Any one choosing to participate in an Oregon Endurance Series (OES) event acknowledges that they have read, understood and completely agree with the following:

WARNING AND DISCLAIMER

Nature is unpredictable and unsafe. Mountains and cycling are dangerous. Many books have been written about these dangers, and there’s no way we can list them all here. Read the books.

The Oregon Endurance Series takes place in areas that may have steep terrain with loose, slippery and unstable traction. The weather can make matters worse. You may fall, be injured or die. There are hidden holes. You could break your leg and/or your bike. There are wild animals, which may be vicious, poisonous or carriers of dread diseases. These include poisonous snakes and insects. Plants can be poisonous as well. We don’t do anything to protect you from any of this. We do not inspect, supervise or maintain the grounds, rocks, cliffs or other features, natural or otherwise.

Real dangers are present even on trails. Trails are not sidewalks. They can be, and are, steep, slippery and dangerous. Trail features made or enhanced by humans, such as steps, walls and railings (if any) can break, collapse, or otherwise fail catastrophically at any time. We don’t promise to inspect, supervise or maintain them in any way. They may be negligently constructed or repaired. They are unsafe, period. Live with it or stay away.

Stay on the trails whenever possible. The terrain, in addition to being dangerous, is surprisingly complex. You may get lost. Plan on bringing all of the navigational aids you will need as we have no idea if you are directionally challenged or not. If we choose to provide any navigational information it may not be reliable and you should not rely on it. It is a good idea to be familiar with maps of the area and to carry them with you, but that is your responsibility. Carry food, water and first aid supplies at all times.

Weather can be dangerous, regardless of the forecast. Be prepared with extra clothing, including rain gear. Hypothermia, heat stroke, lightning, ice and snow, etc. can kill you. Rain can turn easy terrain into a deathtrap.

We do not provide rangers or security personnel. The other people you encounter may be stupid, reckless, or otherwise dangerous. They may be mentally ill, criminally insane, drunk, using illegal drugs and/or armed with deadly weapons and ready to use them. We aren’t necessarily going to do anything about it. We refuse to take responsibility.

If you decide to ride with us you agree to wear a helmet, but you still may die or be seriously injured. This is true whether you are experienced or not, trained or not, equipped or not, though training and equipment may help. It’s a fact, mountain biking is extremely dangerous. If you don’t like it, stay at home. You really shouldn’t be doing it anyway. We do not provide supervision or instruction. We are not responsible for, and do not inspect or maintain, your cycling or other equipment. As far as we know, your equipment can and will fail and send you plunging to your death or serious injury. There are any number of extremely and unusually dangerous conditions that exist in the areas you may travel. We may or may not know about any specific hazard, but even if we do, don’t expect us to try to warn you. You’re on your own.

Rescue services are not provided, and may not be available quickly or at all. Local rescue squads may not be equipped for or trained for your rescue. If you are lucky enough to have somebody try to rescue you or treat your injuries, they may be incompetent or worse. This includes doctors and hospitals. We assume no responsibility. Also, if you decide to participate in a rescue of some other unfortunate, that’s your choice. Don’t do it unless you are willing to assume all risks.

By entering an Oregon Endurance Series event, you are agreeing that we owe you no duty of care or any other duty. We promise you nothing. We do not and will not even try to keep the course safe for any purpose. The courses are not safe for any purpose. This is no joke. We won’t even try to warn you about any dangerous or hazardous condition, whether we know about it or not. If we do decide to warn you about something, that doesn’t mean we will try to warn you about anything else. If we do make an effort to fix an unsafe condition, we may not try to correct any others, and we may make matters worse! We may do things that are unwise and dangerous. Sorry, we’re not responsible. We may give you bad advice. Don’t listen to us. In short, ENTER AND RIDE THE OREGON ENDURANCE SERIES AT YOUR OWN RISK. And have fun!

In return for being allowed to ride in the OES, I give up the legal right to sue OES or anyone connected to it if I get injured or killed while I am while participating. OES will not be liable if I get hurt or killed or my property gets damaged, lost or stolen, regardless of how it happens. I personally assume all risks (foreseen or unforeseen) to me and my property. I release OES and those connected to it from liability for any injury or damage to me or my property. I promise to indemnify, defend and hold harmless OES and those connected to it from any claim by me, my family, estate, heirs, or assigns, or any other person, arising out of my participation. I know that OES is relying on these promises, and would not allow me to participate otherwise. If I break my promise and sue OES or anyone connected to it, I will pay all of the attorneys’ fees.  If I choose to violate my promises above, I agree that any lawsuit may only be filed and litigated in the Courts of
Deschutes County, Oregon, and I waive the right to a jury trial.

I want this Release and Agreement to be interpreted as broadly as possible. If any court decides that any part of this release is not valid or enforceable, I still want the rest of it to be valid and enforceable. This Release and Agreement is binding not only on me, but on my family, and my heirs, estate, executors and personal representatives if I die. It is also binding on any persons or members of my family, including minors, who are accompanying me. I am over the age of eighteen, or if I’m not, my parent or legal guardian has read this document. I choose to participate of my own free will.