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Bend Artists Studio Tour sponsored by SageBrushers Art Society of Bend

13 Bend artists look forward to welcoming you into their studios and gardens to learn first-hand the inspiration and process of their artistic creations.
Painters, Photographers, Sculptors, Glass and Metal artists will be sharing their work in 7 different locations in Bend. There is no entry fee and visitors are encouraged to design their own itinerary over the two day event. More information can be found by scanning the QR code on the event flyer or going to www.sagebrushersartofbend.com/artists-studio-tour.

The Comedy Roast of Mikey Marks

Five of the best comedian Roasters in Bend OR plus some friends roast one of the best bar tenders in Bend OR, Mikey Marks! If you don’t know who Mikey Marks is? Well that’s ok, you will by the end of the night! come one come all and laugh with us as we all roast each other!!!
Located behind 3rd Street beverage in Bend OR and next to hawthorn station.

HDCM Celebrity Recitals: STEFAN JACKIW

Join us for our first-ever HDCM Celebrity Recital, showcasing the incredible talent of one of America’s foremost violinists Stefan Jackiw!

Captivating audiences with playing that combines poetry and purity with impeccable technique, Stefan is hailed for playing of “uncommon musical substance” that is “striking for its intelligence and sensitivity” (Boston Globe). He will be making his Central Oregon debut and you won’t want to miss this chance to kick off High Desert Chamber Music’s 17th season!

Join Stefan and Central Oregon Daily for a pre-concert talk about the program beginning at 3:15pm. This concert preview is free for all ticket holders.

Program: Part Fratres, Handel Largo and Allegro from Sonata No.4 Op.1 No.13, Prokofiev: Sonata No. 2 in D Major, Tao All I Had Forgotten or Tried To, Brahms Sonata No.1 in G Major

Tickets available through HDCM by phone or online. Come hear the music!

Bend Rugby: PWN Rugby Championship final

Bend Rugby host Clark county chiefs, in the PNW rugby Championship(D3) Final. For the second year in a row, Bend and Clark Co. face off to compete for top spot in the PNW, and a place in the USA Club rugby sweet 16 Pacific Super regionals, in Las Vegas May 3rd/4th. From here there is the potential for a spot in the final 4 nationals tournament in Texas, May 17th-19th.

Saisons on the Lawn

Join us for our second annual Saisons on the Lawn event at Crux! Entry is free. Taster package is $20 and includes a special tasting glass and 5 tokens. Additional tokens can be purchased for $2. Each token gets you one 4oz sample of saisons available from 6+ breweries. All proceeds benefit the Oregon Brewers Guild.

The Story of Phil’s Trail, A Singletrack Mecca in Bend, Oregon

Built by Phil (and Bob, Paul, Jimmy, Ben, Kent, Eric, Cody, Mike & more)

When I was 10 years old, my dad and I drove out Skyliners Road to ride bikes with an old guy who wanted to show us a trail he’d built. The singletrack was new and barely ridden, but it was great fun, with swooping turns through a beautiful canyon. On the way home, I remember thinking, “Awesome trail, but nobody is ever going to ride waaaay out there, old man.”

The year was 1985, and that old man was Phil Meglasson. If you’ve ever ridden a mountain bike, by now you’ve probably guessed that trail was Phil’s Trail.

The group that started it all in 1979
THE PIONEERS OF 1979: John Bifield and Kate Heber (far right) owners of Bend’s first mountain bike retailer Century Cycles, are joined by friends for a ’70s summertime tour on clunker bikes.

Today, the Phil’s Trail network is one of the most popular trail systems in Oregon and is key to the outdoor lifestyle Bendites hold dear. But back in ‘85, there weren’t many purpose-built mountain bike trails anywhere—after all, MTBs had only been around since 1978. The few trails that did exist around Bend were wilderness hiking trails much farther out or town trails on then-undeveloped Awbrey and Overturf buttes.

So how did a game trail beget a singletrack mecca? What inspired the trail names that have become part of the Bend mountain biking vernacular?Afterall, what is a Storm King? And what does C.O.D even mean? What’s the tale of Phil’s Trail?

3 mountain bikers riding at Phil's Trail
Between K.G.B. and Marvin’s Garden, Nola Stryker, Corey Schmid and Lev Stryker ride the twisting terrain. | Photo by Katie Sox

The Visionaries

In 1984, Bob Woodward—who would later become a mayor of Bend—came upon a deer trail through a canyon, and he and his friend Phil Meglasson began making “improvements.” Meglasson had moved to Bend in 1977 for U.S. Geological Survey work to catalog existing roads and trails. His encyclopedic knowledge of every goat track in the region is attributed to his avant-garde use of a bicycle to do what had previously been done on foot. “Back then, the U.S. Forest Service said you could ride your bike anywhere you wanted in the forest. So if you just rode the same way four or five times, you’d have yourself a trail,” he said. “We didn’t use tools. We just rode our bikes through the woods. At that point there were so few people around that the Forest Service didn’t really care.”

A few years later, Jimmy Terhaar created Middle Phil’s (née Jimmy’s), following a fire break from Heater Rock at the top of the canyon to the next road west, where Whoops now ends. Then, in 1990, pro racer and MTB Hall of Famer Paul Thomasberg would take the trail even farther west. Upper Phil’s (originally called Paul’s) became the most difficult trail out there, and not by accident. “You gotta learn to ride hard sh**, you know? I needed that stuff. There was a selfish element to it,” said Thomasberg. At that year’s Mountain Bike World Championships, he finished fourth in the cross-country race and third in the downhill discipline, a combined feat that has never been matched.

Phil Meglasson rides at Phil's Trailhead
Phil Meglasson rides at Phil’s Trailhead | Photo by Cody Rheault

The Outdoors

Better known as one of sport climbing’s OGs, Kent Benesch dabbled in MTBs, eventually spending long days moving dirt west of Bend. His eponymous trail, along with Phil’s, finally gave riders the option of a mostly singletrack loop.

Ben Husaby didn’t even own a mountain bike in 1994, but the brawny two-time Olympic Nordic skier wanted new terrain for dry-land training. Pitchfork in hand, he began work on Ben’s trail adjacent to Skyliners Road shortly after Kent’s was done. Ironically, what he intended as a downhill trail would later become the network’s first one-way ascent. The sport of mountain biking was growing fast; people were filtering in from all manner of athletic backgrounds.

Phil's Trailhead sign
Photo by Cody Rheault

The Founders

In 1992, Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) was founded in an effort to legitimize trail work. But after a few years, COTA’s relationship with the Forest Service (USFS) became strained as trails continued to proliferate under the tongue-in-cheek name early builders gave themselves—SORTA, the Society Of Rebel Trail Alliance. Frustrated by the USFS’ reluctance to acknowledge the value of more trails, the SORTA crew continued to dig, and Thomasberg challenged the USFS to “pay somebody to sit there and count cars with bikes on them.” The two groups counted together, and within weeks of seeing the large size of the MTB user group, the USFS was asking how it could help in a watershed moment. It went on to grandfather in much of the existing renegade singletrack it had earlier condemned.

The Black Rock Riders (shown) led by Phil, Bob Woodward and Dennis Heater (center, with a bike overhead).
The FRIENDS: In the ’80s, there were boomboxes, big hair and music videos on MTV. And there was the crew that helped not only build, but ride, the trails that would become Phil’s. Builders cleared the way for informal crews such as the Black Rock Riders (shown) led by Phil, Bob Woodward and Dennis Heater (center, with a bike overhead). While the Sony Walkman may have given way to Bluetooth, Phil’s Trail complex rocks on as an icon in the mountain biking world.

The Encryptors

Prior to this sea change, cagey builders wanted to distance themselves from their SORTA (il)legal work, so the trails were often given code names. Eric Vickers built the now garden gnome-lined E.L.V. trail, while Cody Davis toiled on the adjacent C.O.D.. Fortuitously initialed, Michael Thomas Beall built M.T.B. trail on the other side of the system. They may have been great trail builders, but master encryptors, not so much.

Like Phil’s Trail, C.O.D was at one time several distinct trails that were condensed for mapping purposes. One day, while Jimmy Terhaar and Kent Howes were digging on middle C.O.D., Bob Woodward happened upon them and discovered the trail. He griped about the upper part being a little boring. “You should call this one Y.A.W.N.” he went on to say. “I think we should call it Woody’s,” was Howes’ sarcastic retort. And Woody’s it was for several years.

Lev Stryker gets air at The Lair.
Lev Stryker gets air at The Lair | Photo by Katie Sox

The Loners

“Whoops” is a perfect colloquialism for a rolling ribbon of trail, but it was originally named “Frizzell-Frazzell” after its creator, Jeff Frizzell. Finding creative routes was nothing new to Frizzell, a world-class rock climber credited with a variety of first ascents at Smith Rock. High-schooler Bryan Harris helped Frizzell with Whoops, and other parts of Frizzell’s “Mt. Bachelor to Town” singletrack project that included significant portions of Flagline Trail. “I was making trail rakes in metal shop at school,” said Harris. “But, we didn’t know that [the trails themselves] existed.” Frizzell and Harris knew other trails were being created nearby, but builders were all working independently of each other. Now, nearly 30 years later, Whoops gets more use than any trail in Oregon, while Flagline, a late-summer classic, connects Bachelor to Bend via 100% singletrack.

Surprisingly, most of these characters are still in Bend. Or perhaps it isn’t a surprise at all. This kind of work breeds community. These guys may have just wanted new trails to ride, but what they created was something more – more meaningful for them and more impactful for the MTB community than anyone could have imagined. It’s hard to leave something like that behind.

A Trail by Any Other Name Would Ride as Sweet:

map of Phil's Trail System
Illustration by Mona Daly based on map provided by BendTrails.org

Storm King: Layton White built and named this one in honor of nine Prineville Hotshots who died in Colorado’s 1994 South Canyon “Storm King” fire. 

Marvin’s Garden: Named for Marv Lange, a former USFS employee who is credited by many for making Phil’s Trail network possible.

Tyler’s Traverse & Larsen’s Trail: Helping hands imparted trails with “more meaning that people know,” Paul Thomasberg said. These two trails invoke spirits of Tyler and Steve to remember their adventurous souls.

Mrazek: Phil’s ode to a quirky Czech-made bike that gained brief popularity in the ’90s.

K.G.B.: Kent Howes built “Kent’s Get Back” (or “Killer Green Bud” if you’re a horticulturist) to get home through what is now Tetherow.

Middle C.O.D/née C.I.A.: Builder Jimmy Terhaar originally named the trail “Cyclists In Action” only because the acronym was a fitting foil to K.G.B. While C.O.D. officially gets punctuation, it’s actually named for Cody Davis.

Grand Slam: Built by skier Scott Schauer, the original name, “Golden Schauer,” didn’t make it onto the official USFS map.

Hear more stories from Phil and friends on The Circling Podcast. | Read more cycling stories with us here

Stay Safe and Healthy This Spring in Central Oregon’s Outdoor Paradise

It takes work to stay healthy! 

With the arrival of sunny days, many Oregonians are excited to get outside for some fresh air and vitamin D. In Central Oregon, we’re looking to ease back into our favorite activities. 

“Whether you are hitting the trails, picnicking at a park, or cleaning up your own garden, remember to stay safe this spring,” said Sarah Cipriano-Stanley, a senior safety management consultant at the SAIF Bend office. SAIF is Oregon’s not-for-profit workers’ compensation company.

Hiker at Smith Rock
Hiking at Smith Rock State Park | Photo by Arian Stevens

Let’s Get Moving

“Walking is one of the best ways to spend time outdoors, and it’s also one of the simplest things you can do for your health,” Cipriano-Stanley said. Bend and the surrounding areas are full of trails to explore. Walk the Deschutes River Trail, including new sections through Drake Park, or via the Old Mill District, through the Historic District. Bend Park & Recreation District also has designated paths.  

A jaunt up Pilot Butte in the center of Bend takes 15 minutes to reach the top and 15 minutes back down, with an elevation climb to get your heart rate going. Plus, as a reward the walk provides a view from the peak of surrounding mountain ranges.

When walking in areas with traffic, stay vigilant. “Remember to use sidewalks when available, walk facing traffic, and avoid talking on your phone or texting,” said Cipriano-Stanley. “Take advantage of parks and trails that are closed to vehicle traffic.” 

Shevlin Park and Riley Ranch are two examples and are accessible as well. Wherever you step out, remember to dress appropriately to be seen by others. “Even though it’s light outside longer in the evenings, wear reflective clothing at dusk or in the dark,” said Cipriano-Stanley. 

Riley Ranch Bend Oregon hike
Riley Ranch | Photo by Tambi Lane

 

Bring on the Heat

You’ll also want to dress for the weather. “Warm weather can be a problem for anyone,” Cipriano-Stanley said. “As temperatures climb, keep three things in mind: Water. Rest. Shade.”

“Not drinking enough water contributes to ‘presenteeism’—being physically present but not mentally engaged—which can cause errors, injuries, and even heat stroke during our fun spring and summer activities,” said Cipriano-Stanley. 

So, how much should we drink? We’ve heard eight glasses of water a day is the goal, but that total should increase when you’re active, especially in a warmer climate. If you don’t like the taste of water, beverages such as milk, juice and herbal teas are also adequate for hydration. 

Remember, no matter how much fun you’re having, take breaks. Give yourself a time out from the sun by seeking cooler, shady spots.  

couple kayaking puts on sunscreen

Here Comes the Sun

Seeking the shade is also beneficial for your skin. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Oregon reported almost 20 out of every 100,000 people of all races and ethnicities being diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, in 2020. 

“Dermatologists recommend an SPF of 30 to 50, which blocks 97% of the sun’s rays,” said Cipriano-Stanley. “Consider wearing sun-blocking clothing, a hat with a wide brim, and sunscreen and sun-protective lip balm while outdoors.” She also recommends sunglasses with 100% UV protection and side panels.

Whether your pastime is walking, biking, golf, or other outdoor activities, keep these tips in mind for a safe and enjoyable season. You want to arrive home feeling better than when you left, and you want to show up at your job ready to accomplish your goals. Work smart—play smart!

couple walking dog summer evening

To find out more about SAIF, and learn even more safety tips, see SAIF.com | Take a Work Day Walk | Working Remote from Five Central Oregon Coffee Shops

Graham Zimmerman Climbs to Protect the World’s Highest Mountains

Graham Zimmerman spends a lot of time on glaciers—climbing them, mapping routes through them and protecting them. Zimmerman, age 36, is an alpinist known for establishing dozens of new routes and first ascents up the world’s highest peaks, from Alaska to Patagonia and Pakistan.

Combining ice climbing, rock climbing and glacial traversing to reach remote mountain summits, alpinists climb lighter, faster and closer to the elements. Compared to traditional mountaineering, an alpinist carries minimal gear and pushes to the summit in days rather than weeks. The planning is intense, the weather unpredictable, and the risks significant. For Zimmerman, there’s no better way to experience the majesty of the mountains.

Mark Allen appraoching- he NW Fork of the Lacuna Glacier of AK
Mark Allen approaching- the NW Fork of the Lacuna Glacier of AK in 2011

When he moved to Bend in 2015, the outdoor access and community made it the perfect basecamp for Zimmerman and his wife, Shannon McDowell. He describes McDowell as his best partner, coach, motivator, and the reason he’s determined to return home safely from every climb. “There’s a harmony between my climbing, marriage and creative work. When I get better at one part, it all grows stronger,” he said. That harmony has driven his growth as an alpinist, filmmaker, climate advocate and author.

Graham Zimmerman headshot

Searching for Balance

As Zimmerman explains in his new memoir titled A Fine Line: Searching for Balance Among Mountains, climbing brings him freedom and challenge unlike anything else in his life. “It’s more than a checklist of ascents and summits. Climbing has become my life’s work, with a deeper purpose. I’ve learned to take on big, audacious challenges and problem-solve strategically,” said Zimmerman. Along the way, he has developed close friendships with mentors and climbing partners. Many of those climbers lost their lives in the mountains they loved, and Zimmerman feels driven to keep their legacy alive.

In A Fine Line, Zimmerman honors these friends by sharing their stories, personalities and achievements, and weaving the wisdom of his mentors through his own lessons learned. These lessons range from managing fear—a critical part of alpining—to cultivating trust between partners, and leveraging his platform for good.

Chris Wright on The French Maid Canada
Chris Wright on The French Maid Canada in 2018

Witnessing Glacial Change

As his alpine expeditions grew more complex, Zimmerman witnessed measurable changes in the size and quality of glacial fields. His filmmaking allows viewers to experience these extreme environments with him, and witness the impact of a warming climate on both the landscape and the local people. To expand the scope of this work, he joined forces with Protect Our Winters (POW), a nonprofit organization working to influence climate policy and nudge society closer to carbon neutrality. “I’m an imperfect advocate—I’ve struggled with the fact that travel increases my own carbon footprint. But through climbing I can show what’s actually happening, and I can speak for those who don’t have a voice or a vote,” said Zimmerman.

Graham, Shannon and their dog Pebble in Bend OR
Graham, Shannon and their dog Pebble in Bend OR

First Ascent

In 2019, Zimmerman was part of the four-climber team that completed the first ascent of Link Sar, a 7041-meter mountain in the Karakoram range of Pakistan. For that achievement, the team was awarded the Piolet d’Or, the highest award given in the climbing world. His film Link Sar: The Last Great Unclimbed Mountain captures the challenges of that ascent–and the staggering beauty of a landscape at risk.

Graham zimmerman Rainy Day Yoga
Graham Zimmerman rainy day yoga in LS Basecamp, 2019

The Greater Goal

Zimmerman’s next climb targets a remote Alaskan range, but this year’s priorities will keep him closer to home. “POW has created a massive engine for building coalitions to work directly with policymakers; continuing that work is my top concern. 2024 is a critical year for keeping the momentum going.”

Despite the overwhelming nature of the problem, Zimmerman remains positive about turning the tide of climate change. “I have a lot of hope that we can fix this,” he said, “but it will take gumption and innovation. Anyone who spends time outdoors has a story, and stories are potent tools for driving positive change. Everyone can play a role in this conversation.” Learn more at grahamzimmerman.com.


Click here to read more adventure stories with us! | Read more on snow sports around Bend.

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