Best Ever | The Source Weekly - Bend

Best Ever

Bend cyclists tell us the region's best rides

Editor's note: We asked a few of our favorite cyclists to share their go-to rides with the rest of Bend. They got back to us with sub-alpine mountain bike loops, destination coffee rides, social-hour downhills, and trails below the radar. It says something about the quality of Central Oregon's diverse riding that no two cyclists below chose alike. All of these classics can be found on area maps, available at most local bike shops.

Whoops Happy Hour: Take a few shredding families, a variety of bikes and refreshments and meet at the bottom of Whoops Trail. From here parents take turns riding laps on Whoops or enjoy socializing on Road 300, while little shredders practice their striding or riding on the dirt road, Ben's Trail or even mini laps on Whoops. A low-stress environment and, with the long summer days, it is easy to reach after work. Whoops Happy Hour is the epitome of how to raise kids in our outdoor-oriented town. Cheers! -Kirin Stryker, Cog Wild guide/shredding mom

Peterson Ridge Romp: I call it the classic because it has everything you want in a mountain bike ride: steep climbs, technical riding and fast single-track. Starting at the Peterson Ridge trailhead, roll along easily before coming to a rocky technical zone that leads into a set of steep switchbacks. At the top of the switchbacks, another rocky technical section plays out along the top of a ridge. Off the ridge, there is some easy-rolling terrain before another tough climb, followed by fast, straightforward riding. Then, more rocks before flying home over easy trails with a rollicking finish down an old creek bed. Total time: An hour and a half, with an alternate start/finish at Three Creeks Brewing, which only enhances the experience. -Bob "Woody" Woodward, mountain bike pioneer/former mayor of Bend

Sisters via Sisemore Road: Want some sweet views? Want to eat some rad treats? This is the ride to do. It is one of my favorites, especially in the winter and spring when the road (Sisemore is buffed gravel) is at its best. Though mostly a flat, out-and-back route, it offers a variety of pedaling options via various connector roads once you get closer to Sisters. You can use this as a launching pad to climb McKenzie Pass or Three Creeks early season, or just as an excuse to go to Angeline's Bakery for gluten-free treats and coffee (obviously my reasoning). Give it a shot. Snowcapped mountains and americanos await. -Matt Lieto, professional (gluten- free) triathlete with K-Swiss

North Fork to Flagline to South Fork: The climb along Tumalo Creek, past seven waterfalls, never gets old. North Fork is my favorite climb in Bend and one that leads to many great options as well as spectacular scenery. I enjoy continuing up towards Flagline for more great uphill pedaling before reaching one of the best fast, flowy downhill sections in Bend. Finish Flagline with a smile, turn left and get ready to smile again. South Fork will get your juices flowing with its fast, poppy downhill riding past old- growth Ponderosas and a babbling brook. End the ride with a pedal along Tumalo Creek and dunk your head in the water just below the falls to celebrate a perfect two- to-three-hour ride. -Lindsey Voreis, Grit Clinic mountain bike coach/all-mountain aficionado SW