An opportunity to ride

 Right now cyclists in central Oregon have a special opportunity.  There is a time each year when McKenzie pass is plowed following it's winter closure, but not yet open to vehicle traffic.  That provides the perfect window for a cyclist to ride a narrow, winding, scenic alpine pass free of the worries of car traffic. One can start anywhere west of Sisters on 242 and climb about 1500-2000ft to Dee Wright Observatory at the summit. The summit plateau winds through the lava for a few miles offering good views of north and middle sister.  Then the descent to the west starts. Watch out for snowmelt, cinder, debris, the gates, and other cyclists as you descend.  It's gradual for a few miles but gets steep and windy eventually.  When you've gone as far as you like, turn around and climb back over!  I was fortunate to have a decided tailwind on the return climb yesterday.  A super cyclist can make a big loop back to Sisters over Santiam Pass.  Sounds like we've got a week or two before the pass is fully open.  It is definitely still rideable then, but not quite the same. 

Crack in the Ground

The upcoming holiday weekend looks pretty nice, but it's been drizzly today.  While that is good news for the trails, it makes me want to escape to the desert in the meantime. If you ever find yourself in such a situation, go check out Crack in the Ground-  another interesting geological formation in the Oregon desert. It's found north of Christmas Valley about 10 miles up a washboarded but passable road.  Or, with a good map and somewhat rugged vehicle, you can drive down from Bend or highway 20. Crack in the Ground is just that, a crack in the floor of the desert.  You can hike along the bottom of it for a couple of miles and check out the nooks and crannies.  It's a good stop on a tour with Fort Rock, or some of the other lava caves or cinder cones in the area. 

A Stone's Throw Bungalow vacation rentals

Springtime!

  It seems like springtime finally has a grip on the high desert.   The forecast looks good and the place is really greening up.  I've enjoyed watching the birds at the feeder all winter, and now there are more and different varieties.  Bend always has interesting birds like jays, quail, and doves, but I've been enjoying these pretty grosbeaks lately.  They squabble a lot and will not hesitate to smack a window.  This guy knocked himself silly at my friend's house.  Fortunately he was able to dart off again after a couple of hours. 

Fort Rock

Fort Rock is an interesting volcanic formation consisting of a "C" shaped ring of dark rock cliffs. It rises dramatically out of the flat desert floor, and reminds one a bit of Ayers rock in Australia. A BLM trailhead leads to easy hikes up into the crater, or a bit of rock scrambling will get you to vantage points on the rim.  It's quite a drop to the flat ground on the other side!  Fort Rock is located southeast of LaPine, a little over an hour from Bend. It makes a great stop on a larger loop of the desert landscape of central Oregon.

A Stone's Throw Bungalow vacation rentals

Tumalo falls in winter

Tumalo Falls is an excellent winter half-day destination. It's a 2-3 mile ski or snowshoe from the gate at the end of Skyliners road. Much of the route is along the creek and in an old burn, so it's pretty and quite sunny. It is possible to loop back on a smaller, more rugged trail through the trees on the other side of the valley.  More information can be found at www.explorecentraloregon.com/tumalo-falls.

Smith Rock/Grey Butte

This is related to my last post about giving Phil's a winter break. I can't say enough good things about the riding out by Smith Rock! It's just a great area with lots of winter sun and good views. Not to mention Smith Rock itself is a fantastic place to hike around even if you're not a sport climber. Go check it out!
A Stone's Throw Bungalow vacation rentals

Meissner Luminaria Ski

Last night was the Luminaria Ski at Virginia Meissner snow park. It was the perfect night! It was calm, cold-ish, with a good moon and nice track.
Skiing at the snow park is great! It's close, well cared for, and the terrain is diverse. Check out the new Meissner Nordic website for info. Please make a donation for grooming when you go ski.
- A Stone's Throw Bungalow Vacation Rentals

If you come to ride...

Yes, it's been unusually warm and typically sunny. It's tempting to jump on a bike and roll up to Phil's Trails. However, most of the lower trails continue to be troughs of muddy water from last weeks rain. Take opportunity to enjoy some of the winter riding spots, and spare Phil's the damage. (more info on the COTA website) Horse Ridge was in excellent shape today!
- A Stone's Throw Bungalow vacation rentals