Category : crashes
August 2nd, 2010
 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!
June 29th, 2009
Kirin blogging here: being a new mom I spend more time with my baby and less time guiding or being on trail at all. Regardless, I still need to get out for the occasional adventure. So, last Thursday Erika, Lindsey (both Cogwild guides), Jodi (from Sunnyside) and I headed east to ride Lookout Mountain.
Getting out of town is part of the adventure. We left early in the morning and drove through Prineville to the Ochoco Ranger Station. From there we rode the road up to the saddle and hopped on single track up to the Independent Mine Trailhead. Next, the four mile singletrack up to the summit of Lookout was spectacular. There were so many flowers they were growing onto the trail. I accidentally ran them over, oops. Penstemon, Lupine, Mule’s Ears, Oregon Sunshine, Columbine, Larkspur, Buckwheat, the flowers changed as we gained elevation until they carpeted the summit. Lower down there were Western Iris throughout the meadows.
At the top, we took a break to check out the view and regroup before the gnarly descent. Erika cleaned the rock garden! What a stud. I get all tense with the exposure and chicken out early. I prefer the lower sections that speed through the Ponderosas and the meadows.
Although trail work had been done on the uphill, the downhill still had about 10 big trees down that we had to climb over or crawl under. They weren’t a big deal, I like the opportunity to stretch and catch my breath before the downhill resumes.
Jodi took a digger on an off camber rocky section and split open her elbow. We were able to practice our first aid skills, which was fun. We butterflied her wound closed and she later got stitches at urgent care. The incident moved the ride to the epic adventure category.
On the way home we stopped for ice cream at the Tasty Freeze in Prineville. The day reminded me what I like best about riding: just being out there.
 Photographs by Lindsey Voreis
June 1st, 2009
As the season turns to summer mountain bikers migrate to the higher elevations like the elk. Our drive for higher pastures is the desire to ride the high alpine trails outside of Bend. And to get away from the trails that have become dusty and loose.
 
While slipping and sliding around in the loose trails can be great fun, we all long for the great open meadows and swooping trails up high.We will be there very soon.
May 1st, 2009
I am so happy with our new office. We are moved in and now working on interior decorating. Some big posters will be hanging in the main front room. Mel and I chose some of our favorite photos from local trails and tours, here is one that Mel took during an overnight trip.
 hangin' in camp As the snow around Bend recedes, I check out how far up you can ride. whoops and Heli-pad are snow free and very rideable. I love whoops and know it so well I could probably ride it in my sleep, or so I thought. I recently dove into one of the sweet berms a little too hard and slapped my face on the ground.
 don't let your guard down I’m feeling much better and the abrasions are basically healed, I’ll probably head up and ride whoops today, wahoo.
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