Pedal and Pull

Welcome to the 2025 Gorse Pedal & Pull, a fun event brought to you by the Coos Watershed Association, Gorse Action Group, Wild Coast Trails Association, local bike shops, and community partners. The Pedal & Pull is a mountain bike competition where the winner is not measured in time but in pounds of gorse pulled. Gorse is a huge problem at Whiskey Run Mountain Bike Trails--come be part of the solution!!

What is gorse?

Gorse, Ulex europaeus, is the #1 most invasive plant species on the southern Oregon coast, specifically around Bandon where it was introduced in the late 1800s. Not only has this plant modified the ecosystem and negatively impacted the economy, but it is also highly flammable and is accredited to the burning of Bandon in 1936.

Our partner, the Gorse Action Group, has been collaboratively controlling and reducing the spread of gorse and educating communities on the importance of this effort. To get connected to their work, please visit: Gorse Action Group - Collaborative action for gorse management

How will it work?

Please arrive by 1 pm for a full safety and event logistic meeting.

We will have a "gorse course" set up and send individuals out with gloves. Participants will mountain bike and target gorse seedlings, which can be hand-pulled. We will help you identify gorse before you get started, and will have seedlings flagged on the trail! Once pulled, you will place the seedlings in a bag (provided) and pedal to the weigh station, where you will weigh and document your gorse. Then, repeat as many times as possible!

After party!

The individuals with the most amount of gorse seedlings by pound will win fun, bike-related prizes! The winners will be announced at the after party(3:30 pm to 5 pm) following the mountain bike race.

The free after party will celebrate all the hard work you just contributed to improving our local ecosystem with food, music, cornhole, and donated 7 Devils' beer!