What really sets Bend, Oregon apart from other mountain towns is its unique geological history—or rather the fact that, as Adam Craig says, “Pretty much everything around here exploded at some point.” From the trail network surrounding town to Mt. Bachelor’s lift-serviced runs to the rowdy trails on Cline Butte, Bend’s dirt and landscape provide a variety of riding, most of which is only a few minutes out the backdoor.
Beyond the riding, Bend has an outdoor culture that is ingrained into its roots. People live here because of it’s year round opportunities for all things active. The number of professional athletes (and not just bikers) who call Bend home is a testimony to the town’s draw, and the amount of effort that has been put into their trails is a reflection of the entire community’s commitment. The combination of access and opportunity make one thing certain; it’s impossible to be bored in Bend.
Photo: Tyler RoemerNext Exit is a series dedicated to exploring communities around North America that have embraced the mountain bike lifestyle. Small towns are dreaming big when it comes to the issues that surround our sport, from tourism to advocacy to land management. Their efforts are redefining what a mountain town can be, keeping our culture—and trails—alive and well.
Watch the rest of the Next Exit Series:
Next Exit // Sun Valley, IdahoNext Exit // Revelstoke, British ColumbiaNext Exit // Copper Harbor, MichiganNext Exit // Bend, Oregon was produced by Freehub Magazine and Teton Gravity Research with support from Scott Bikes, 10 Barrel Brewing, Mt. Bachelor, Visit Bend and evo.
MENTIONS:
@FreehubMag
bend sucks, don't move here.
bend sucks, don't move here.
bend sucks, don't move here.
bend sucks, don't move here.
Sage,( get a trail bike buddy and cut your hair you hippy. )
Best beer town in the west.
10B had a right to sell, I have a right to be sad about that and express my opinion, you have a right to down-vote. But if selling to InBev is the right decision when you've made great beer, we're going to run out of great beer. PBers seem to have a bent for fun, free-spiritedness, anti-corporate-BS; InBev is pretty much the opposite. I miss going to 10B, Redhook, Elysian - but I'll exercise my puny right to patronize those that love the craft.
Cheers, good riding, and good drinking!
200+ miles of single track you can access from town.
Lines at Phil's trailhead. DH bike is a little overkill for the area but still fun. There is a bike park Mt bachelor for the big bike.
Don't forget awesome beer also