The Dusty Bandita
- Date Sat 6th June 2026
- Time 8:30AM MDT
- Location Ovando, Montana
- Price $144.33 - $160.20
- Races 2 races
- Distances Ultra
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating day of empowerment and adventure at The Dusty Bandita, taking place on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in the picturesque town of Ovando, Powell. This unique gravel cycling race is designed to inspire women and all identifying individuals to break through their physical and mental limits while celebrating camaraderie and community. With two exciting distance options of approximately 45 miles (featuring around 3,000 feet of climbing) and 85 miles (with an impressive 6,500 feet of climbing), riders of all skill levels can choose their challenge.
Join a vibrant gathering of fellow Banditas as you pedal through the stunning Montana landscape, embracing the spirit of competition and adventure. Registration opens on January 12, 2026, at 8:00 AM, so mark your calendars! Participants can expect a fantastic race packet, delicious post-race food by Chef Liz Kenyon, and a chance to win amazing raffle prizes. Don't miss out on this groundbreaking event that not only showcases women's strength in cycling but also fosters an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for all. Rally together, feel the freedom of the ride, and let's forge aheadβsee you at the starting line!
Join a vibrant gathering of fellow Banditas as you pedal through the stunning Montana landscape, embracing the spirit of competition and adventure. Registration opens on January 12, 2026, at 8:00 AM, so mark your calendars! Participants can expect a fantastic race packet, delicious post-race food by Chef Liz Kenyon, and a chance to win amazing raffle prizes. Don't miss out on this groundbreaking event that not only showcases women's strength in cycling but also fosters an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for all. Rally together, feel the freedom of the ride, and let's forge aheadβsee you at the starting line!
Organiser's Description
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; bandanas 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. Its 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. Lets rally together, fellow Banditas, while exploring on two wheels; dont look back, were 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 [https://runsignup.com/thedustybandita.com]- 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 [https://thedustybandita.com/chef-liz]!)
* 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 womens gravel bike race in the U.S. Since its inception, the event has grown in both
impact and participation, and weve 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.
GENERAL OPEN REGISTRATION: 1/12, 8:00 AM
Time to hop on your steed and ride; bandanas 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. Its 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. Lets rally together, fellow Banditas, while exploring on two wheels; dont look back, were 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 [https://runsignup.com/thedustybandita.com]- 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 [https://thedustybandita.com/chef-liz]!)
* 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 womens gravel bike race in the U.S. Since its inception, the event has grown in both
impact and participation, and weve 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.
Races
-
45-Ish Mile OPEN
Incl. $9.33 Fee
Sat 6th June 2026 (9:00AM MDT)
$144.33
This route takes is about 45 miles, and over ~3,000' of climbing, with 1 main climb and rolling terrain -
85-Ish Mile OPEN
Incl. $10.20 Fee
Sat 6th June 2026 (8:30AM MDT)
$160.20
About 85 miles of gravel bliss. This route will have you climb ~6,000-6,100', with 2 main climbs, some gradual climbs and rolling terrain
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Main St., Ovando, 59854, MT, United States
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The Dusty Bandita