific Ocean.

Spencer describes the Oregon coast as one of the most beautiful coastlines in the United States, with its dramatic cliffs, powerful storms, and resilient flora that have shaped the landscape over time. His art captures the essence of this untamed beauty, blending elements of impressionism with subtle surrealism to create captivating and vibrant pieces.

Dr. Win McLaughlin, a geology professor at Southwestern Oregon Community College, provides us with a deep understanding of the geology, history, and ecology of the Oregon coast. The Oregon coast is filled with unique geology which is characterized by its young age and the presence of sand dunes formed during the ice ages. She describes how the sand dunes are formed, ecosystems within and nearby, potential impacts of climate on the dunes, and the salty terrain to consider as a cyclist! She also talks about the Whisky Run mountain bike area.  

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This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces.

We delve into the intricacies of weather patterns along the Oregon coast with Dr. Paul Loikith, an Associate Professor of Weather and Climate Science at Portland State University. Dr. Leuketh provides valuable insights into heavy storms called atmospheric rivers, emphasizing their significance in influencing extreme weather events like heavy precipitation and strong winds in the region. He highlights the importance of monitoring weather forecasts, particularly for cyclists planning trips to the coast, to avoid getting caught in hazardous storms.

Photo Credit: A heavy storm hits coastal Lane, Oregon. Credit: Bonnie Moreland

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This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces.

Join us as we explore the intersection of gravel cycling and public land access, uncovering the untapped potential of landlocked areas for outdoor enthusiasts. Our GIS Specialist, Ben Purcell, who has been working with the Bureau of Land Management since 2017 happens to be a bit of a map enthusiast himself and delves into the potential benefits and consequences of opening up these landlocked parcels for recreational use. 

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This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces.

In this episode of The Connection, we delve into the rich history and cultural significance of the Nez Perce homeland through the insightful perspectives of Katie Harris Murphy, Vice Chair / VP of Board, Wallowa Band Descendant and Joshua Sigmund, Facilities and Grounds Director at the Nez Perce Valhalla Homeland. Located in Eastern Oregon, the Nez Perce Homeland holds a special place in the hearts of those who have been displaced from the region. 

Katie and Joshua emphasize the mission of the homeland, which aims to deepen the connection between the Wallowa country and its people, both local and distant. They highlight the importance of providing opportunities for descendants to reconnect with their ancestral land and heritage, share about the Tamkaliks celebration, and the opportunities to engage with the Homeland as gravel cyclists.

Nez Perce Homeland: https://www.wallowanezperce.org/tamkaliks

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This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces.

This episode is part of our logging series which covers topics in safety, education, and what we need to know as recreationalists in active logging areas. In this episode, we connect back with Jennifer Beathe, Forester and Outreach manager of Starker Forests and Austin Finster, owner and operator of Finster Forestry. We have an open discussion about recreating around logging equipment and what recreating around these areas look like. 

Our guests today provide stories and topics about one of the most important things that we can do as recreational users which is to know where we are and whose land we are on and whether or not we have permission to be there.

In this episode, the Dirty Freehub team goes on a tour to Alder Creek Tree farm with Jennifer Beathe, Forester and Outreach Manager of Starker Forests. During the ride to Alder Creek Tree farm in Corvallis, Oregon, we dive into identifying the recreational and rider safety around logging operations, the dangers involved in this type of work, what to look for as a rider and prioritize safety, and what it means as a recreational user through these areas. 

This episode is a part of our multipart series of logging.

In this episode, the Dirty Freehub team goes on a tour to Alder Creek Tree farm with Jennifer Beathe, Forester and Outreach Manager of Starker Forests. During the drie to Alder Creek Tree farm in Corvallis, Oregon, we dive into identifying the recreational and rider safety around logging operations, the dangers involved in this type of work, what to look for as a rider and prioritize safety, and what it means as a recreational user through these areas. 

This episode is a part of our multipart series of logging.

If you've ever cycled through Oregon, you might have passed under the canopy of a Red Alder tree. In this episode, we chat with Glenn Ahrens, an extension forester from Oregon State University, about everything related to alders and conifers. We'll also explore various tree species native to Oregon, learn how to identify them, and discover what a forester's favorite tree might be.

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This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces.

Jason Kirchner joins us from Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in Newport, Oregon to dive into one of nature’s most enigmatic creatures: the wolverine. As the District Wildlife Biologist, he answers questions like: What are wolverines? What do they look like? How do they behave? Where do they reside? Separating fact from fiction, we will reveal whether they truly are an intense fictional-feeling species or if they are just as friendly as your pet dog.

Photo Credit: USFWS

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This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces.

Located in Harney Basin in eastern Oregon, Malheur Lake sits within the 187,000 acres of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, an area that is an important wildlife habitat. Aquatic Biologist, Dominic Bachman, at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge shares insights into whether this body of water is really a lake or not, ecology, history, and conservation efforts within the refuge.

Did Oregon even have black pioneers? Listen to our interview with Zachary Stocks, Executive Director of Oregon Black Pioneers (a non profit which preserves the history of Black Oregonians) to find out more about this whole topic.  When did black pioneers arrive in Oregon? What were some of the places where we ride bicycles today that were utilized by these early settlers? 

Riding next to scenic terrain, such as the Wallowa Mountains, are often in very remote and rural areas. Many of these rural areas in Oregon are active rural areas so while you may be out for a Sunday morning gravel ride, there are many ranchers actively working.

Listen in on Eric Makela, the Vice President of the Wallowa Mountains Bicycling Club, and his advice to not only have fun out in rural rides near the Wallowas but also how to stay safe and alert while out there.

Welcome to Pine Mountain Observatory, nestled in the serene landscapes of Oregon about 34 miles southeast of Bend. In this episode, we unveil the highlights of the night sky with our guest, "astro monk" Alton Luke, Head of Operations at Pine Mountain Observatory and a key figure in the University of Oregon's Physics Department.

Today we get to peer through the lens of Alton’s perspectives as he takes us on an astronomical exploration to share more about the observatory, how to prepare for visits, and what kinds of celestial events to look out for. 

Do you ever see some bright green, shrubby looking creature on a gravel ride? This organism is likely Letharia Vulpina (and no it does not have magic or poisonous powers like a spell) which is also knows as Wolf Lichen. Bryologist, mycologist, and lichenologist Tim Wheeler works to dedicate his life studies towards nonvascular plants and over the last 20 years now holds 16,000 specimens in his collections (some of which are named after him!) Joining us as Wheeler describes some fascinating tidbits on this creature we commonly call Wolf Lichen.

Where do beavers live? What's their impact on other wildlife? How do they impact the surrounding property where they live? When should we reintroduce them? Can you relocate a beaver? Are they a protected species in Oregon? How have the laws recently changed about beavers?

They may be cute ... but are wild burros actually helpful or harmful? Dr. Erick Lundgren who is an ecologist with a lot of research concerning wild burros, horses, and other introduced megafauna discusses the topic of wild burros (which are also called wild donkeys). He addresses perspectives that might encourage you to look at these animals a little differently when you come across them riding in Arizona, California or Nevada.

His research can be found at: https://ejlundgren.github.io/

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This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces.

Travel Oregon recently announced they will fund the nonprofit Dirty Freehub to create 20 to 25 gravel cycling All Access Ride Guides across the state of Oregon.  These electronic guides are designed to help adaptive athletes, ebikers or other cyclists such as the 75 year old athlete with aerobic challenges, the person who got busy with life and gained 30 pounds, the person new to cycling, and the families who want to ride together, find great gravel bicycle routes. The routes included in the guides will be shorter in distance, have less elevation gain, not be remote, and use wider roads. Kevin English, Co-Founder and Director of Routes and Technologies, discusses about Dirty Freehub's new addition to Ride Guides called "All Access."

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This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces.

The juniper tree is an iconic tree across Central and Eastern Oregon and yet, in some places they are being removed. Find out the real scoop about this unique tree from Gena Goodman-Campbell who is the Stewardship Director at ONDA (Oregon Natural Desert Association) where she works to engage volunteers in hands-on restoration projects in Oregon's high desert habitats. Gena has been a key member for ONDA's staff since 2007.

Today we meet with Patti Lynch, a former Law Enforcement officer, to talk about Search and Rescue and what that looks like in times of trouble.  When should you call Search and Rescue and what happens on their side to deploy a rescue. As a cyclist, what should you carry that will really make a difference when things go south.

This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling Ride Guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces.

Meet Harley Rustad, author of “Big Lonely Doug: The Story of One of Canada’s Last Great Trees.” In this episode, Dirty Freehub’s Sarah Burch interviews Harley about his book for the READ & RIDE program. Learn what inspired Harley to write Big Lonely Doug, how his book has impacted the ecotourism and environmental movements, and so much more!

Let's meet Ken Wu, former Executive Director and co-founder of the Ancient Forest Alliance, who has spent years protecting ancient forests in British Columbia, including being a major player in protecting the Big Lonely Doug. 

Ken tells how he named the iconic Doug Fir tree which is located in Vancouver Island. He also talks about how the indigenous people of Canada play a vital role in protecting these iconic trees and how you can be involved in saving them for future generations. 

Meet TJ Watt, Big Tree Hunter and co-founder of the Ancient Forest Alliance. TJ is an award-winning nature and conservation photographer from British Columbia whose images have helped bolster campaigns to secure the protection of important environmental areas.

In this episode, TJ explains how he got interested in big trees, what it's like to climb into old-growths, and how he came about his Before & After photography series. He also explains his connection to the Big Lonely Doug, the 2nd largest Douglas Fir in Canada that is located in South West Vancouver Island.

In Yachats, Oregon the town pays tribute to indigenous heritage through a story about Amanda.  How did this one story come to represent the history of the local tribe? Joanne Kittel started out wanting to donate 1/2 miles of land in Yachats, Oregon to support the Oregon Coast Trail.  This turned into 30 years of research and advocacy work about the local tribes. Joanne has written numerous articles on the history of the tribes (with their explicit involvement and approval.).

Listen in as she explains the fascinating story of the indigenous coast tribes, why a key component of the story is focused on a woman named Amanda, and how the tribes remember their heritage today.  The interview also includes the stories about how grizzly bears also once roamed this area. 

This podcast explorers how Kristen and Ville Jokinen met and fell in love while scuba diving in Vietnam. Ville then left his native Finland to join Kristen in Oregon, and together they embarked on a life-changing two-year cycling adventure covering 18,000 miles from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Ushuaia, Argentina. Despite never having cycled further than around the block, they persevered unrelenting, punishing rain and wind, altitude sickness, dog attacks, bike accidents, and countless flat tires to cycle between the ends of the earth. Kristen and Ville believe that kindness connects us to our shared humanity. They held babies, attended quinceañeras, drank pulque, played soccer, and visited schools. People in Mexico, Central America, and South America invited them into their hearts and homes, allowed them to camp in their fields and farms, and acted as personal tour guides. Kristen and Ville are love on wheels, and who doesn’t need a little more love in their lives?

Where to find Kristen and Ville:

In March 2022, Chris Cole, a local Bend artist, installed a new sculpture in the Discovery West neighborhood. This new public art in Bend, Oregon is a tribute to Annie Londonderry, the first women to bicycle around the world in 1894 and 1895. The seven foot tall, inverted pyramid design includes decorative bike cogs, ship window, and illuminated image of Annie and a descriptive plaque. Visitors can get a peek into Annie's life and history through the porthole.

What is a fish hatchery? Why are they important? What fish do they raise? What impacts the survival of the fish? Our guest is Kyle Bratcher who is a District Fish Biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and he will discuss fish hatcheries with an emphasis on the Wallowa Hatchery in Enterprise, OR.

Ever visited a location from your favorite book? Cool, right? Dirty Freehub's new READ & RIDE allows you to do just that! READ & RIDE matches 5-star gravel routes with books to create a memorable journey. Read to learn, then ride to bring the pages to life! No worries if books aren't your jam — you can still learn about the places you'll ride through podcasts, videos, and more. 

In this podcast, Sarah Burch from Dirty Freehub introduces the first episode of the Read & Ride program featuring Big Lonely Doug, the tree that has become a symbol for saving old-growth forests.

The Wallowa Mountains in NE Oregon have the most complicated and longest geological history of any range in Oregon. In this podcast, we talk with Dr. Kim Ely, a geologist, about this unique and beautiful area. You will learn how to "untangle what you see" when riding in the Wallowas!

So many great gravel bike routes go by wind turbines. What does it feel like to hang hundreds of feet in the air working in the elements? Learn all about wind turbines as Chris Kutach talks with David Anthes who is a rope access technician (and fellow cyclist). What does that mean? David repairs the blades on wind turbines while dangling from ropes.

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This podcast is produced by Dirty Freehub, a nonprofit organization that publishes hand-curated (and great!) gravel cycling route guides. Our mission is to connect gravel cyclists to where they ride through stories about culture, history, people, places, and lands with the hope that they will become involved as advocates, volunteers, or donors with organizations that protect and preserve recreation spaces.