Get ready for beer hand-ups and incessant cough-inducing dust clouds: cyclocross season is barreling toward Central Oregon. A multi-surface cycling discipline that pits furry-limbed mountain bikers against leg-waxing roadies, cyclocross poses the question—if never completely answering it—of which breed of cyclist is more capable. Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation’s Thrilla Cyclocross Series, happening on five […]
Outside Features
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A Healthy Self
As teens and young adults struggle more than ever with mental health issues, wilderness therapy offers a way to unplug
Instead of meeting regularly in a medical office, the clinical team at New Vision Wilderness takes things outside, facilitating group and individual therapy for young people and families year-round. Gear and food are part of the cost of attending the programs that transport patients to various field locations throughout Central Oregon, including sites in the […]
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Battle at Bachelor
A premier disc golf competition, set amongst towering trees and mountain views, continues to grow
The discs will be flying during the Battle at Bachelor premier Pro Disc Golf Association event of Central Oregon Aug. 10 and 11. Hosted by the Central Oregon Disc Golf Club, at least 163 participants are registered to compete against elevation, tight fairways and towering trees as they play a specially created 18-hole course that […]
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The Hummingbird Wannabe
The tale of the moth that looks like a beloved bird
Well, good people, hummingbird moths are in season. Yes, they can fool you; some people think they’re actually hummingbirds, while others don’t know what they are, as evidenced by an email I received the other day with the question, “What, pray tell is this?” But before we go into the what, why, where and when […]
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2019 Subaru Outside Games
Whether you’re participating or spectating, there’s something for everyone at this outdoor celebration
From mountain biking to bouldering, kayaking and more, the Subaru Outside Games showcases some of Central Oregon’s favorite pasttimes while appreciating the beauty of the surrounding area. Whether you’re participating or spectating, there’s something for everyone at this outdoor celebration. The Outside Games kicks off on the banks of the Deschutes River on July 25 […]
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East Trails Project Off and Running
Madras COTA chapter creating multi-use trails for just about everyone, and every skill level
The land east of Madras is sparsely covered with juniper trees, sage and other desert plants. It’s great habitat if you’re a sage grouse, but maybe not the best place to create a biking trail system—at least to the untrained eye. But, according to Central Oregon Trail Alliance’s Brennan Morrow, the dirt is primo for […]
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Trail Lovers Unite
The Deschutes Trails Coalition is partnering up to foster a future of sustainable trails in C.O.
It’s a group you may not have heard of, but if you love the trails in the Deschutes National Forest—and in Central Oregon—it’s a group to have on your radar. Formed about two and a half years ago, the Deschutes Trails Coalition is a partnership of environmental groups, the outdoor industry and trail stewardship organizations […]
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Creating a Crew
A Central Oregon whitewater matriarchy is raising an emerging paddler generation
Water pulling us ever closer toward the blind entrance of the Class III Fish Ladder rapid, my R2 shredder partner, Chloa Ulrich, shows not a stitch of fear. Throughout our McKenzie River route, she’s gently ruminating about nutrition, weighing the pros and cons of the histamines in fermented food. No matter the subject, her sing-song […]
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Half-Throttle Adventures
Summer wandering is calling. But when time is short, let these three local-ish motorcycle rides give you some bite-sized adventure
A couple of weeks ago, my fairy godmother unearthed my hibernating motorcycle and got her purring like a fat cat. Who knew all it would take was draining and replacing fluids? This summertime transportation development has jump-started my relationship with Little Red Riding Hood, my ’77 Kawasaki, dual-sport KL250. When you need a dose of adventure, […]