Getting Muddy for a Cause: The Good Dirt Ride 2025
- Jace
- Feb 26
- 3 min read
There is something special about rolling up to an organized event when you have absolutely no idea what you’re getting into.
My dad, my buddy Nigel, and I didn't look up any YouTube videos or route maps before showing up to The Good Dirt Ride 2025. We just loaded up the bikes, packed some orange water bottles, and decided to figure it out when we got there. What we found was an incredible community, a legendary river crossing, and one of the most fun days we've had on two wheels all year.
Here is why this event is officially on the SoCal Biking calendar for next year—and why you need to ride it with us.
Rolling in Blind (and Nigel's Missing Shirt)
We checked in right on time. My dad and I got our numbers, strapped the plates to our bikes (which is always a bit of an ordeal), and grabbed our official ride t-shirts. Nigel, in classic Nigel fashion, registered too late and missed out on the shirt.
The starting line energy was electric. Seeing a massive pack of cyclists come together, chatting it up, and admiring everyone's bikes is exactly what this community is all about. Plus, they blocked off the streets for the first section of the ride. Let me tell you, pedaling down a closed street with hundreds of other riders just makes you feel like you own the road. Take that, cars.
Biking with Purpose
Before we kicked off, we had the chance to meet "Good Dirt Kurt," the guy who took over running the show a few years back. Kurt and his team didn't just put together a fun dirt route; they rode to make a massive impact.
This year, the ride raised funds for Team Africa Rising, ultimately donating an incredible 1,850 bikes to the African continent. I always love biking for a cause. It gives the miles a little more meaning. It also pumped me up for my own goal: riding 200 miles in September for the Great Cycle Challenge to help the Children's Cancer Research Fund. Finding another ride that gives back just makes the whole experience that much better.
Pavement, Dirt, and a 6-Year-Old Legend
The route started with a long, smooth stretch of pavement before transitioning into the main dirt ride.
As soon as we hit the dirt, I immediately had a thought: I should have brought the custom gravel bike. It would have eaten up this specific terrain perfectly. But I wasn't the only one out there having a good time on whatever rig they brought. We saw a dad riding alongside his six-year-old son, who was absolutely crushing a 10-mile stretch. Seeing a kid out there pushing pedals and having a blast was definitely a highlight of the day.
Waterworks & Nigel's Swim
Without a doubt, the best part of the entire day was a section called "Waterworks."
It’s exactly what it sounds like—a super slippery, rocky river crossing. It’s tricky, it’s slick, and it requires some serious focus. Naturally, Nigel hit the slippery rocks and ended up taking a dive straight into the water. (Don't worry, he survived, and yes, it was hilarious.)
I managed to keep the rubber side down. Better yet, I saw the official event photographer set up by the water and knew it was my moment. I pulled up, pedaled hard right across the water, and he snapped an absolutely epic photo. As the guy who is usually holding the camera for the SoCal Biking crew, getting a killer action shot of myself was a massive treat.
Join the Crew Next Year
We crossed the finish line, grabbed some delicious chewy bananas, and hung around for the raffle. We didn't win the grand prizes, but we walked away with some cool gear and an amazing experience.
Consider this a formal call-out to Donnie, Cris, and the rest of the SoCal Biking community: You are coming with us next year. The Good Dirt Ride is an incredibly fun event for a genuinely great cause, and I highly recommend everyone put it on their radar.
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