Summer Solstice Mostest

Those of us who have been around know that summer doesn’t officially start until July 4. But if you’re waiting until the fireworks pop to roll out your Tevas and T-shirts, you’re missing out on at least one early summer ritual that’s worth honoring—the summer solstice.

Also known as the longest day of the year, summer solstice falls on Wednesday, June 20—as in next week. And while it may be hump day, it’s worth marking solstice on your calendar as a day to worship the sun by packing your bike, your golf clubs or even your kayak when heading to work so you can take advantage of the extra light as soon as you bust out the door.

How To Burn Those Extra Hours

Play 18

So-called twilight rounds are one of the best opportunities to take advantage of the local golf courses without busting your budget. Players willing to wait until the late afternoon or evening often play for the half price, or even deeper discounts. Widgi Creek, voted by Source readers as Central Oregon’s Best Golf Course, offers one of the best deals—$25 for all you can play after 5:30. Add a cart for another $11 and you should fit in 18 no sweat.

Where to get outfitted:

Pro Golf Bend: Golf balls, range finders and custom club fitting. They’ll even make your tee time.

Ride to HeliPad

One of the benefits of living in Bend is the immediate access to recreation with mountain biking at the top of the list. While most post-work riders are usually limited to the lower network of trails as they race against the sun, solstice offers a chance to bite off a bigger ride. We recommend you set your sights for helipad and blast down upper and lower whoops before pointing it back to Bend for a well-earned beer.

Where to get outfitted:

Hutch’s Bicycles: Bike rentals, spare tires, water bottles and locations on the east and westside.

Land A Lunker

Central Oregon is replete with fishing destinations for both fly and gear anglers. Summer is a great time to chase the fish of your fancy, be it a high mountain rainbow or a Prineville Reservoir bass. We recommend taking a trip up the Cascade Lakes Highway and launching your canoe or float tube at picturesque Hosmer Lake where landlocked Atlantic Salmon and trophy brook trout can be coaxed to the well-presented fly.

Where to get outfitted:

Fly and Field: Expert staff, gear aplenty and conveniently located on the way to High Lakes.

This article appears in Jun 14-20, 2012.