The Dusty Bandita 2026 — Ovando, MT

PRIORITY REGISTRATION FOR MT ALPHA PRO MEMBERS: 1/9 8:00 AM (Please note if you join between 1/9 and 1/11 it will take up to 3 hours for us to process and add you to priority list) GENERAL OPEN REGISTRATION: 1/12, 8:00 AM Time to hop on your steed and ride; bandana’s up, weapon of choice - our legs and our will. The Bandita in us is pushing limits and breaking through our inner boundaries. Together, alongside our fellow Banditas - 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 gravel 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 Banditas, while exploring on two wheels; don’t look back, we’re forging forward! See you at the starting line! _________________________ MISSION STATEMENT The Dusty Bandita is an event dedicated to increasing the presence of all identifying women at cycling events by providing a safe and encouraging environment where one can build confidence, push limits, explore beautiful places, and experience an invigorating camaraderie on and off the bike. __________________________ Distance Options *courses are on our website - they are subject to change pending snowpack and weather conditions: 45-ish mile (~3000' of climbing) 85-ish mile (~6,500' of climbing) Registration includes: Race Entry Race packet/goodies from sponsors Post-race food and beverage for racer only (food by Chef Liz Kenyon !) Raffle tickets for amazing post-race raffle prizes Finishers bandana Bandita status and being surrounded by fellow Banditas! __________________________ USAC insured gravel event - no licenses needed __________________________ Inclusivity Statement Founded in 2022, The Dusty Bandita was the first women’s gravel bike race in the U.S. Since its inception, the event has grown in both impact and participation, and we’ve broadened our scope to be an inclusive, affirming space for all riders who identify as women, non-binary, or gender-queer. We use the term women+ to intentionally include these identities and to honor communities that have been historically marginalized in the sport of cycling. Our goal is for all women+ to feel welcome, comfortable, and celebrated at this race: you belong here. While participation is reserved for women+, we warmly welcome men as spectators and volunteers. For many of us, they are our partners, family members, and friends, and we value sharing these meaningful moments alongside them. We also encourage participants to bring the women+ in their lives; to ride together, support one another, and cheer each other on. As the first event of its kind, The Dusty Bandita carries a strong sense of feminine energy. We celebrate the diversity of every person who attends and encourage everyone to show up as their full, authentic selves.