David Sword
Posted inOutside

Local Athletes Shred at X Games

A recap of the big air and high finishes for local athletes
David Sword

The brainchild of ESPN alchemists, the X Games has been a focal point for athletes in many disciplines including skateboarding, rock climbing, snowboarding and snowmobile racing since its inception in 1995. The games attract millions of viewers and the biggest names in their respective sports. From Tony Hawk and Travis Pastrana, to Kelly Clark and […]

Posted inOutside

Pro File: Graham Zimmerman

Nicest local guy slaying big mountain routes worldwide
David Sword

He’s a photographer, alpinist and intellectual, and a lover of nature, people and dogs. He’s also one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. As a professional athlete, Graham Zimmerman climbs technical rock and ice routes in the high mountains. He’s a multi-disciplined expert who excels in the wild corners of the world. Although soft […]

Posted inOutside

Know Before You Go

Knowledge of avalanche conditions and terrain can keep snow lovers alive
David Sword

I started a particular winter morning like I often do: heading into the mountains for an early-morning session of powder skiing before work. Climbing up through the forested sections of Tumalo Mountain with only the moon and my headlamp illuminating the way, I quickly gained the ridgeline and quickened my pace, the East Face bowl coming […]

Posted inOutside

Pro File: Super Frenchie

Skiing big mountains and flying off them—always with a world-class smile
David Sword

He’s tall, attractive and French. He spends his days skiing down tall mountains and hucking himself off cliffs. Matthias Giraud, aka Super Frenchie, is one of the crazy and dedicated few—and even fewer who are local—who make a living as professional Ski/BASE jumpers. B.A.S.E is an acronym for the four categories of jumping off fixed […]

Posted inOutside

A Cyclist Tour/Trail/Crawl of Bend

David Sword

Forget the Ale Trail, at least for a moment. Whether you’re a visitor here for the Single Speed World Championships or you’re a cyclist looking to connect with local peeps, gather your friends and prepare your bikes. The (unofficial) Bend Bike Trail is a great way to see the city, check out bike-based businesses and […]

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Training for Cure

Local cyclists with type 1 diabetes overcome challenges to train for a big ride
David Sword

Laura Glover, Kelsey Bennett and a group of other Central Oregon cyclists prepare for a bike ride like many do—mapping out a route, inflating tires, lubricating chains, slipping on gloves and snapping helmets tight. What sets them apart: They also have Type 1 diabetes. In addition to the usual protocols, Glover, Bennett and their friends […]

Posted inNews

Single Speed World Championships

A week-long mountain bike party is coming to Bend. Here’s what locals and visitors need to know
David Sword

Bend has hosted many local, regional and national championship events ranging from running, cycling, skiing, climbing and fly-fishing. But for one week in October, single-speed mountain bikers from around the globe will descend upon Bend for a bicycling event of galactic proportions: the 2018 Mountain Bike Single Speed World Championships. A little history SSWC began […]

Posted inOutside

Maston Trailhead

A great place to play throughout the calendar year
David Sword

Created originally for cycling options in the winter months, the routes at Maston are an example of how varied user groups can work together to form diverse and harmonious trail systems. Hikers, bikers and equestrians enjoy the various loops, connectors and Deschutes River views that make the Maston Trailhead so popular. Located 5 miles from […]

Posted inOutside

Sisemore Road

Get your gravel on with a great local ride
David Sword

As many road riders turn their skinny tires and compression kits toward riding on gravel and dirt, the options for drop-bar riding are growing significantly. Regardless of the whip you ride (road, cyclocross, flat-bar hybrid or fat tire MTB), routes like those found on Sisemore Road are getting greater attention. Following the start of the […]

Posted inOutside

In Transition

Fall is here. Now’s the time to get the next season’s gear ready to rock
David Sword

After a hot, smoky, dusty summer, Central Oregonians look forward to the cooler nights and cloudier days of fall and winter. Although the local dirt is becoming perfectly tacky, many dreams are filled with images of snow-capped peaks, untracked powder lines and the soothing nature of open fires and hot tubs. Winter season ski passes […]

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