Excellent news! The USFS recently approved approximately 10 miles of new mountain biking trails that connect Sunriver (near the Cardinal Bridge by Sunriver Lodge) with the Wanoga and Cascade Lakes Welcome Station trail networks. This occurs in conjunction with the Forest Service's intention to minimize human disturbance in the core habitat of the Ryan Ranch Key Elk Area. 

Per the USFS Decision Memo shown below:

The purpose of this project is to increase areas of undisturbed core elk habitat while also providing recreation opportunities.  

Trail construction will be a joint effort between COTA and the Sunriver community, with trail build events to be posted on Meetup (find COTA's Meetup page here).

Trail flagging will begin this spring, with most if not all mountain bike trails completed this fall. The majority of trails will be machine built with hand finishing, with a few sections contracted out to professional trail builders with appropriate larger scale equipment.

Interested in becoming a COTA Trail Steward? It's a great way to get involved and give some love back to the trails you enjoy.

Spring Trail Stewardship Level 1, Level 2 & Level 3 trainings coming up soon.

Level 1: Intro into Trail Maintenance and indoor PowerPoint Presentation*
Tuesday, Feb 19, 6-9pm - Enviro Center
​Wednesday, March 27, 6-9pm - Enviro Center

Level 2: Full day in the woods applying what we learned in the Level 1 *
Sunday, March 31, 9-5pm - Cascade Lakes Welcome Station
Saturday, April 13, 9-5pm - Cascade Lakes Welcome Station

Level 3: Advanced Trail Maintenance, Personal Protection and Crew Leader Training*
Tuesday, April 23, 6-8pm - Enviro Center
Level 3, Session 2 to be announced (May timeframe)

*Registration required; attendance is free. Trainings will be posted on Meetup in near future. Make sure you're a member of COTA's Meetup page here.

What's a Trail Steward? 
Stewards are trained volunteers whom sign up with COTA to perform basic trail maintenance needs for trails that COTA has a Volunteer Agreement with land managers (ex. USFS, BLM) to maintain. Trail maintenance needs include: logout (up to a log size that can be cut with hand saws (chainsaw use requires additional training and certification), brushing, water management needs (clean out current drains and creating new ones as needed), and basic trail tread maintenance.
- Prerequisites: 1+ year as a trail volunteer locally or other places
- Training Requirements: Minimum 4 hour training course for Level 1 Trail Steward and additional training requirements for Level 2-4. Trail work and experience from other locations will be considered for grandfathering in Trail Stewards after some brief training in COTA protocols.
- Expectations: Attend at least 2 work events, & log all volunteer hours; min 2 year commitment.

Level 1 - Learn how to look for trail issues, using the COTA App. Focuses on brush, treadwork, sight lines, safety, land management volunteer agreements.

Level 2 - At this intermediate level training, attendees will learn how to logout using folding saws; build/improve drains; build corners to withstand heavy use; and will also have a powerpoint component to delve into more detailed situational analysis of more advanced Trail Maintenance Techniques. This training is highly encouraged for anyone wishing to have a more complete skill set of trail maintenance techniques.

Level 3 - Group management, USFS Trail Design Parameters, land manager process/policies. Classroom setting. Levels 1 and 2 trainings are required for Level 3.

The Oregon Mountain Biking Coalition will be hosting the first annual Oregon MTB Legislative Day in Salem on February 27th. OMBC is working to create new opportunities and ensure that our community's concerns are heard by state lawmakers.  

Showing up makes a difference

But no one receives the same attention from a lawmaker as a constituent does - that's why we want you to join us in Salem on February 27th to meet directly with the lawmakers elected to represent your district.

Advocacy new to you? We'll show you how

That's right - OMBC will be waiting for you in Oregon’s capital city to introduce you to your district representative.  And the more riders we have the stronger our voice is for mountain bikers.  

We particularly need to be joined by riders from some of the suburban and rural areas of our state - areas where we can gain great new riding opportunities. 

The only thing we ask of you is a desire to make Oregon the best place to ride! If you've ever wanted to have a direct hand in advocacy, this is your chance. OMBC will be on site to coordinate meetings, facilitate discussions, and answer any questions.

Lawmakers want to hear from you

We'll provide issues briefings, training, and a rundown of what to expect when you meet with your lawmakers. We ask that you plan on spending most of the day so we have flexibility in scheduling and can make the best use of your time. Once you sign up we’ll provide you with a bit more info on logistics, including meeting times and locations.

Be there at the start of this landmark annual event and RSVP below so we can begin scheduling meetings.  

REGISTER NOW!

Experience:  None needed! OMBC staff will arrange meetings and provide training that morning.  This really is a fun opportunity to make a difference and connect with like-minded riders!

When: February 27th, 2019 @ 8:30am - 4pm
Where: Venti’s Café in Salem
Who: YOU!
What: Making history by bringing mountain biking recreation discussions straight to our representatives.

REGISTER NOW!

Already registered for Legislative Day and have a question? Need to cancel your registration? Email: mattheww@nw-trail.org​

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Oregon Mountain Biking Coalition (OMBC)

The Oregon Mountain Biking Coalition (OMBC) is Oregon’s statewide mountain biking advocacy group, a coalition of regional trail organizations representing thousands of mountain bikers across the state. We advocate, create, enhance, and protect mountain biking experiences in the State of Oregon. 

Our vision is to advance Oregon as a premier mountain biking destination, offering a diverse set of riding experiences in all settings from backcountry to urban, for riders of all types and abilities.

​Learn more about OMBC/Oregon Mountain Biking Coalition here.

On January 2, 2019, the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners voted 2-1 to approve the Big Sky Bike Park moving forward. A huge thanks to everyone who attended public meetings and spoke out in favor of the bike park, and/or wrote letters of support. Showing up makes a difference!

COTA has been an advocate of the bike park from the very beginning, working with BRPD staff at every step of this process. We are excited to see additional biking experiences become available to central Oregonians and visitors alike. This includes adding a slopestyle riding course (a type of riding not allowed on USFS lands), skills courses, and an overall great place for kids and families to ride mountain bikes and provide additional winter riding options for those riders who don't fat bike or ski.

To read the Deschutes County Notice of Decision letter, mailed January 3, 2019, click on the following PDF:

A section of the Deschutes River Trail will remain closed between Dillon Falls Boat Ramp and Slough Camp for the winter. A temporary re-route of that section of the trail is in place.

Deschutes National Forest
63095 Deschutes Market Road
Bend, OR 97701  
www.fs.usda.gov/deschutes           
News Release

Contact: Jean Nelson-Dean, Public Affairs Officer, Deschutes National Forest 541-383-5561
Date: December 21, 2018                               
River Trail Remains Closed Near Ryan Ranch

Bend, Ore. – A section of the Deschutes River Trail on the Bend-Fort Rock Ranger District will remain closed between Dillon Falls Boat Ramp and Slough Camp for the winter.
 
Earlier this month the Deschutes River Trail was rerouted to allow for the removal of an historic berm separating the river from its natural floodplain. In addition to the berm removal, restoration of the flood plain required the construction and installation of two footbridges on the Deschutes River Trail and the hardening of the trail’s surface with gravel.
 
Much of the work has been completed; however, the closure of the section of trail between Dillon Falls Boat Ramp and Slough Camp has been extended to allow surfacing work on the trail through the winter to make sure the trail is sustainable and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
 
During the closure, trail users are directed to follow a re-route between the Dillon Falls Boat ramp and Slough Camp using Forest Roads 41_600 and 41_100.
 
Though the trail section is closed and rerouted, the 41_600 road to the Dillon Falls Day Use Area and Boat Ramp has been re-opened to vehicle traffic and access to Dillon Falls is open.
 
A second phase of the project will occur in 2019 which includes the construction of an accessible trail and wetland overlook that meets the standards of the ADA. Additionally, a new toilet will be installed and designated ADA parking will be constructed.
 
Background
Ryan Ranch is a historic slough floodplain of the Deschutes River that has been drained and isolated from the river for over 90 years. The area was used historically by Native Americans and more recently as pasture after being homesteaded in the late 1900’s. The Forest Service acquired Ryan Ranch in 1946 and continued grazing on site as part of a federal grazing allotment until 1989. The full ecological potential of the slough, including historic habitat for the Oregon spotted frog, has been limited by a berm that prevents the river from inundating the floodplain on a regular basis. Reconnecting the river with Ryan Ranch will benefit a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic species, including migratory and nesting waterfowl, amphibians and ungulates.

###
 
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Another successful fundraising winter raffle is complete. Thanks to everyone who purchased raffle tickets, and to all the prize donators, most notably Fatback Bikes for donating the Rhino FLT fat tire bike for the Grand Prize.
​
Congratulations to Brett Farrell for holding the golden ticket. Enjoy your new Rhino ride, Brett. And congrats to all the other winners!

Sincere thanks to...

Fatback Bikes for the Grand Prize donation
WebCyclery for prizes AND hosting this fine event again
Cog Wild
The Hub Cyclery
Project Bike
The Gear Fix
Blazin Saddles Bike Shop
Crow's Feet Commons
Pine Mountain Sports
BendTrails.org

Grooming winter fatbike trails is expensive, not only because it requires snowmobiles and unique grooming equipment, fuel and machine maintenance, but countless hours from volunteer trail groomers. Trail support really comes from you, the awesome fatbike trail user. 

Our Grand Prize has been generously donated by Fatback Bikes. Fatback Bikes is an Alaskan fat bike brand that manufactures fat tire mountain bikes meant to be ridden in some of the harshest places in the world. 

GRAND PRIZE: Fatback RHINO FLT
The RHINO FLT retails for $1999. Any size.

Additional prizes donated by local companies: Blazing Saddles, Project Bike, Webcyclery, Pine Mountain Sports, The Gear Fix, CogWild, Crows Feet Commons, The Hub Cyclery, and Bendtrails.org.

Only 300 tickets will be sold! We sell out every year, so get yours ASAP. 
$20 per ticket or 3 fo $50. 

STEP RIGHT UP & ENTER HERE. 

Drawing at Web Cyclery: The winning ticket will be drawn on December 6th, 2018.  Fatbike winner does not need to be present to win, all other prizes you MUST be present to win. Doors open at 6:00pm, raffle drawing starts at 6:30pm. Web Cyclery is now located in the Old Stone Church at 157 NW Franklin Ave in Bend.

​Your donation helps pay for the grooming of the fatbike trails. All proceeds go to COTA Wanoga Fatbike Trail Grooming. 

​Thank you for your incredible support!

10/31/2018 UPDATE: Emails and Letters of Support accepted by the County Commissioners through November 5th!

There was a terrific show of support Monday night - thanks to all who came out. However, if you did not get a chance to attend or speak at Monday night's County Commissioners special hearing, the comment period for written comments and testimony is open until Nov 5th at 4PM.

To provide comments via email, send to: Cynthia.Smidt@deschutes.org Please include your name, mailing address and case file number Big Sky Hearing: 247-18-000745-A

To send in a letter of support, write to: Ms. Cynthia Smidt, County Planner, 1300 NW Wall St., Bend, OR 97701. Please include your name, mailing address and case file number Big Sky Hearing: 247-18-000745-A

In your communication, note you are in favor of the Bike Park and support special events, and request the County Commissioners overturn the hearing officer's stipulations 8+9 (dealing with excluding special events).

Encourage your children to write letters explaining why they would like the bike park and special events such as bike clinics, birthday parties, races etc. that are important to them.

Additional talking points addressing special events and competitions:

• Physical health aspects for people of all ages.
• Challenging courses for various interests and ages (think teens/young adults learning cyclocross or free ride skills and/or learning bike handling skills on the pump track, little ones on Strider bikes on the tots course).
• Competitions (formal/organized):
  • Brings competitive biking opportunities to Central Oregon, which otherwise take place in locations hours from here. This impacts competitors of all ages!
  • Visitors contribute to local economy via restaurants, hotels, retailers.
• Allows a site for youth bike competitions for those who don't already participate in traditional competitions like soccer, baseball, la crosse.
• Group practice & informal competition opportunities (think Boy Scouts Bike Rodeos, Bend Endurance Academy, etc).
• Bike riding and event opportunities to serve everyone living on Bend's Eastside.
• High Desert BMX Club has hosted successful events and competitions at Big Sky for years, without issue or complaints from neighbors.

​Please take 10 minutes out of your day to write a letter/email and speak out in favor of full development of the Big Sky Bike Park including special events. 
..............................................
10/22/2018 - As many of you know, the Bend Park & Rec Dept is working to build an impressive Valmont-style bike park at Big Sky Park/Luke Damon Sports Complex on the east side of Bend at Hamby and Neff. We at COTA fully support this project because of the varied biking opportunities it brings to our community. BPRD details here.

This project is at risk, however, because there's some resistance to the proposed bike park being used for races such as cyclocross or free ride competitions. Since it would be part of the Luke Damon Sports Complex, where soccer & BMX bike competitions are already held, it makes sense that the bike park should be utilized for bike races as well. The BPRD may rescind this proposed bike park if competitions aren't allowed to be held.

If you want this, we NEED you to show up at the special hearing with the County Commissioners on October 29th, 6pm, at the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners Hearing Room at 1300 Wall St.

Per COTA Board member Woody Keen: 

​I can not stress enough how important it is for folks to show up at this public meeting and voice your support for the bike park. I have been involved in this process from the beginning, and we are so close to a world class bike park but we have this one last hurdle. The [Deschutes County\ Hearings Officer put a stipulation on the bike park of "no races and no special events" and the county commissioners are our last chance of getting that overturned (and moving forward with the bike park). BRPD has noted they have no interest in building a million dollar plus bike park that can not host special events etc. such as cyclocross races. Please show up for this.

You SHOWING UP at the Oct 29th hearing is most effective.

At the hearing, any new information or comments can come in, and people can speak and present new or old information. However, there will be a 3 minute time-limit for each person. When requesting to speak at a meeting before the Board of Commissioners, they have sign-in sheets for each person wanting to speak and these will need to be filled out before the hearing starts.  You can also have one person represent a group of people or club.  The sheets are submitted to the Board secretary.
 
Keep in mind, the Board of Commissioners will have access to all the previously submitted comments. If there are repeat comments, that’s okay. However, it might help to focus the comments on the county code that the Board of Commissioners will be reviewing in this case (see below for PDF documentation). Also below is the first decision by the Hearings Officer showing the state and local codes that were previously reviewed. The Park District appealed this first decision based how the decision was approved. They have targeted their appeal to specific issues in the decision. Therefore, it is these issues that will be the main focus.  However, this does not mean they won’t focus on other areas of the County Code or state law.  There a several neighbors in opposition and their issues will be raised and addressed by the Board, if necessary. 

If you can't make the meeting, then send an EMAIL voicing your support for the bike park AND its ability to host occasional bike-related competitions (how it benefits Bendites of all ages, local businesses, etc) to: Cynthia Smidt, Associate Planner of Deschutes County Community Development, email here. *You must provide the following:

• Big Sky Hearing Oct 29: 247-18-000745-A
• Your mailing address AND email address
• Due no later than October 29, 2018. Mailed statements can be sent to 117 NW Lafayette Avenue, Bend, Oregon 97703 with above reference items.

Want to read the nitty-gritty? Ms. Smidt kindly shared the following documentation: Notice of Public Hearing, Hearings Officer Decision, and Appeals statement as posted in PDF format below.

Reposting October 12, 2018 article written by Matthew Weintraub of Northwest Trail Alliance.

The second annual Oregon Mountain Biking Coalition (OMBC) Summit was a huge success! We had 14 mountain bike groups, important land managers and a few political folks in the room – for a grant total of 50 passionate Oregon mountain bikers. The food was good, the conversation was lively, the smiles were abundant and the passion was palpable.

The day was split into four primary topics, summarized below. For all who attended, a huge THANK YOU for making it. For those who could not attend, we still want you on the team and hope to see you at the next event!

LAND MANAGER PANEL
We started the day off with a great panel that included representatives from the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Department of Forestry and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. The following are the key takeaways:

• OMBC can help land managers communicate the need for more MTB trails on public lands
• Land managers would like the OMBC to help educate them on the desired user experience
• If trail projects are “shovel-ready” and have demonstrated community support, they will rise to the top for funding
• Land managers are looking for new and creative ways to invest federal dollars to get the biggest bang for the buck and a good strategy could be to have OMBC help facilitate maintenance efforts
• Land managers would like the OMBC to help prioritize and elevate priority projects statewide

Quote of the session: The power of a unified voice can’t be understated.
– Cailin O’Brien Feeney, Oregon’s Office of Outdoor Recreation

Another good quote:  I see a tremendous amount of opportunity to be gained by disparate MTB groups being housed under one umbrella. 
-Zach Jarrett, Region 6 Trails Program Manager, US Forest Service

ADVOCACY MATTERS
We gave an overview of what advocacy could look like for OMBC. Our focus for the coming year will be on a lobby day at the capitol to introduce ourselves and what we care about to our legislators. Save the date for February 27, 2019! OMBC will facilitate the day and, so, for those of you who have never talked directly with your legislators, don’t be intimidated. We will walk you through it by providing:

• Arranging meeting times and locations
• Names and contact information for your representatives
• Talking points for you to focus on if and when you speak with him/her
• Coaching on how to talk with him/her
• The support of dozens of other mountain bikers

Key takeaways:

• A great suggestion was made to invite your legislator(s) to go for a bike ride when they aren’t in session.
• Or better yet, invite them out to a local trailwork day and demonstrate the power of your organization, volunteerism and what mountain biking can do for communities. 

GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE
This was the detailed, wonky part of the day and attendees blew our socks off – asking great questions, challenging assumptions and making solid revision suggestions. The Governance Guide is the central structure for OMBC that will decide who serves on the steering committee, how long they serve, who becomes a member, how decisions are made, and much more. The guide is for all of us and we will incorporate the great feedback that we received to make it even better.

Key takeaways:

• The OMBC steering committee was formed to represent us all and we want your feedback/involvement
• The steering committee is made up of representatives from different mountain bike groups and will change every two years (on alternating years)
• The steering committee will help to fundraise and pursue OMBC’s priority projects/initiatives
• OMBC will be made up of member organizations who are focused on mountain bike trails
• Membership is free, OMBC only asks time and engagement from each member organization
• The steering committee can be run by a Network Coordinator (once funding is secured)
• The steering committee can form subcommittees and/or advisory committees to help with specific projects/initiatives

OMBC NEXT STEPS
We have a lot of great work ahead of us. After last Saturday, I think that we all agree that OMBC is needed and the time is right for this work!

Our immediate next steps include:

• Establishing our online presence and on-going communications (website, newsletter)
• Organizing lobby day for February, 2019
• Establishing a member structure and asking you all to join
• Fundraising to support and expand our work
• Continued liaison work with land managers, Oregon Trails Coalition, and other partners

Depending on capacity and funding, other potential next steps could include:

• Other advocacy efforts
• Bike Tax
• Supporting land conservation bills that preserve mountain bike access
• Solidifying trail access in the face of land designation changes
• Collaborating with other recreation groups to find more funding for trails
• Create a platform for sharing “best practices” across members organizations such as how to track volunteer hours, how to get insurance coverage, etc.
• Develop education pieces for OMBC member groups on:
• Obtaining a Special Use Permit
• Deconstructing the 2016 outfitter/guide policy for the Forest Service (fees can be waived in lieu of trail work)
• Health benefits of having trails near communities
• Economic benefits of trails

IN SUMMARY
We have a lot of great work ahead of us. We are honored to be a part of getting OMBC going and we hope that all of you will continue to support this effort and join us for what we think will be a great ride.