2011-12-07T16:48:00.001-08:00

More Cowbell Mountain Biking in December

Every time I think Bend Oregon can't serve up a better day, I'm proven wrong on a day like today. Clear blue skies, 51 degree temps in the beginning of December and the week of the Grand Prix Cyclocross races.

The time of year and the trails are perfect for mountain biking and running your dogs all throughout our pristine trail system off of Phil's Trail Head on the lower trails. Today was special for my youngest dog, Dione, a muscular mix breed who turned two years old today. We usually go out to BLM area to get out into open spaces, but today I decided to test him out on the open trails running along side, or rather way out in front of my mountain biking. Donning a yellow cowbell I picked up from the last cyclocross races that were in Bend Oregon and a bark collar, we couldn't wait to hit the trails. Talk about a kid in a candy shop with ants in his pants! His curiosity of the new sights and smells were beckoning him into the forest.

Off we went, with virtually almost the whole place to ourselves, perfect mountain biking trail conditions and sunny weather. Winding through the trees, he kept looking back at me like I am holding HIM back. With rarely another rider on the trails, the cowbell attached to his collar seemed to be a perfect way to let critters and fellow riders know he was coming. Always greeted with a smile and appreciation for the cowbell, we rode into what felt like the sunset. This time, we kept to Ben's trail and cut over to KGB, Kent's and then down Phil's. Both feeling quite satisfied at the end of adventure, I drove home with him in the back of the dog mobile with his tail wagging.

Since moving to Bend many years ago, I have always known that dogs are happy here. I think if Dione could comment, he would have to agree especially after a day like today, it just doesn't get much better.

Next time you are thinking of visiting Bend, Oregon, bring your dog and stay in one of Alpenglow Vacation Rentals' pet friendly homes. We offer several vacation houses that will make your pet comfortable by your side while you are experiencing your next adventure in Bend, Oregon.

Happy Birthday Dione!

Victoria J. Smith
Alpenglow Vacation Rentals
Bend, Oregon
541.385.7100
http://www.AlpenglowVacationRentals.com

2011-11-20T09:58:00.000-08:00

The Snow is Falling in Bend, Oregon

With the trails covered with snow and the incrediblemountain biking season of 2011 is perhaps behind us in Central Oregon, we allagree how the trails were perfect and pristine thanks to Central Oregon Trail Alliance (C.O.T.A.) and its many volunteers. As we sigh, nodour heads and swap stories with each other about how amazing the riding season hasbeen and those of us who participate in Winter sports look forward with greatanticipation to the snow dumping all over the peaks and valleys in the Cascades.

The kick off of the season started with one of Bend locals’favorite fundraiser of last years’ escapades in the snow, our very own PowderHound Preview presented annually by Dan McGargigle, owner of Pine Mountain Sports Approximately 400 attendees showed upfor the long anticipated Preview at the Tower Theatre last week. Since the Winter of 2000, Powder Houndshas been fund raising for C.O.T.A. and Deschutes County Search and Rescue,(S.A.R.s, to which a few of its members were missing in attendance due to arescue out at Smith Rock State Park that night), and this years’ raffle ticketswere sold for approximately $4,000 worth of “shwag” and raised $2,700 this yearfor both of these volunteer organizations that ensure our safety while ridingour epic Central Oregon trails.

Film submissions ranged from slide shows to thesemi-professional with lots of laughter, friends and beer! Since its humble but cozy beginnings inPine Mountain Sports shop located on the West side of Bend, Oregon, PowderHounds has been at the Tower Theatre located in downtown Bend since 2004. Since its inception and the localscollaborative efforts, it has raised over $34,000.

Many of us who perform snow dances to the snow gods, it has worked! Mt. Bachelor Ski Resortis opening this Wednesday, November 23, 2011. And to those of us who enjoy the adventure of back countryskiing, snowboarding and trekking, GAME ON NOW!

Written by Victoria J. Smith and plays, lives and works inBend, Oregon

Owner of Alpenglow Vacation Rentals, LLC

Alpenglow Vacation Rentals of Bend, Oregon