Archives : 2010

Knocking Down the Dust

Hooray for rain! The much-needed moisture falling from the sky over the past couple of days has helped quell the dusty conditions somewhat. It’s amazing how much rain it really takes to bring back the tacky firm soil conditions we know and love.

While this is definitely a welcomed change (as far as trail conditions go) it will still be maybe a month before truly prime dirt is the norm. For now, head out and enjoy the trails, but remember to try to avoid skidding.

Skidding and riding out-of-control can create problems for the trail surface, namely “stutter bumps” and blown-out berms. It’s always good practice to ride in control, but especially when the soil conditions are dry as usual this time of year. Of course some trails are designed for better “flow” (Whoops, Storm-King and Flagline all come immediately to mind) and others are twistier with frequent changes in speed required (such as Mrazek, COD and Farewell trails). Knowing the style of riding you prefer, and therefore what it is you’re setting yourself up for are keys to an enjoyable ride.

If you would like to learn more about how trail design can influence the way a trail is ridden, please join us this fall at a work event in the Wanoga Area. The trails COTA is building there are all designed for maximum flow and sustainability (read – smooth lines, good drainage and few, if any abrupt changes in speed) COTA Work Events are open to anyone with an interest in building and maintaining trails. Please see the COTA website (www.cotamtb.com) for a schedule of events and minimum suggested requirements to participate.

Speaking of joining, are you a member of COTA yet? If you’ve enjoyed the trails around Bend then chances are you’re enjoying the fruits of COTA Volunteers’ labor. To date COTA volunteers have logged over 3,200 hours doing trail work in 2010. Beyond joining us as a member, we also need your involvement with trail work. By helping maintain and build new trails you’ll gain a new appreciation for the trails we have here in Central Oregon. Doing trail work also gives you a new way to look at trail etiquette and riding styles.

Work It, Baby! Metolius-Windigo trail is good to go as COTA crews continue their high elevation work

With recent warm temps exacerbating the dusty conditions closer to town, riders would do well to focus their energy on shaded and high elevation trails where summer has been slowest to chase the moisture from the soils. The snow’s recent retreat has allowed crews to ramp up their trail clearing efforts at elevation, opening up more miles of riding a little further from town.

Some of COTA’s recent work includes the not insignificant task of clearing the entire Metolius-Windigo trail from Todd Creek to Park Meadow trail head and north toward Sisters. Crews have also been out in the Vista Butte area just north of Century Drive where single track riders should find that most of the blowdown and debris from this past winter has been cleared. Please keep in mind the Flagline trail will be closed until Sunday, August 15 to protect elk breeding habitat. Wait until next week to ride that, please.

Another trail that is ready for riding is the Newberry Rim trail around the top of Newberry Caldera. Start this ride at Paulina Falls and ride up the road toward Paulina Peak to access the single track. This trail drops steeply off the road about a half mile below the summit. There are several great viewing spots of both the lakes in the caldera and the mountains to the west. Newberry Rim is one of those classic loop rides, pick up the latest Central Oregon map and get out there.

If you’re looking for more information about current conditions, COTA posts the most recent trail work updates on our website www.cotamtb.com on the “worklogs” page. This is a great place to check in before heading out to the trailhead.

For trail-related questions, comments or concerns please email

chairman@cotamtb.com

You’ll still find snow, but dust rules the day

High and Dry. It is difficult to imagine that after the number of days of hot weather we’ve had recently there can still be snow blocking any trails, but it’s true. The Metolius-Windigo trail is still blocked by snow and a few remaining downed trees that are due for cutting soon. Snow can also be found on the Kwohl Butte trail (off the South side of Mt. Bachelor) and on some parts of the 370 Road, which provides access to the Broken Top trails in the Three Sisters Wilderness area.

That said, trail clearing is progressing nicely. This is why we live in and visit Bend—the sheer volume of available single track for exploring. By mid-August, we will have access to almost 500 miles of trails within a one-hour radius of Bend. One COTA volunteer actually measured 272 miles of continuous single track accessible right from the edge of town!

One caveat to all this trail is that it can easily lure us into a sense of ease. “I just rode from town” doesn’t necessarily equate to “I’m close to help.” When you’re heading out (especially now that our little “thunderstorm season” has arrived) please go prepared. A rain shell, extra food and water and the ability to “find yourself” are just as important this time of year as any other. We still have good daylight hours, but bring a light if you are starting late or going long.

Another thing you’ll want to bring along is a sense of good trail etiquette. Our soil here in central Oregon is fragile, especially now that it is bone dry. Many trails are already the consistency of talcum powder. It is always good form to avoid skidding, but the berms you railed in the spring are now much softer; be sure to keep your tires on the firm line.

A good case in point on riding the berms is on the Whoops trail; soil on this trail is already very loose and getting softer by the day. Just the other day, I noticed the spots where riders went a little high and outside on the berms; the soil gave way and it’s pretty clear that this has caused more than a few crashes. Whoops is a really fun trail if you treat it with the respect it’s due. Please keep in mind that it’s better to come home happy and unhurt than broken. Think of all the riding you miss when you can’t ride!

Fremont in July

Myself (Woody), my son Kai, Lev, Chris K, Katy and Chris D had a great weekend in the Fremont exploring, trail working and riding. There is some important new beta on trail conditions and we were able to clear several large sections of trail to ride. Some areas have seen so little use, coupled with huge forest fires and beetle-kill the trail is no longer there. Bummer. Other sections are still very good for riding (as long as you like primitive conditions) and the flow is outstanding. Lev and I had major success clearing a large section of trail from Yamsay Mountain Roadless area all the way back down to Silver Marsh Campground. That last 12 miles is all downhill and some of it is STEEP! I LOVE this trail and can’t wait to go back. Enjoy the pics (click on each image to really check out each photo – they are worth it!)

Keep Moving: Freemont trail beckons, other opportunities abound

Hot weather and dry trails are going to be the norm now. While the snow is quickly melting away from the remainder of the summer trails, the mosquitoes are advancing as well. Trail runners and mountain bikers would do well to keep moving and avoid these bloodthirsty insects. Repairing a flat tire or stopping for a snack has a sudden new urgency.

Trails recently opened include the North Fork Tumalo Creek trail and portions of the Metolius-Windigo trail connecting to the top of Mrazek. Although there are still a few small snow patches, these will be melting soon and pose no problems for trail users. Other sections of the “Met-Win,” including the connection from RD 370 to Three Creeks Lake and from Happy Valley South to Flagline tie, are still blocked by snow and downed trees. Flagline trail remains closed until August 15 to protect elk breeding habitat.

Other newly opening trails include the Lookout Mountain and Round Mountain trails in the Ochoco National Forest, the North Umpqua Trail, the McKenzie River National Trail and the Fremont National Recreation Trail. This week, COTA is sending trail work crews to the Fremont Trail to perform some clearing work and other spring maintenance. If you say you’ve never heard of the Fremont NRT, you’re not alone. Most people haven’t. It starts near the town of Silver Lake and meanders across ridges, through valleys and over mountaintops, passing near the towns of Summer Lake, Paisley and Lakeview, finally reaching the California border 175 miles later. Visit the Fremont National Forest website for more info on this unexplored gem.

On the hottest days there’s probably no better ride than the McKenzie River Trail, which is only one hour from Bend. The cool waters of the McKenzie River can soothe even the hottest heads. More than a ride, hike or run, the McKenzie is one of those rare opportunities to travel under your own power and see true old-growth forests and more species of moss than anywhere else on earth—a special novelty for us dry siders.

If you are not yet a COTA Member, please consider joining this month. Basic membership is cheaper than a round of golf or a night out on the town. COTA relies on our members for funding and political capital. Please see the COTA website to join, www.cotamtb.com. Thanks for your support.

Be safe and have fun out there.

Use Common Sense as Riding Opportunities Expand

Know Your Boundaries

The urge to explore is irresistible to some people, but COTA recommends caution when encroaching upon this moving boundary. Crossing large snow drifts and negotiating downed trees can force you far off the trail where it is easy to lose your bearings. Even with modern conveniences such as Spot GPS, help can be hours away. It is always a good idea to tell someone when you intend to be back, never travel alone and carry plenty of water, extra food, clothing, a first-aid kit and repair supplies. It is a great feeling to challenge yourself, but it is irresponsible to rely on only a cell phone or GPS (as helpful as those are) in the absence of common backcountry sense. Being safe out there also means having more fun, so please be safe and know your limits.

One limitation comes in the form of trails with an impenetrable amount of snow and/or downed trees. North Fork trail, Metolius – Windigo and the South Fork trail are still “impenetrable.” This is especially important to mountain bikers on the North Fork trail who are only permitted
to ride uphill. At a certain point (well before reaching Happy Valley), the trail is blocked so COTA recommends not starting something you can’t finish! The trails in the Swampy Lakes/Swede Ridge area are open, including Sector 16 to connect to the top of the Whoops trail. In fact, Cog Wild Bicycle Tours is starting their local shuttle to Swampy Lakes Snow park this week.

Volunteer Call

To gain a new appreciation for the effort required to simply have trails, please come join a COTA Trail Work Event. Since our work events are held on Wednesdays at 5:30, this Wednesday, June 16, at Webcyclery, then again on Wednesday, July 7 at Sunnyside Sports, it’s very easy to become involved.

Pickett’s to Break
in Wanoga

The first XC Mountain Bike race on the new Wanoga trails is scheduled for Sunday June 27. Pickett’s Charge! 2010 Memorial XC Mountain Bike Race, an off-road race for all levels and abilities will start at 10:00am. Pickett’s Charge is race number 10 – the series final – in the 2010 Oregon XC MTB Series. Pre-registration and packet pick-up is at Sunnyside Sports – 930 NW Newport Avenue in Bend on Saturday, June 26th, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Check out www.sunnysidesports.com/picketts for more info on this long-time Bend mountain bike race.

Know Your Right of Way

The proper way to let uphill riders pass without widening our trails!

As the weather warms and the snow melts at higher elevations, trail users get more terrain to share. With almost 100 cars at Phil’s trailhead at any given moment over Memorial Day weekend, spreading out the trail use is sorely needed. Let your tires and soles explore a little. The Farewell Trail connecting to Mrazek Trail is mostly snow-free but, as of this writing, still has a few trees across the trail. The same goes for trails in the Swampy Lakes Snow Park/Swede Ridge area. Skyliner trail is clear of snow and fallen trees and Horse Butte Trail (east of town) is in prime condition as well.

Beyond trail work, COTA’s mission focuses on trail stewardship, advocacy and education. Stewardship takes many forms and all you need to do to become involved is show up for one of COTA’s Weekly Trail Work Events. This Wednesday, June 9, come to Pine Mt. Sports at 5:30 p.m. to join a work crew. Next Wednesday, June 16, we’ll meet at Webcyclery. For more information on COTA’s trail work events and what’s required, please visit COTA’s website: www.cotamtb.com.

In other trail-building news, the first phase of a new Pump Track has been completed in the Phil’s play zone along the old Shevlin-Hixon Haul Road. This creates a third opportunity for enhancing your skills, adding to the Slalom Play Loop and the dirt jumps installed last fall. For your safety, if you see them working, please give plenty of space to the Pump Track designers—local Pro Kirt Voreis and friends—otherwise, enjoy the new Pump Track!

COTA has recently installed new signs along some trails, road crossings and at junctions in the Wanoga area. You may notice a new kind of sign along the Funner and TiddlyWinks Trails this week. Since this entire area is purpose-built for competitive events, COTA has designed these trails to enable passing while maintaining a single-track racing experience. Some of these passing lanes are merely a trail split in two, while others have a more difficult and/or a longer option. The new signs you will see along the Funner Trail display a “Y” to indicate these passing lanes.

To delve into a little “education,” I’m sure most mountain bikers have heard the mantra, “Uphill traffic has the right-of-way,” but there’s a bit more to it than that. Most of our local trails do not have passing lanes and sometimes it isn’t clear which way is “uphill.” COTA suggests, if in doubt, the uphill direction is heading away from the trailhead, unless it’s clearly on a hill.

A practical solution for this right-of-way issue is for the downhill rider to stop and put a foot down to let the uphill riders pass. Just because there seems to be “open ground” along the sides of the trail doesn’t mean it’s OK to continue riding off the trail. Soil and vegetation are fragile here in Central Oregon and COTA discourages riding off the established trail tread (that’s where the firm dirt is). Sometimes it isn’t practical to stop, but it is always a good idea to communicate. Let’s work together to prevent trail widening; after all, we want single track to remain single track!

Work It, Baby: COTA Trail Report

Editor’s note: This is the first installment of a new trails column that is being produced for The Source by the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA). Look for COTA’s weekly reports in The Source to keep you updated on the latest news from around Central Oregon’s always bustling trails, including, closures and events. Ride on. —EF.
Cog Wild will be sharing these posts through our blog page as well.

Building trail in the snow

Welcome to the first installment of the Central Oregon Trail Alliance’s (COTA) Weekly Trail Report. I hope to provide you, dear trail lover, with up-to-the-minute information on trail conditions, COTA work events and progress and trail etiquette tips and timely issues facing trail access. If you have some pertinent trail info you think needs to be shared, please send me an email: chairman @ cotamtb.com

This being the first week of June and a sort-of cold, wet spring season, the trails are in fine condition close to town but remain under snow at elevations above the Swampy Lakes area. Just because there are fewer trees fallen across trails in the lower elevations doesn’t mean it will be that way up higher. We shall soon see whether COTA’s certified Chain Sawyers will be busy “getting the cut out.”

Since the blowdown in some areas is lighter this year, more trails are ready to ride. That’s a good thing because COTA is six months into a two-year grant cycle to construct 35 miles of new trails in the area south of Century Drive, otherwise known as the Wanoga Event Area. On May 22, COTA hosted its 11th annual Spring Fling and 135 people showed up to help us build a new trail to be called the Steve Larsen Trail, in honor of the accomplished local biker and triathlete who died suddenly last year during a training session. From little more than a few pink ribbons hung on branches to a clear corridor complete with a finished tread, about three miles of trail were built in one day. Of course we can’t do all that ourselves, the generous support from U.S. Bank, BendBroadband, REI, Pine Mountain Sports, Deschutes Brewery and Cog Wild Bicycle Tours made it possible to show our volunteers how much we appreciate them and the importance of pre- and post-work event nourishment!

If you missed out on the Spring Fling, don’t sweat it. COTA work events are held every Wednesday and leave from various outdoor shops. This Wednesday, June 2 meet at Gear Peddler at 5 p.m. prepared to head out. Next Wednesday, June 9 we will meet at Pine Mountain Sports. Speaking of being prepared, COTA requires the following work event attire: Long pants & long-sleeve shirts, sturdy shoes, gloves and eye protection. Dress in appropriate layers and bring snacks and plenty of water, too. At each COTA work event we provide the tools and expertise. A COTA Trail Work event is a great way to meet like-minded people and to learn a new appreciation for what it takes to maintain one of the best trail systems in the country.

The benefits of that system go beyond just riding opportunities. A recent visitor survey conducted by Visit Bend found that a majority of visitors come to Central Oregon to enjoy our trails. COTA is an integral part of providing quality trails for everyone. If your business relies even partially on visitors, please consider supporting COTA as a business member or corporate sponsor. There are other benefits to this, too. For more information on COTA’s Sponsorship opportunities please visit our website and click the Sponsors tab. www.cotamtb.com/sponsors/.

Since COTA believes that the world is run by the people who show up, we look forward to seeing YOU out there!

By Woody Starr, Cog Wild Guide and president of COTA

Ice Crit 2010!! Winter Blog update…

Rewind to 1983 and Hutch’s Bike Shop in Bend. A bunch of employees came up with the idea of riding bikes at night, in winter, up at Swampy SnoPark. There are many more details there, but if we fast forward to now, last night was the 17th annual Ice Crit. Hutch’s no longer puts it on and currently Cog Wild is taking on the task of organizer. On the occasion it has not snowed the day of the event and cement is showing, ice and snow are blown on the road to create epic crit standards. Whew, hard work too!!

But enough of those details. Ice Crit is all about riding bikes through snow, ice and cold cement in costumes, being cheered on by your peers and seeing what sillyness we can all get up to. Last night was no exception and fun was had by all! In our opinion, this is one of the best events of the year and for those who missed in, bummer for you! Good thing it happens every year!!

Enjoy the photos and we will see you next year!!