The board decided to begin publishing our minutes. Hopefully this will make you interested in coming to the next Board meeting on June 7!

Old McKenzie Highway Spring ’18 Status

 

BEND – Following the Milli Fire of last year, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is managing visits to OR242, The Old McKenzie Highway, differently from years past.

This year, work crews are on the highway repairing serious damage on and adjacent to the highway from the devastating fire. This means that visitors are not allowed on the highway while crews are in the area repairing and restoring it.

          Generally, ODOT crews will have heavy equipment on the highway during the work week, Monday through Thursday. Signs are posted indicating “extreme danger” and “road closed” to warn potential visitors of the hazards along the highway.

          On weekend, crews are removing the warning signs to indicate that visiting is permitted.

          However visitors, including cyclists and pedestrians, must be aware that ODOT is not maintaining the highway for wheeled travel at this time, and visitors are on the highway at their own risk.

          ODOT intends to open the highway to motor vehicles on June 18th this year.

16 lucky participants can now sign up for the Group Riding workshop or the Descending Workshop.  Members only! 

Dispatch from Teresa and Wiley: McKenzie Pass is open to the gate at this time....Not far. They are planning to move the plow from Bachelor to the pass next week sometime. There was also warning that due to the fire, be prepared for very stark change scenery, as well as soils that will wash onto the roadway after they get it plowed. Caution was urged with being prepared with wide tires and likely lower speeds descending due to the runoff and likely ongoing road debris. Apparently 50 mph is not encouraged!

So, maybe 2-3 weeks out at this point.

Photo from last year

No longer must you email me to remove yourself from a ride. It happens to everyone, you sign up for a ride only to realize a previous commitment or the weather isn't to your liking or .... You'll need to go to your profile and do stuff. Here is a web-page to describe how to Unregister from a Ride.

Join us at the Deschutes Public Library in the Brooks room on Wall St.  April 17 at 6PM. Get ready to enjoy bike season 2018, We will discuss upcoming events, jerseys, rides, and other happy stuff! Non-members welcome.

Two new science articles discuss the link between exercise and health, especially as we age:

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/exercise-keeps-your-body-looking-young-study-finds-n854846

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/women-exercise-delay-dementia-article-1.3876455

Here is a COWs-only special from Sunnyside Sports! Their $75 Signature Tune-up is only $55 now through May 30. Get that bike in pristine shape for 2018! More on what the Signature Tune-Up entails at https://www.sunnysidesports.com/bike-services-new/. Bring coupon.

Tubeless tires have been a mainstay of the mountain biking world for years, and have inevitably made their way into road cycling as well. Editor's note: I run tubeless tires on my road bike and haven't had any issues and have felt the ride is better than my old clinchers. 

Complete article on tubeless road tires:

http://www.ilovebicycling.com/pros-and-cons-of-tubeless-tires-for-road-cyclists/

The first annual COWs HOLIDAY PARTY and POTLUCK is December 2, 5:30-8:30pm at the Unitarian Church located at the corner of Skyliners and Skyline Ranch (near Summit High School). We have many fun items planned.

Evite email invitation were sent to members on 10/29 - let us know if you did not receive yours!

Spouses, significant others warmly welcomed. This is the Central Oregon Wheelers capstone event, don't miss it! The party is FREE to members and their guest.