Photo by CAMERON SANDERS

Riders preparing to start last year’s Skull Gravel Grinder bike race. 

The Skull 120/60/30 Gravel Grinder bike race is rolling through Harney County this Saturday, June 18.

Billed as “America’s ‘gnarliest’ gravel race,” the Skull 120/60/30’s rugged route highlights Harney County’s trying terrain, which sets Eastern Oregon apart from the rest of the nation. Courageous riders can look forward to long, mountainous ascents; teeth-chattering and eye-watering descents; breathtaking vistas; wide-open rangeland; alpine forests; two stream crossings; and a barrage of cattle guards. 

Routes traverse miles of Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, private, Tribal, and public lands. All applicable landowners and managers are official partners of the Skull 120/60/30.

This is a not-for-profit event. The vast majority of registration fees cover the cost of administering the race. Additional proceeds benefit the Harney County Chamber of Commerce’s Adventure Harney initiative, which aims to bolster Harney County’s outdoor recreational opportunities. 

Over the years, the Skull 120/60/30 has grown to include a full lineup of events and activities for riders, spectators, and community members to enjoy. Check out this year’s events below:

Welcome to Paiute Country Showcase — Friday, June 17, from 2-8 p.m. at Arrowhead Plaza

The Burns Paiute Tribe has generously agreed to showcase their amazing culture in a one-night-only dancing, drumming, singing, and tradition-sharing event the night before the big race. You won’t want to miss out on this one! Dinner will be provided with ticket purchase. Members of the Burns Paiute Tribe will also offer a variety of artisanal products for sale during this event. Immerse yourself in an evening of color, song, dance, and local history. Tickets are $35 per person, and they can be purchased at the Harney County Chamber of Commerce, located at 484 N. Broadway Ave. in downtown Burns. If you can’t make it to the Chamber, email adventure@harneycounty.com. A limited number of tickets will be available at the Arrowhead Plaza in downtown Burns on a first come, first-served basis.

Doverspike Ranch Dinner — Friday, June 17, from 6-8 p.m. at Doverspike Ranch 

One of the Skull 120/60/30’s most well-attended pre-events is back! Harney County ranchers Susan and Mark Doverspike are welcoming riders, spectators, and community members out to their property, which is located just outside of Burns. Dine, chat, and learn more about the collaborative efforts taking place in the Harney Basin. Learn more about public lands by having an in-depth conversation with the folks who know this area, and all of its wonders, the best — the local ranchers. Our public lands have many uses, and it will take all of us working together to ensure the health and future of our planet. Join us for an unforgettable night!

Dinner will include tri-tip steak, sides, dessert, and beverages. A vegetarian option will also be available. Tickets are $35 per person. Pre-register at the Harney County Chamber of Commerce or by emailing adventure@harneycounty.com. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door on a first come, first-served basis.

The Best Medicine Stand Up Comedy and Music Special —  Friday, June 17, from 6-9 p.m. at Desert Historic Theatre

Join us at Desert Historic Theatre for a night of stand up and original music by the one and only Zane Thomas. A Burns High School alumnus, Thomas has been taking Portland’s music and comedy scenes by storm. He is bringing a solid crew with him to keep you laughing all night long!

The cost is $35 per person, and all proceeds will be donated to the Harney Hospital Foundation to be put toward the purchase of a Tomo (3D) mammography machine for Harney District Hospital. A critical-access facility, Harney District Hospital is the only hospital serving Harney County’s more than 10,000 square miles! This new equipment will allow local patients to continue receiving the highest quality of care at home in Harney County.

The event will conclude with a presentation by Cameron Sanders on Cap the Climax, an epic 1,000-mile bikepacking route that he’s created over the last few years. 

Please note that this is an adults-only event (18+). Content is not suitable for children and families.

Get to know the comedians:

• Zane Thomas is a rapper, comedian, and host of the podcast, The Smoke Break on Spotify and Shady Pines Radio. Operating out of Portland, he performs a hip-hop act that combines elements of stand-up comedy and storytelling to create a unique experience. His music often delves into difficult subject matter, but it’s often balanced by an uplifting point of view or a poorly timed pun. You might laugh. You might cry. You might do both at the same time. But either way, you’ll feel a little less alone.

• Amanda Lynn Deal is a writer, producer, host, and stand-up comedian who started in 2012 by way of Chicago, Ill. She graduated from The Second City, where she studied and performed improv all over Illinois. She’s produced and performed numerous shows in the Midwest and West Coast and currently resides in Portland.

• Bryan Bixby is from the village of La Farge, Wis., where he did stand-up for the first time at 15. He is now one of the top comics in Oregon. Bixby was a finalist in both Portland’s Funniest Person Contest at Helium Comedy Club and the Oregon Comedy Competition. He was named “Funniest in Portland ‘’ by Willamette Week in 2022. He’s worked at Helium and Tacoma Comedy Clubs and has blown away crowds while touring all over the Pacific Northwest.

• Logan Loughmiller will host the event. Loughmiller has performed as an actor for more than a decade in live theater, film, and television. He had featured roles on NBC’s Grimm and TNT’s Leverage, and — despite his “dorky dad vibes” — he’s portrayed satan on three separate occasions. After overcoming a surprise wave of mental health crises, Loughmiller took a hard right into stand up and has funneled all that performing energy into his odd flavor of goofy, playfully dark comedy. He has been confusing and amusing comedy audiences across the nation ever since.

After Party — Saturday, June 18, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Triangle Park

Harney Hospital Foundation is hosting the After Party for the Skull 120/60/30 on Saturday, June 18, at Triangle Park in Burns. Live entertainment gets under way at 11 a.m. and continues until 9 p.m., with music by local favorites Red Mabel and the High Desert Fiddlers. Wet your whistle with drinks from 1188 Brewing Company or visit the variety of other on-site food and drink vendors.

Harney Hospital Foundation will put all event proceeds toward the purchase of a Tomo (3D) mammography machine for Harney District Hospital. 

Special thanks to First Community Credit Union, Silvies Valley Ranch, 1188 Brewing Company, Sage Country Venue and Rentals, the Harney County Chamber of Commerce, and Harney District Hospital’s TEAM Committee for sponsoring the After Party.

The After Party will also serve as a fundraiser for High Desert Parks and Recreation. Parks and Recreation is hosting a dunk tank from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with all proceeds going toward repairing the local swimming pool. The fun will continue with a corn hole tournament from 4-6:30 p.m. The entry fee is $30 per team. The winning team will take home half of the proceeds, with the other half going to Parks and Recreation for pool repairs.

Numerous arts and crafts vendors will be set up at the After Party, so swing by if you want to grab a souvenir. You can also head up the hill to downtown Burns to scope out the sidewalk sales that will be offered by local merchants throughout the weekend. 

Don’t forget to swing out to the Harney County Fairgrounds to enjoy the High Desert Fiddler’s annual Country Music Jamboree all weekend long. 

There will be something for everyone this weekend, so don’t miss these amazing opportunities to enjoy all that Harney County has to offer!