Who changed a trail feature? Upon occasion a conversation with a local rails about altering or dumbing down a feature that they like. Last one said that it’s the visitors that who make the change. He didn’t want to blame locals. I find it hard to accept that a visitor on a short visit would invest time and effort to alter the trail and would instead walk it. First ride for me of SST this season I saw a tight handlebar banging tight spot that was missing one of the bangers, what remained was a stump cut clear to the ground. When both trees were standing clearance was maybe 1/2″ each bar end that I could clear with concentration. I posted a pic of the feature previously. Someone packed a chain saw a long distance in to remove one tree. Us or them? Dunno who packed the saw in and out. Tree is gone now. Only bar end scrapes on remaining tree.
Been hanging up at Swampy to escape the high temps down low with trade off of small population of mosquitoes. I rode around Swampy which was clear of snow. Another ride I rode Ridge up to Flagline Tie which was melted out. The traverse on Tie had many patches of melting out snow that required walking over. Lower Flag down to Swampy was snow free. Trails here are mostly on volcanic ash and pumice which is dusty because. Not scary loose. Base is firm.

There’s more of it behind the trees. This face is very visible way to the east. I telemarked it several runs over 2 days on deep powder in a white out. Best powder skiing ever, face shots over my head. But that was years ago. Still brings back the tale I tell myself.


Swampy snowpark sits at 5791′. Tree cover is different and non man managed. Road 41 close to Bend sits at 4043′ with Ponderosa pine cover and view of only tree trunks.
On Tuesday a short lived strong thunder storm moved in and out treating to rain, noise and light resulting in almost 40 degree temp drop. In the morning I rode up here at Swampy then drove down to town for physical therapy treatment of my left shoulder. I made Wed a rest day for a morning crown install. I missed riding the temporarily dampened trails. On Monday my right knee was examined, report is no damage to be repaired, body part added to existing PT. Body parts wearing out.
Tomorrow is the 4th. Staying up here away from crowds. Bend is a tourist draw to float the river etc. Experiencing heavier traffic this year.