Outside Features Archives - Page 85 of 104 - The Source

More Than Just the McKenzie: Exploring fall colors on the wet side

Ahh, rain and fall colors. Does it get any better than this? I just rode the McKenzie River Trail (MRT) and even when it’s raining you stay mostly dry underneath the high canopy of old growth forest that covers this trail.

Source WeeklySeptember 22, 2010October 9, 2023

Ahh, rain and fall colors. Does it get any better than this? I just rode the McKenzie River Trail (MRT) and even when it's raining you stay mostly dry underneath the high canopy of old growth forest that covers this trail. Fall colors are just beginning to show themselves and it only gets better as winter approaches. The MRT is one of those classic rides – very scenic, plenty of challenges for every level of mountain biker and a full day immersed in some spectacularly pristine nature. I liken riding the McKenzie to a biking baptism, as it has a renewing effect.

Outside

It's Blowout Season: College football's September tradition

“This doesn’t seem safe, does it?” I asked, maybe to the bartender or maybe to the only other guy sitting at the bar.

Mike BookeySeptember 22, 2010January 4, 2023

“This doesn't seem safe, does it?” I asked, maybe to the bartender or maybe to the only other guy sitting at the bar. Almost ten seconds of silence followed and I felt marginally stupid because when watching football in the company of other football fans, one typically doesn't strike up casual conversation by bringing into question the relative safety of the sport.

Outside

Getting Schooled: Rebound's cross clinic, Trebon on the Thrilla and more

It’s all well and good until somebody gets hurt, and I was fully aware that that someone might be me. While I’m an experienced road and track racer, many of my friends will tell you I’m pretty lame on the mountain bike. I didn’t grow up on BMX.

Michelle MercerSeptember 15, 2010October 28, 2023

Cross Clinic
It's all well and good until somebody gets hurt, and I was fully aware that that someone might be me. While I'm an experienced road and track racer, many of my friends will tell you I'm pretty lame on the mountain bike. I didn't grow up on BMX. The gravel driveway in front of our rural Indiana home was as off-road as it got for my apple-green stingray and me.

Outside

A Must-Ride Ride for the Fall Season

Source WeeklySeptember 8, 2010February 3, 2024

The Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) has been at the forefront of developing and maintaining one of the great assets of outdoor recreation around here – the single-track mountain biking trails. There are so many different routes and loops to ride that it boggles the mind, and that is one reason I have yet to write about a certain “must ride” trail or loop – until now. (Another reason is I'm trying to remain true to COTA's mission, which focuses on trail maintenance and stewardship as well as access and education, but does not mention “promoting” the sport of mountain biking. It's a slippery slope – let me assure you.)

Outside

What's SUP Central Oregon?: The stand-up paddleboarding phenomenon in Bend

Stand-up paddleboarding is the fastest growing water sport in the world and it also has a strong hold over paddling enthusiasts here in Central Oregon.

Laurel BraunsSeptember 8, 2010July 3, 2024

Stand-up paddleboarding is the fastest growing water sport in the world and it also has a strong hold over paddling enthusiasts here in Central Oregon. Bend's ties to the sport run deep due to local surf stars like Gerry Lopez, and paddle manufacturers Dave and Meg Chun of Kialoa Paddles.

Outside

Knocking Down the Dust

Hooray for rain! The much-needed moisture falling from the sky over the past couple of days has helped quell the dusty conditions somewhat. It's amazing how much rain it really takes to bring back the tacky firm soil conditions we know and love.

Source WeeklySeptember 1, 2010August 30, 2023

Outside

River Time: A mere mortal's guide to North Umpqua Trail

For years, the McKenzie River Trail was Oregon’s premier running and hiking trail. But as time went by and the trail’s popularity grew, so too did the crowds and trail damage.

Bob WoodwardSeptember 1, 2010May 20, 2024

For years, the McKenzie River Trail was Oregon's premier running and hiking trail. But as time went by and the trail's popularity grew, so too did the crowds and trail damage. Both situations led many active outdoor people to seek a trail that, despite some extra drive time, has turned out to be a wonderful alternative.

Outside

The Water Log: Summer on Sparks, river and lake kiosks, and a Rogue reconnaissance

Laurel BraunsAugust 25, 2010January 4, 2023

Suggested Flatwater Adventure: Sparks Lake
Even at the height of summer, this lake feels tranquil and pristine on a Sunday afternoon. Sparks is one of the more popular kayak and canoe destinations off the Cascade Lakes Highway partly because it is so close to town and partly because there is so much to explore on a relatively small body of water. Many claim it is the most scenic of the Cascade Lakes, and late Oregon photographer Ray Atkeson made a good living proving that with his stunning collection of postcards/posters/calendar shots of the area. From the rugged basalt shoreline to the hundreds of wildflowers, Sparks is a photographer's dream.

Outside

Ride of Your Life: Mountain Bike Oregon is a two-wheeled “Woodstock”

Source WeeklyAugust 18, 2010June 18, 2024

Would anyone pay close to $300 dollars to spend three nights camping at a highway rest area?Twice a summer, for the last four years, more than 300 people from all over the country and as far away as Australia do just that; many of them consider it a bargain. They come for one reason: Mountain Bike Oregon(MBO), a three day festival in Oakridge featuring some of the best singletrack mountain biking in the nation.
“There are miles of amazing single track. It's right up there with places like Moab, Crested Butte and Park City,” says Abbey Hippely of Santa Cruz Bicycles. Riders and industry reps agree – Oakridge has quietly developed a reputation as a premier mountain biking destination.

Outside

Clearing the Air: Smoke, big time rides and more about chip seal

I used to live in Los Angeles, where every bike ride exposed me to air thick with pollution. I would try to ignore it and not think too hard about what I was breathing.

Michelle MercerAugust 11, 2010October 28, 2023

I used to live in Los Angeles, where every bike ride exposed me to air thick with pollution. I would try to ignore it and not think too hard about what I was breathing. Frequently, local news people would report almost gleefully that exercising for a given amount of time, say 45 minutes, when the air was particularly bad was akin to smoking a pack of cigarettes. The message seemed to be that one should exercise inside like an animal in a cage, or just forget it and eat something instead.
Last week's forest fire was a good reminder of the clean air we consistently enjoy in Central Oregon and how easy it is to take it for granted. After only two days of not riding outside, I had full-blown cabin fever. Fortunately, the wind began to usher out the smoke on Friday. By Saturday, it was almost completely gone.

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