Direct flights from Redmond to Oakland, Calif., to start April 26

By Rachael Rees / The Bulletin

Published: January 24. 2012 4:00AM PST

Allegiant will launch new air service from Redmond to Oakland, Calif., as part of the company’s ongoing effort to reach leisure travelers in markets where it sees growth potential.

“We are adding a new route because we believe the community understands the value we bring,” said Brian Davis, spokesman for Allegiant Travel Co.

Beginning April 26, the company will offer nonstop air service from Redmond Airport to Oakland International Airport, Davis said. Flights are scheduled to run twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays, but Davis said the schedule could change.

“We adjust our capacity throughout the year in order to meet customer demand,” he said. “A lot of our destinations are seasonal. We’ll adjust the schedule based on what we see from customers.”

Representatives from Allegiant, Redmond Airport, the Central Oregon Visitors Association and others are scheduled today to announce the flights to the Bay Area, Allegiant’s third destination for nonstop air service from Redmond.

Customers can begin booking Allegiant flights to the Bay Area today. An introductory fare starting as low as $29.99, excluding taxes and fees, will be available for flights purchased by Feb. 7 for travel through Aug. 14., Davis said.

Unlike the major commercial air carriers, Allegiant offers flights from smaller cities to major leisure or recreation destinations, including Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. It also offers package deals containing flights, lodging and rental car. But it typically does not offer daily service like the major commercial airlines.

While flights to the Bay Area are available through other airlines, Davis said Allegiant’s service is a different product. He said most legacy airlines target business travelers, while Allegiant focuses on leisure travelers who book flights in advance.

“We’re targeting folks looking to get away to the Bay Area,” Davis said. “Allegiant’s service is built with a price point that allows those folks to go because it is affordable.”

Central Oregon tourism officials see the new air service as a tool to bring Californians to Central Oregon.

More than 20 percent of visitors to Central Oregon come from the Golden State, according to Alana Hughson, COVA president and CEO.

The Bay Area and Northern California have been identified by the agency as the regions providing the greatest opportunity to increase awareness of Central Oregon and generate visitors to the region, she said.

COVA will invest more than $250,000 in a marketing campaign designed to reach more than 80 percent of the Bay Area market, encouraging its residents to choose Central Oregon for spring break and summer vacations.

“The Allegiant flights from (Oakland International Airport) help expand our accessibility from the Bay Area and offer value-oriented flights, which are so critical to leisure travelers,” she said. “The additional option to fly to Central Oregon from either (Oakland airport) or (San Francisco International) is a tremendous benefit to position Central Oregon as an easy, affordable destination for Bay Area travelers.”

Davis said Oakland International Airport was strategically selected not only to offer service to Redmond and other areas, but as a new base for Allegiant.

The company selected Oakland airport, instead of San Francisco International or another in the region, because its terminal is easier for customers to navigate, it has fewer fog delays, it’s geographically closer to downtown San Francisco and costs less to operate from for Allegiant.

In addition to Oakland, Allegiant also flies from Redmond to McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas and to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona.

If consumers continue to fly Allegiant out of Redmond, more destinations may be offered in the future, said Davis, and Andrew Levy, president of Allegiant Travel Co., said the company believes the region will support it.

“Allegiant continues to grow our offerings as the community embraces our convenient nonstop service,” Levy said in a news release. “We are confident Central Oregon residents will continue to support the Allegiant brand of affordable travel and take advantage of our low pricing when bundling their air, hotel and car rental package.”

My business partner Lev and I have been working on ways to extend our mountain bike season (personally and also business wise). Living in Bend, there are options for winter riding, but they all include bootie covers and many layers.

Luckily for us, a few Cog guides have been spending their winters in Los Barriles, 45 miles NE from Cabo, building singletrack while wind surf guiding their winters away. With over 40 miles of trail now ready to ride, taking our guide’s word that the hotel they were working through is a great place, we put together tour packages for mountain biking in Los Barriles. But we needed to see it ourselves before bringing guests down, so I convinced my husband to travel with me to check it out.

The “highway” enters Los Barriles along the beach, but higher up allowing a great view of town. A long ribbon of beautiful white beach and bright blue ocean greet you as you enter the small town. Men with big smiles are selling fresh shrimp on the side of the main road, foreigners are driving the streets in quads, and kids are skipping home from school with backpacks on. It was a friendly place, full of color and much to look at. It also had a very relaxed feel, the perfect place for a vacation of mountain biking.

We were hungry, so after saying hello to our Cog guide, Todd, and checking out the hotel right on the beach, we headed down the road to his favorite taco spot. El Viejo was full with both locals and gringos (which also many are locals) and we eagerly ordered fish and shrimp tacos. After an amazing meal, we rolled ourselves back down to the hotel to lay on lounge chairs at the pool and relax the rest of the afternoon away (until it was time for margaritas, a fabulous dinner and an evening stroll through town). Tomorrow was a riding day and we were very excited!

One of the best things about the hotel, after the fact that they have a pool, a bar at the pool overlooking the beach, stand up paddle boards and kayaks for guests to use, a restaurant and super friendly staff is that they also have a full fleet of full suspension 2012 Specialized mountain bikes for guests to use. That means we did not have to travel with a bike and still have a great bike to use.

We started the next morning with breakfast at the hotel and then meet Todd to ride. We were able to ride right from the hotel, going South along the beach until we came to a really cool overlook. From here we traveled inland, riding up a few hills on fireroads, passing a few donkeys and also enjoying singletrack that carved through the landscape. Arriving at another awesome overlook that looked south along the coast, we enjoyed a ripping, technical downhill (video coming soon!) past cactus (watch out!) and other desert trees all the way back towards town. We were really impressed – Baja has some serious singletrack! The trail wasn’t sandy, but packed dirt with fabulous views, fun short climbs and lots of fun downhill!! And the best part: we rode in shorts and t-shirts, enjoying the breeze as we flew down the trail and finishing the ride with a dive into the pool – or my other favorite, a beer and some fish tacos. Ahh, life is good!!

The Cog tour will include four full days of singletrack, all different routes. Working with Todd, we came up with the plan – two days of riding straight from the hotel, one shuttle day and one full day awesome adventure. Of course we had to drive the adventure route to make sure the mileage was not too much, which it wasn’t, but it also not really fit for a 4×4 vehicle, much better on bike!

There is a ton to do in Los Barriles once everyone gets back from the ride. You can take the stand up paddle boards out, or use the hotels snorkeling gear and check out the fish life or even go fishing. Walking around town is fun too, there is shopping, photos to take and of course many restaurants and bars to enjoy. The hotel includes three meals a day, with with the town full of great restaurants, we ate some of our meals out and are pretty sure you will want to as well.

We were able to ride a few days, stand up paddle, snorkel, visit surrounding towns, lounge at the pool and meet lots of great people. The town was super safe, even at night when we would wander in the dark to walk off our dinner.  I am very excited that we will be offering tours in Los Barriles and look forward to coming here every year to ride and have a great time!

Hopefully you will be with us!

So without further ado, here’s a handy guide to decent spring riding, and in some cases, updates on possible changes to certain trail systems.

Maston Allotment

The Maston has been riding firm and fast and much later into the spring because of so much rider traffic over the past two years. Note that some of that firm trail will go away in the future as it’s being replaced by a new alignment. Given the Maston’s sandy soils, some time will pass before we have a decent tread again in that section.

In question are the trails at the southeastern end of the system. They pass through a wildlife habitat area the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) wants skirted. In the future, if you ride counterclockwise from the proposed new trailhead (a quarter mile east of the current one), you’ll follow the old canal all the way to the Deschutes River canyon rim before turning north and linking into the existing trail.

Meanwhile, note that a short easy get-around trail has been created for those who don’t want to ride or walk the steep rocky hill on the northwest part of the outer loop trail. The get-around breaks to the left as you approach the top of the hill and is marked by a small cairn.

Also, there have been unconfirmed reports of recent ATV damage to some of the trails.

Horse Ridge

Just like the Maston, the tread at Horse Ridge has gotten much firmer over the past two years because of so much rider use. Most of the muddy sections on Phil’s East and other trails higher on the ridge are gone.

The River Trail

Even though it’s not yet the tourist season, don’t ride the River Trail (Meadow Camp to Big Eddy to Dillon Falls, etc.) on weekend days. The trail is packed with runners, hikers and stroller pushers all of whom are taking advantage of the trail before the real hordes descend in June.

There are several short muddy sections along the trail at Big Eddy, Aspen Camp and going up the long hill from the river to the Dillon Falls parking area.

Peterson Ridge

For consistent year-round riding, Peterson Ridge has become the go-to spot for many riders. Currently, the trails are in excellent shape with small patches of muddy terrain that are easily passed through.

Horse Butte

Here’s another trail to ride in the spring before it gets heavy equestrian use come summer. While most people ride the trail clockwise, try riding it counterclockwise to better enjoy the series of swooping s-curves in the downhill section on the north end of the loop.

To do the trail counterclockwise, park at the traditional parking spot off Horse Butte road and ride south up the road about a quarter mile where the loop trail heads off to the left.

Note: Avoid Horse Butte when it’s at all breezy as winds howl across most of the area, which was denuded of pine tree protection by the Skeleton wildfire several years ago.

Gray Butte

Now is definitely the time to ride Gray Butte. The snow is gone and with it Gray Butte’s famously oh-so-sticky mud.

Note that there’s been quite a bit of equestrian traffic at Gray Butte this winter and most of the trails are heavy with horseshoe imprints. This means bumpy going if you’re on a more traditional hard-tail bike.

Phil’s Trailhead

Judging from this past weekend and the crowds at the Phil’s parking lot, there’s a lot of pent-up demand for close-to-town riding. The soggy trails of a few weeks ago are now firm. If, however, you run into long muddy sections, please walk around them or turn back. Give the trails time to dry out and remain rut-free.

Note that change is coming to the Phil’s Trailhead in the form of a paved parking lot with room for 90 cars and two overnight RV spots plus improved toilet facilities.

Mrazek

The Mrazek trail rides nicely for about three-plus miles before mud and snow become a problem and riders should turn back.

Shevlin Park and Environs

A week ago, any loop you made above or in the park had some muddy sections. Most are dry now and those in search of a good hour-long ride will find it here except on weekends when hiker, walker and runner traffic is heavy.

Read on…

Cog Wild Mountain Bike Tours Wins “2010 Excellence in Tourism Award” from Visit Bend

(Bend, OR,) March 25, 2011 – Cog Wild Mountain Bike Tours was recently presented with the 2010 Excellence in Tourism Award from Visit Bend. When presented with the award, Cog Wild owner Melanie Fisher said: “We love Bend, which makes it easy to promote. We create opportunities for our guests to feel that love and enjoy not only their bike tour but their entire Bend vacation”, says Fisher.

Cog Wild is the only locally owned mountain bike tour company in Central Oregon, offering one-day tours and bike vacations for individuals and groups. The company also provides the guests with accommodations and referrals to events, restaurants, breweries and other recreation opportunities besides biking. Many guests end up extending their vacation when they learn about Bend’s culture and other fun activities in which to participate.

The feedback from tour guests shows they also reflect Cog Wild’s love of Bend. One guest wrote: “We could not imagine the ‘Bend experience’ without Cog Wild. We don’t have to plan. All we have to do is ride. That’s why we come, season after season. We can ride the bikes of our choice – the latest and greatest – on the best trails found anywhere. Plus the folks at Cog Wild are great to deal with, accommodating and fun.” (deleted tour years, as “season to season” implies as much and is more reader-friendly)

Cog Wild’s multi-day hotel tours include local food and libations from Deschutes Brewery, Bend Brewing Company, Jackson’s Corner, Nancy P’s bakery, and highlights the best of the downtown nightlife for guests. In addition, clients stay in local hotels and use all the bike shops for rentals and repairs while in town, reinforcing the strong “Make Local Habit” values of the community

“We’re excited and humbled to be recognized with this award,” said Fisher. “We understand that the allure of mountain biking in Bend is about more than world class trails; it’s about the community of Bend and everything it has to offer. We live in an amazing place and enjoying sharing it with our guests from around the world. We want to thank Visit Bend for this honor, and everyone who makes Bend awesome!”

These ruts will still be there in summer.

Every year in Central Oregon the weather turns warm enough to ride long before some of our singletrack trails have recovered from their wintertime hibernation. Unseasonably warm temperatures this year have made early-season mountain biking in Central Oregon especially attractive — if you know where to go.
Problem is, some eager mountain bikers are hitting trails that have not yet dried out from winter’s snow and rain. And riding on muddy trails — particularly those in the Phil’s Trail area west of Bend — causes lasting damage that then requires an army of volunteers to repair.
Woody Starr, president of the Central Oregon Trail Alliance, says that riding on muddy trails results in widening the singletrack. Mountain bikers who ride around mud puddles ultimately widen the trail, while those who ride through mud sections cause deep ruts that can firm up later and make for unpleasant riding for future users.
“It’s a little frustrating from the perspective of volunteer resources,” says Starr. “We’re trying to be wise with how our trails are maintained.”
Starr goes on to say that if volunteer time is used for repairing ruts and areas of the singletrack that have been widened, fewer volunteers will be available for trail maintenance and trail building.
“We have plenty of other stuff to do,” he says.
Currently in some areas in the Phil’s Trail network, the once narrow singletrack has been widened to 10 feet on sections of the trail up to 30 feet long, notes Starr.
“The more people who go around, the wider the mud puddle gets,” Starr explains.
Fortunately for local mountain bikers, abundant winter riding options exist in Central Oregon. Mountain bike areas such as Horse Ridge east of Bend, Smith Rock near Terrebonne, Maston near Redmond and Peterson Ridge near Sisters all tend to dry out earlier in the season than trails in the Phil’s area. These trails are all recommended winter and springtime riding in Central Oregon.
“If you only have an hour and you must go on singletrack out on Phil’s, go right through the mud,” Starr says in a lesser-of-two-evils tone. “Don’t go around and widen the trail.
“There are plenty of dirt roads out there,” he continues. “It’s not the same as singletrack, but you’re on your mountain bike. Singletrack is a privilege. Treat it like one.”
— Heather Clark

Since COTA’s main trail work activities are also slowing somewhat this time of year, there is a great opportunity to handle some of the planning and administrative duties that tend to accumulate during the summer season. One of these items is planning for expanded “skills areas.” The new Wanoga “Infield” zone will be one such area, and we hope to complete this project next summer. If you have been up there lately, you’ll notice a lot of work happening right now. We want to get a good foundation of dirt and rock installed to take advantage of the natural compaction that a solid snow pack can provide. That, and we have been cleared by the Forest Service to begin this “foundation” phase of the project. Detailed planning for various pump-track and “dual slalom” lines should be complete in the next couple of months. Stay tuned…

Here’s a gentle reminder to exercise good trail etiquette at all times; yield the right-of-way to the uphill rider; control your speed to minimize skidding and going off trail, and always be friendly on shared trails. COTA leaders recently attended a Forest Service Volunteer Appreciation Party and a very encouraging comment was heard from a leader of one of the equestrian groups. He said he had reports that all the equestrian/mountain biker encounters were very positive. It seems the message is out: shared trails are best when trail users have a good attitude toward one another. Thanks for keeping the conflict off the trails!

Work also has progressed far along the new Dinah-Moe Humm trail, which will complete this connection to Edison Snow Park. The target to open these two trails is mid-October – just in time for the first event that will use them, Bend’s Big Fat Tour. It’s gratifying to live in a community where such enthusiasm for community service is evident. Thanks to everyone who came out and especially to the friends and family of Steve Larsen and Bend Dental Group.

Other plans to build new biking opportunities around the Wanoga area include a new information kiosk and skills park inside the loop parking lot at the Wanoga Trail Head. COTA is still awaiting the final OK from the Forest Service, but we plan to break ground this fall and lay the foundations for a large pump-track and “island” with ADA-accessible paths to a new kiosk that will show maps of the area and other trail information. Stay tuned to learn more about this new development.

Before you head out there to explore the new trails in the Wanoga area, make sure you have a keen sense of direction as the signage has yet to be installed and maps do not show the new trails yet. There’s no need to worry about that if you have registered for Bend’s Big Fat Tour (Oct. 15 – 17), because you only need to pay attention to the specific trail ribbon that marks the route. Although the Friday ride for this year’s BBFT is full, there is still space to sign up for either the 75-mile or 45-mile options on Saturday, both of which include routes along these new trails.

Registration includes the traditional Saturday night party, hosted this year by Deschutes Brewery at the Mountain Room. The 2010 BBFT will be the first chance to ride some brand new trails, but it’s also a must-do for any serious mountain biker. More info about this event, which benefits several local charities including COTA, can be found at bendsbigfattour.com and remember: “It’s about the ride!”

Lev, co-owner of Cog Wild cutting trees, while Lawrence is ready to swampy away the cut wood.

For a dry side version of “fall colors,” head east to the Ochoco National Forest and lay some tracks on the Round Mountain/Lookout Mountain trails. Aspen groves and stands of Western larch pepper the forests here along with the ubiquitous ponderosa pine in its favored habitat of “open park-like stands.” The scenery, wildlife and diverse forest types make for a unique visual experience, but the flow and technical challenge of the trails are what makes this area so muchfun for mountain biking. Current trail conditions are a little “fresh” from the recent contract trail work that was completed this summer.

COTA has also just received notice that there is some pending timber harvest activity along the Skyliner trail and the Upper and Lower Whoops trails. Any trail closures will be clearly posted at the trailhead areas, but all trail users should use caution on these trails. Please do not disturb the markings and ribbons in these areas. For the latest information as always consult the COTA website, cotamtb.com

This weekend please join COTA, the friends and family of Steve Larsen and the Bend Dental Group for the second Steve Larsen work event and barbecue. We will gather at the old Mt. Bachelor Park & Ride off Simpson Avenue in Bend and carpool to various work sites in the new Wanoga area. We will gather at 9:45 a.m. and then head to the trails. Trail work will go until about 2:00 p.m. at which time we will all gather at the Wanoga trail head/sledding hill and enjoy a huge BBQ hosted by COTA and Bend Dental Group. We hope to accomplish the official “opening” of a couple of brand new trails on this and the next weekend at COTA’s Annual Biketoberfest. Make sure you are a part of increasing the trail menu in central Oregon.

Please see the COTA website for trail work requirements and gear suggestions like, “Please bring a hydration pack with water and a snack and be sure to bring appropriate layers to accommodate whatever the weather may be.” Remember, COTA will supply all the tools and expertise. You supply the enthusiasm!

Thanks and we hope to see you out there!

Cog guide, Chris Bowman going around Clear Lake

Ahh, rain and fall colors. Does it get any better than this? I just rode the McKenzie River Trail (MRT) and even when it’s raining you stay mostly dry underneath the high canopy of old growth forest that covers this trail. Fall colors are just beginning to show themselves and it only gets better as winter approaches. The MRT is one of those classic rides – very scenic, plenty of challenges for every level of mountain biker and a full day immersed in some spectacularly pristine nature. I liken riding the McKenzie to a biking baptism, as it has a renewing effect.

Other trails in the area also deserve honorable mention. Originally constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the O’Leary, O’Lallie and King’s Castle trails are worthy of exploration. King’s Castle trail starts just across the river near the lower end of the McKenzie River trail and climbs to an amazing peak with views of the old Cascades and the high Cascades. It is well worth the effort. You can connect to O’Leary near the top of King’s Castle (Castle Rock), as well. Check in with the McKenzie Ranger Station for specifics and local trail conditions. After a long day out, there is nothing better than soaking sore muscles in one of the many hot springs in that immediate area.

The many volunteers of COTA also look forward to the fall season because it is the time of year when “dirt work” is most effective. All those stutter-bumps, blown-out berms and sand traps can finally be repaired and “put to bed” for the winter. This fall, COTA has a multitude of opportunities to get involved in maintaining your trails. The premier event is COTA’s annual Biketoberfest on Sat., Oct. 9. This event includes a free after-party for all volunteers! COTA is also hosting the second annual Steve Larsen Work Day on Sat., Oct. 2. Work crews will be finishing up the Steve Larsen Trail, commemorating one of Bend’s most respected professional athletes who passed away suddenly in the spring of 2009. Please join COTA and friends for either one of these great events. Check the COTA website for more details at cotamtb.com.

Thanks, we look forward to seeing you out there!

Hooray for rain! The much-needed moisture falling from the sky over the past couple of days has helped quell the dusty conditions somewhat. It’s amazing how much rain it really takes to bring back the tacky firm soil conditions we know and love.

While this is definitely a welcomed change (as far as trail conditions go) it will still be maybe a month before truly prime dirt is the norm. For now, head out and enjoy the trails, but remember to try to avoid skidding.

Skidding and riding out-of-control can create problems for the trail surface, namely “stutter bumps” and blown-out berms. It’s always good practice to ride in control, but especially when the soil conditions are dry as usual this time of year. Of course some trails are designed for better “flow” (Whoops, Storm-King and Flagline all come immediately to mind) and others are twistier with frequent changes in speed required (such as Mrazek, COD and Farewell trails). Knowing the style of riding you prefer, and therefore what it is you’re setting yourself up for are keys to an enjoyable ride.

If you would like to learn more about how trail design can influence the way a trail is ridden, please join us this fall at a work event in the Wanoga Area. The trails COTA is building there are all designed for maximum flow and sustainability (read – smooth lines, good drainage and few, if any abrupt changes in speed) COTA Work Events are open to anyone with an interest in building and maintaining trails. Please see the COTA website (www.cotamtb.com) for a schedule of events and minimum suggested requirements to participate.

Speaking of joining, are you a member of COTA yet? If you’ve enjoyed the trails around Bend then chances are you’re enjoying the fruits of COTA Volunteers’ labor. To date COTA volunteers have logged over 3,200 hours doing trail work in 2010. Beyond joining us as a member, we also need your involvement with trail work. By helping maintain and build new trails you’ll gain a new appreciation for the trails we have here in Central Oregon. Doing trail work also gives you a new way to look at trail etiquette and riding styles.