Oregon single track

[Don Youngdahl]

:) Just got back a week ago from 2 weeks of riding fabulous single track in Oregon. The first week was in the Cascade Lakes area, near Bend. Lots of fast, ripping single track, with plenty of mildly technical rocks and roots to make things interesting. The second week was the North Umpqua River trails, probably the best combination of scenic beauty and smooth, fast, and flowing single track I've ever ridden. Although the trails were generally pretty smooth, some were pretty narrow, and most were on steep sidehills where a mistake could result in a long tumble down a steep hillside. That's what happened to me, and the result is a torn rotator cuff that now has me off the bike and likely planning surgery.

Regarding my fall, here is a question for those who like to debate and expound on obscure questions of natural philosophy - "Is a fall spectacular if no one sees it?"

I went on both rides with Western Spirit outfitters, who I highly recommend. Pricey, but they do an excellent all-around job. Here is a picture of yours truly on the Cascade Lake trails:

http://db94.net/images/dxi/vacations/BendOR/ws/PICT0329.JPG

Don Youngdahl

[snaab1]

Some of my favorite trails are around Mt Hood, wonderful single track, with tons of climbing, which leads to some really rippin descents. There is a lake south of Bend called Waldo lake, it has the distinction of being the clearest water in the country. You can easily see 100 feet down, and there is a great single track that encircles the lake, worth checking out.
To bad about your injury, those things heal and you will be ridding again in no time.
I had a similar injury on a ride around Mt St Helens, tried to bunny hop a log, but my rear tire did not quite make it, and over the bars I went. Torn cartilage in my shoulder, and nobody saw this fall either, but it was still spectacular because I have a scar and a funny looking hump on my shoulder.

kurt

[TML]

Don-

Sorry to hear about the torn rotator cuff. Hopefully surgery goes smoothly if that is what is needed.

Glad you got some good riding in before it happened though. The North Umpqua trail is just awesome! I loved riding it when I was out there. Did ya get to soak in umpqua hot springs? The riding around Bend is great as well. The next time I'm out there I want to hit the Mackenzie River trail.