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Scenic Side of Bend Bikeways

By Dan Shryock

The towering rocks loomed before us as we made our way along a narrow road near Bend, Oregon. We started 36 miles earlier from the nearby town of Sisters and made our way past sagebrush, Juniper trees and rugged landscape to reach this point. With Smith Rock now in view, we knew the scenery would get better and better with every pedal stroke.

Smith Rock State Park, celebrated as an Oregon outdoors wonderland, is what remains of an eroded volcanic caldera.

In the Buff

Do you bare? Do you dare? It’s World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR), an international clothing-optional bike ride that takes place on June 22 in Los Angeles, California, and June 29 in Portland, Oregon.

Looking Ahead to June

June dawns bright and happy all over the west, with all kinds of events on the dock. From Bend, Oregon to San Diego WAY south, from the desert to the Pacific Ocean, there’s always something goin on in the calendar.

Beer. Always beer!

Of course, you always think of beer when you run. June 1 the Bend Beer Chase is a loop run from Bend, Oregon, to Redmond and back. Lasso five friends for this 50-mile relay race — the 12 legs consist of varying distances from 4-8 miles per leg.

Find more in the Cycle California! calendar, beginning on page 12