The Dusty Bandita
About this race
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!
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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.
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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!
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USAC insured gravel event - no licenses needed
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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.
Pick your distance
Gravel biking
45-ish mile OPEN
This route takes is about 45 miles, and over ~3,000' of climbing, with 1 main climb and rolling terrain
85-ish mile OPEN
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
Typical race-day weather
Based on 5 years of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in Ovando, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 5:38 AM and sets at 9:24 PM local time (MDT) in Ovando on June 6, 2026 — 15h 45m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
Reviews
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2026 results — The Dusty Bandita
377 finishers across 2 distances · leading places in the 45-ish mile OPEN
| Place | Name | Time | Pace |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexandra Parker | 2:34:31 | — |
| 2 | Marlene Hull | 2:36:07 | — |
| 3 | Lauren McGovern | 2:36:19 | — |
| 4 | Ellie Hull | 2:39:54 | — |
| 5 | Tara Brown | 2:43:45 | — |
Every finisher is on the results page, filterable by distance, gender and age group.
All results by year
Other races near Ovando
Different organizers, within 40 miles, in the next three months
Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 1 Ovando event
Spotted something wrong? Tell us and we'll fix it.