MERA: Dirt Circus Loop

The first downhill mountain biking-only trail at MERA!

Mountain Biking Severe

Distance: 9.3 km
Ascent: 315 m
Descent: 315 m
Duration: 0-1 hrs

Low Point: 966 m
High Point: 1.2 km
Gradient: 7˚

“Step right up! Step right up!” beckons the Blue Mountain Singletrack Trails Club (BMSTC) on their Instagram account, inviting riders to check out the brand new Dirt Circus trail. "Ride berms bigger than you’ve ever seen in Eastern Oregon. Doubles wider than anything we’ve ever built before. Drops that will make you think twice. That’s right folks, the circus has come to town and is here to stay!”

Photo from MERA: Dirt Circus Loop — Photo: Greg Heil

Description

According to the BMSTC, it took over 500 volunteer hours to construct this 0.3-mile descent. But those volunteer hours resulted in the first mountain bike-only trail in the Mount Emily Recreation Area (MERA)—a true accomplishment.

This incredible display of trail building craftsmanship has proven well-worth the effort invested. Dirt Circus is a constant riot of entertaining features, including hips, alt lines, big wooden bridges, steep drops, and so much more. If you’re not turning, you're dropping or jumping, and at times you have the opportunity to do both!

The route mapped here is a loop of Dirt Circus from the Igo Trailhead. Since Dirt Circus is just a 0.3-mile jewel in the crown of this ride, consider lapping it a few times once you’ve pedaled all the way up the mountain to get there.

If Dirt Circus is an example of what the BMSTC can construct, you’d better keep your eye on MERA. This trail system could just transform into the next big thing in Oregon mountain biking!

Difficulty

Severe

Widely variable, narrow trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less. Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. Ideal for advanced-level riders.