Mailtribune.com - Oregon Outdoors Sections

Bike racers invoke the force

Mountain bikers converged on Sam Brown Campground in the Southern Oregon mountains between the Redwood Highway and the Rogue River last weekend for a two-day, three-race event called Return of the Jedi.

It's all downhill, and they love it

Mountain bikers from all over the world bombarded Ashland over the weekend to see how fast they could make themselves go on two wheels.

'Spring Thaw' heats up bike trails

Cyclists from around the Northwest flooded Ashland Saturday and Sunday for the Spring Thaw Mountain Bike Festival.

Cyclists sizzle on roads

Temperatures weren't the only thing heating up the roads Sunday as more than 160 cyclists from all over the state burned up the Table Rock Road Race, part of the Oregon Cup series.

Time trials roll along valley roads

For the past three Sunday mornings, local cyclists have been challenging themselves in the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association's Southern Oregon Time Trial Series.

Local men help raise $350,000 for two charities on Thailand bike tour

Community donations helped two local cyclists participate in a 1,400-mile cycling journey across Thailand, raising $4,000 for charity.

Biking Benton County

Now that heavy snow should be a distant memory in the Willamette Valley, it's a good time to warm up with a bike ride.

Five routes to bicycle-friendly Jacksonville

The historic town of Jacksonville always is a great destination for cyclists, especially during the colder months. I recommend these five different routes to put a little distance on the legs and end up at a destination where you can get warm before you return home.

Mud, sweat and cheers in Merlin

It didn't matter what they were riding — mountain bike or cyclocross bike — they all got muddy.

Internet offers easy access to the world of cyber-cycling

Do you have an urge to expand your cycling awareness or knowledge base? Whether you are just getting into bicycling or have been an avid cyclist for years, you may want to learn about bicycle maintenance, find new gear or develop training regimens to improve your speed or performance in a cycling event.

Cyclists raise funds for Thailand trek

Concerns about the economy, the environment and their own fitness motivated Travis Frey and Adam Chizek to become more serious this year about bicycling.

A bike route to put you in the zone

I enjoy cycling with friends, but there are times when I just want to get on my bike and ride by myself. It gives me time for sorting out mental and muscular tensions. I seek routes with long stretches uninterrupted by stop signs or traffic lights. This allows me to get into a good pedaling rhythm so I can reach that "zone" where moving the bicycle seems effortless.

Illumination can help night riders stay alive

Take a drive around the city of Medford on any night and you are likely to see a kamikaze (suicidal) bicyclist, riding without any lighting and dressed in dark clothes. To make the situation worse, these night riders are commonly riding on the wrong side of the street, going against the flow of traffic. But that is a different issue for another column.

Mountain bikes on Bend's Deschutes River Trail

Fall is here for sure now, and winter is just a couple of rainstorms away. If you're going to get a dry mountain bike ride in the high desert, you'd better hurry.

Mostly flat bicycle route helps old guy keep up with young gun

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine called and said his son was in town visiting, and looking for a bike route around the Medford area. He obviously called the right guy.

Start easy, go slow and stick with it for health

Bicycling is a great way to maintain a fit and trim body. However, beginning cyclists who are out of shape and carrying extra pounds may jump on a bicycle, pedal around the neighborhood and decide cycling is hard work. Often as not, they quit after their first couple of rides.

Greenway route is great for casual riders, and autumn is the time to do it

Some of the most pleasant early-fall weather in the Pacific Northwest is right here in Medford. Cool early mornings warm to moderate temperatures by mid-day, making it ideal for outside activities. Add the changing colors of foliage along Bear Creek and you have great conditions for a scenic and relaxing bicycle ride.

Good techniques help maximize the benefits of your bicycle workout

As I have bicycled around the valley over the past several months, I have seen a lot of new riders on the road. In particular, I have seen numerous young (60+) adults like myself out riding. Seeing these "youngsters" pedaling gives me encouragement that other folks are finding the fountain of youth through bicycling.

Build your own bike tour

Ever heard of the Aufderheide National Scenic Byway?

Monster climb makes a perfect training ride

Most cyclists have pretty strong opinions about climbing hills — many cringe at the thought, while others relish a good, long, sustained hill climb. If you ever get into cycling to the point where you are in "training mode," trying to improve performance, climbing will improve your endurance and leg strength quickly and dramatically.

July 31, 2008