Outside Features
Hike to get your tree—or enjoy a host of other options
The custom of erecting and decorating a tree in celebration of winter holidays evolved from Germany in the 1500s.
By K.M. Collins
Dec 2, 2020
Outside Features
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Winter activities are finally here
Dirksen Derby, Instagram Edition Dirksen Derby, the beloved fundraiser that is a highlight of the season for many local (and non-local) snow riders, is going virtual in 2020.
By Nicole Vulcan
Dec 2, 2020
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Outside Features
A homegrown local ski professional has put the brakes on traveling during the pandemic, focusing on local snow... and baking
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 as challenging as the sports in which those athletes engage.
By David Sword
Nov 25, 2020
Outside Features
Natural World
Carrion beetles perform a much-needed service in the natural world
Did ya' ever think
When the hearse goes by
That some sweet day you're gonna die? They'll put you in a neat pine box
And cover you over with soil and rocks
Well, all goes well for about a week
And then the pine box begins to creak
The bugs crawl in, the bugs crawl out
Into your stomach and out of your mouth
And the worms play pinochle on your chin...
By Jim Anderson
Nov 25, 2020
Natural World
Natural World
Birds of prey flock to Central Oregon to dine "al Rodentia" in winter
Driving through Central Oregon in winter, past agricultural fields or open sagebrush flats dotted with juniper, one is bound to notice hawks or eagles perched on powerline poles, fence posts, irrigation wheel lines—or perhaps soaring overhead. Birds of prey concentrate in the region due to an abundance of prey, including waterfowl, songbirds, rodents, carrion and small mammals.
By Damian Fagan
Nov 18, 2020
Natural World bend wildlife bend birds oregon raptors high desert museum
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Get ready for the coming winter from your computer
Support Winter Bike Trail Work with this Raffle Central Oregon Trail Alliance is raffling off a winter-ready fat bike in support of fat bike riding on the winter trails in and around Wanoga Sno-Park.
By Nicole Vulcan
Nov 11, 2020
Go Here winter gear Raffle bend recreation winter sports avalanche education
Outside Features
Books to inspire your love for all things river and ocean—no matter what the winter weather might bring
As the warm autumn winds wind down in the high desert, many are shifting from choice summer outdoor activities to favorite cold-weather ones. After the paddlers roll up the rafts and tuck them in for a long winter's rest, this reading list can serve as a winter holdover.
By K.M. Collins
Nov 4, 2020
Outside Features Recreational reading book reviews whitewater books
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Hockey won't be available in league form at all this year, but the Adult Curling League remains open
The "ice sports" season began this week at The Pavilion in Bend—but like most activities during this pandemic year, things will operate differently.
By Nicole Vulcan
Nov 4, 2020
Go Here bend recreation bend ice skating the pavillion oregon winter events
Natural World
Reflections on the deadliest pandemic recorded in human history
Several years ago, I heard a tragic story of a young child from Simnasho living on the Warm Springs Reservation who died from bubonic plague; it got a lot of people's attention. The story I heard was that her pet house cat killed and carried a Belding's Ground Squirrel into her home.
By Jim Anderson
Oct 28, 2020
Natural World black death oregon plague past pandemics
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Ever wanted to bike the Skyline Forest, but don't know where to go?
Ever wanted to bike the Skyline Forest, but don't know where to go? An upcoming webinar gives locals the chance to learn about gravel biking on the privately owned land.
By Nicole Vulcan
Oct 21, 2020
Go Here bend mountain biking oregon bike trails skyline forest biking
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Each week there's a new course to tackle
We know—you wish racing wasn't so siloed and solo this year... but alas. For those looking to add a healthy dose of competition to their running or mountain biking routines, the 10 Barrel "Riding Solo" and "Running Solo" stage race series continue through the first week of November.
By Nicole Vulcan
Oct 21, 2020
Go Here 10 barrel bend events bend races 10 barrel events
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