Well, it’s that time of year; the kids are back in school, the leaves are changing color, and there’s a pleasant nip in the air signaling that indeed fall has arrived. For many, this means it’s time to hang up your hiking boots and dust off your ski gear. But wait, not so fast! Now […]
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Go Here 9/16-9/23
Going to the extreme
For most, you might achieve an adrenaline rush by running a road race or taking on the steepest mountain bike trail. What those endeavors have in common is that your feet, for the most part, are firmly planted on terra firma. If these activities don’t quite do it for you, here are some suggestions for […]
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On the Rocks
Climbing opportunities for every skill level
Think rock climbing in Central Oregon and the mind naturally gravitates to Smith Rock State Park, termed the birthplace of American sport climbing, and its thousands of bolted routes. But, for those less experienced climbers seeking the thrill of scaling walls, Bend Endurance Academy’s Climbing Program Director Mike Rougeux, a 15-year climbing veteran, has some […]
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Where the Dogs Are
Bend has a reputation for going to the dogs, or at least accommodating them. A number of breweries, restaurants, and other businesses accommodate pet owners, even leaving out water bowls for our canine companions during the summer’s heat. But with their popularity comes controversy, especially regarding humans allowing their dogs to run off leash or […]
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Pitch a Tent
These campsites may fill quickly, so don’t delay
Everyone’s definition of camping is different. For some, it means towing their full-amenity travel trailer to the RV park with full hookups, playground, and swimming pool. On the other extreme, camping means parking the car (or locking the bike) and heading as far into the Three Sisters Wilderness as possible. For most, somewhere in between […]
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Go Here 8/19-8/26
Look Up!
Last week’s visit by the annual Perseid Meteor Shower turned Central Oregon’s eyes to the sky. For some continued star-gazing, here are some nearby—and not so close—locations for taking in the marvels of the sky on any optimal evening. Simply go where it’s dark A quick drive out to Tumalo Reservoir Road (head west until […]
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Make Your Own Summer Camp
Go Here 8/12-8/19
Dave Dallas is well qualified to recommend activities for kids—he teaches third grade at Amity Creek School. He and his wife, Mary, are also known for their participation in strenuous outdoor activities. Dave is a triathlete who recently completed his first Ironman in Coeur d’Alene. Mary’s preference is cyclocross and mountain bike racing, and also […]
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Go Here 8/5-8/12
Getting Out of Town
It could be easily argued that living in Bend means never needing to travel far to access a wide variety of recreational and scenic opportunities. But, if your hunger for the mountains, the hiking and biking trails, the river, the music, or the beer becomes sated, there are an equal number of doable road trips […]
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Go Here 7/29-8/5
Three Hikes
What’s the difference between walking and hiking? Well, the steepness of the climb (from no elevation gain along the riverfront, to darn near rock climbing summits). Yup, it is a good reminder that just like Mt. Bachelor offers everything from a green circle to black diamond, the terrain around Bend has a grab bag of […]
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Go Here 7/22-7/29
The Wheel Thing
This week, the Cascade Cycling Classic—the longest consecutively-held stage race in America—is hosted on five different days here in Central Oregon. A winner of multiple state championships in California and Nevada, seven Master’s National Championships, and two Master’s World Championships, Julie Cutts knows the course well—and two years ago moved to what she calls “the […]