David Sword, Author at The Source - Bend, Oregon

Pro File: Jules Jimreivat, Professional Rock Climber

Local female climber, relatively new to Bend, talks about solving puzzles, rock climbs and the future

by David Sword December 23, 2020October 15, 2024

Plastered to a sheer rock face, hundreds of feet above the ground, gripping tiny holds with her fingers and standing on dime-width edges, Jules Jimreivat surveys the current landscape, her only safety being a 9-millimeter-thick climbing rope connected to her waist harness, and her skill and mental toughness developed through years of climbing. Like a […]

Outside

Pro File: Lucas Wachs Loves Pillows, Puppies and Powder Stashes

A homegrown local ski professional has put the brakes on traveling during the pandemic, focusing on local snow… and baking

by David Sword November 25, 2020January 4, 2025

Bend is home to a number of high-caliber athletes with expertise ranging from cycling to running to climbing, kayaking and skiing. The life of a professional athlete may seem like easy street to some—traveling the world, starring in movies, with all the glitz and glamour associated—but the realities of being successful and having longevity are […]

Outside

Nature Is My Refuge

I had to escape, and back to the mountains I returned.

David SwordJune 3, 2020December 24, 2024

For this week’s Outside Guide, we asked local outdoors advocates to weigh in on the topic of sanctuary in the outdoors. I chose to live, work and play in the outdoors a very long time ago. I took a brief detour into the asylum of the big city, only to be met by ever darkening clouds […]

News

Coaching Champions

When it comes to learning and achieving, a few successful Bend athletes see themselves as both mentors and mentees

David SwordJune 5, 2019December 27, 2024

“If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” — Isaac Newton Teachers, advisors, guides, counselors, coaches, confidants: All people whose role is to bring out greatness in others. The modern world is wrought with crossroads, confusing choices and rapid-fire messages. Mentorship is one way to clear the path toward […]

Outside

A furry gravel ride: The Alpaca Loop

David SwordMay 15, 2019May 7, 2025

As the interest in gravel riding continues to grow at a feverish pace, people are mapping out more and more routes. Apps including Strava and Map My Ride allow people to develop and share routes with others, thus increasing the exposure. One such ride, ridden for year by locals, and recently penned by the gravel […]

Outside

The Rep Life

These are the road warriors who bring us the brands

David SwordMay 15, 2019August 30, 2024

From skiing to biking to climbing, Central Oregon attracts outdoor enthusiasts worldwide. Many people work hard during the week to get out and about on the weekends—but a small cadre of committed enthusiasts make their lives and careers out of the industries that support the lifestyle. Being a product rep for a ski, surf, bike […]

Outside

Get ready for the big bugs: Fishing the Deschutes River salmonfly hatch

David SwordMay 1, 2019May 6, 2025

Those obsessed with fly fishing are getting ready for the greatest time of the year on the lower Deschutes River: the famous salmonfly hatch. After a long cold winter, trout are hungry. Mike Phillips, owner of Slack Line Flyfishing in Tumalo says the three-week window of opportunity to sling big flies to hungry trout is […]

News

Grinding Gravel

Biking—and racing—the roads less traveled with the Oregon Gravel Grinder Series

David SwordApril 24, 2019July 12, 2024

Cyclists across the nation are foregoing the smoothness of tarmac in favor of gravel and dirt. Bike manufacturers are building bikes that are more comfortable, compliant and approachable. And event promoters are leading the charge, offering more scenic, challenging and adventurous routes for the gravel fanatics. A big one happens this week around Bend. The […]

Outside

Pro File: Jen Luebke

Professional road cyclist #inBend

David SwordApril 24, 2019July 11, 2025

Jen Luebke is a Montana-born professional road cyclist who lives in Bend. She started her career doing triathlons, eventually turning her focus solely to the bike. Her six years as a professional triathlete provided her with a toughness and resilience that serves her well while pounding out the miles in the professional peloton. As a […]

Outside

VertFest 2019

David SwordApril 3, 2019July 14, 2025

Ski touring, Alpine touring, Randonee, backcountry, splitboarding… called by many names, the sport of backcountry shredding is growing. Once the realm of only the most adventurous and fitness oriented, recent equipment advances have fueled the flames of popularity. If you’ve ever heard someone speak of a “Dawn Patrol” session before the workday begins, they were […]

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