Concerted Efforts Expanding the Radlands ? Bike Around Bend

Redmond area trail system grows rapidly with the help of dedicated volunteers

Editor?s Note: Katy Bryce is a freelance writer who has lived in Bend since 1997 and serves on the board of the Central Oregon Trail Alliance. She absolutely digs mountain biking and when she?s not out on the trails, she?s dreaming up her next surf adventure.

A Radlands view | Photo ? Katy Bryce

Adjacent to northeast Redmond sits an expanse of land that appears to be a flat parcel with nothing but sagebrush and long-ago burned Juniper trees. Take a closer look, though, and you will find Central Oregon?s newest network of twisting mountain bike trails and a shining example of community collaboration: the Radlands.

Due to the sunny location and less overall snowfall, the area serves as a great winter riding area. The trails exhibit significant rolling relief, providing fun and fast sections interspersed with challenging lava rock outcroppings. The area has a classic high desert feel, with stunning views of Smith Rock to the north, Cascade mountains to the west, and Powell Butte to the east.

The Radlands project emerged after a Redmond Area Parks and Recreation District (RAPRD) survey revealed that the community desired nearby accessible trails for mountain biking, running and hiking and it was quickly determined that this nearby Deschutes County land would be an excellent location. Officially known as the East Redmond Trail Complex, the project is a collaboration between RAPRD, Deschutes County, the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) and key corporate sponsors including Altrec.com, REI and Redmond bike shops Trinity Bikes and Hutch?s. Trail building began in November 2011 and over eight miles of trail have been built ? all with 100% volunteer effort.

Volunteer Project Manager Tom Holt shares,

?This project has been blessed with terrific support from community leaders as well as the general public with their thousands of volunteer hours. I am very happy that we?ve been able to deliver this great amenity to Redmond, which should be able to support recreational activity for years to come.?

Community Trail work Event

Radlands trail map provided by Trinity Bikes

Many more miles of trails are planned. Join COTA and sponsor Trinity Bikes this Saturday for a fun work event to connect the current trails south to Antler Road.

When: Saturday, March 9th
Breakfast: 8:30 am (provided by Trinity Bikes)
Work begins: 9:00 am
Meet up: Radlands trailhead, High Desert Sports Complex, 1859 NE Maple Avenue, Redmond

After the work party event, join COTA at the High Desert Sports Complex for lunch provided by Trinity Bikes, and beer provided by Deschutes Brewery.

NOTE: Please bring a hydration pack with water and a snack, as well as appropriate layers to accommodate whatever the weather may be. For COTA?s trail work policies, please click here.

The Central Oregon Trail Alliance is dedicated to the stewardship of sustainable, multiple-use trails and to preserving access for mountain bikers through advocacy, education and promoting responsible trail use. COTA is a non profit volunteer organization that works in conjunction with the USFS, BLM and other land managers to build and maintain trails throughout Central Oregon. COTA is an IMBA affiliated club.

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Source: http://www.bikearoundbend.com/2013/03/concerted-efforts-expanding-the-radlands/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=concerted-efforts-expanding-the-radlands

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