Each year, 1.5 million mountain bikers put air in their tires, grease their chains, and head out to ride some of the 600 miles of Central Oregon mountain bike trails. They climb Lookout Mountain in the Ochoco Mountains, race down from Tumalo Falls on the Mrazek Trail, and hit the jumps in The Lair out of Phil’s Trail Area. “Mountain biking gives you access to the thrill and a level of fun that you just don’t get in other endeavors,” explains Emmy Andrews, Executive Director of the Central Oregon Trails Alliance (COTA). For the past 33 years, COTA has focused “on the development, protection and enhancement of the Central Oregon mountain biking experience.” Of those 600 miles currently being stewarded by COTA, 90% were built by them. 

The Growth of a Movement
Considering its humble beginnings, COTA’s stewardship of Central Oregon trails is even more impressive. In the early 1990s, COTA began with a group of mountain biking enthusiasts riding on United States Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public land just west of Bend. That land would grow to become the internationally known Phil’s Network. 

In 1998, the group gathered over 3,000 signatures, stopping the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) from going ahead with a proposed surface rock extraction near Phil’s Network, which would’ve killed the nearby trails. Soon after, COTA began stewardship of the trails by organizing the first Spring Fling and other trail work parties. By the early 2000s, they began to build the Wanoga Complex Area’s 35 miles of competitive riding trails. COTA also began working with the Prineville District on long-range planning, which created the Maston Area and Cline Butte Area, and it worked with the Redmond Parks and Recreation Department to create the Radlands bike trail network.

By 2020, the all-volunteer COTA realized it needed a dedicated staff to help achieve its goals. In 2021, they decided to hire Andrews, who had been a member since 2012 and on the Board since 2016, as their first Executive Director. By 2022, they began hiring more staff to help. Andrews admits that her cycling experience before moving to Bend centered around transportation only. But it didn’t take long for her to fall in love with the sport of mountain biking. “Trails are magical,” says Andrews, who moved to Bend in 2008. “When I learned what goes into building them, I wanted to be a part of it.”

Emmy Andrews’ First Ride—Skyliner to Lower Whoops
Andrew’s first mountain bike ride was the popular Skyliner to Lower Whoops route in West Bend. To reach the Skyliner Trailhead, head west out of Downtown Bend on Galveston, which turns into Skyliner Road. Ten miles west of Bend sits the smallish Skyliner SnoPark, with one toilet and a parking area for roughly 20 vehicles. 

Ride east, or back towards town, on the 3.2-mile Skyliner Trail until you reach the junction of Skyliner, Lower Whoops, Pinedrops, and Road 310. Have fun on the 1.8-mile, downhill-only Lower Whoops Trail, looking for hazards such as jumps, berms, and tight gaps between trees. If you’d like to extend your ride and do another lap, turn left at the bottom and climb Road 310 back to the beginning of Lower Whoops.

Trail Stewardship
One fact that may surprise most mountain bikers is that it costs between $50,000 and $70,000 to build and up to $5,000 annually to maintain a single mile of trail. COTA currently has 62 crew leaders for trail building and a horde of trail scouts who report downed trees and other trail hindrances. They hold four major Trail Love events each year: May, June, September, and October. COTA staff log 10,000 hours yearly, and volunteers put in another 20,000 hours. 

Perhaps their most important duty is maintaining good relationships with local and federal agencies, which have an obligation to balance the needs of all users. In addition to the USFS and BLM federal agencies, COTA collaborates with La Pine State Park, Ochoco State Park, Central Oregon county and city recreation and parks departments, the Oregon Mountain Biking Coalition, Visit Bend, and Visit Central Oregon.

COTA is currently working on two major trail projects. First, in conjunction with the Deschutes National Forest, the West Bend Trails Project will oversee the building of 17.5 miles of new trails, the rerouting of nine miles of trail to improve connectivity, and the decommissioning of 17 miles of unauthorized trails in the area west of Bend. Second, the Cline Butte and Cascades View projects in Redmond will add trails and connectivity between the two areas. While the Redmond work should be completed this year, the West Bend Project will extend into 2027.

Trail Work is Good for the Environment
Contrary to the belief held by some, many of the trail projects are good for the environment and local wildlife habitat in two main ways. First, the strategic routing of new official trails creates core habitats, or areas of 100 acres or larger that are more extensive and have no trails or roads. COTA works with USFS biologists to map those areas and preserve their habitat. Secondly, COTA helps to expand these core habitats by decommissioning redundant dirt roads and unofficial trails. Over 1,200 acres of new core habitats are being created in the West Bend Project alone. “My appeal to the public would be to please stop building and making unofficial trails and roads,” says Andrews. “It can be a long and frustrating process to get new trails approved, but it’s so much better to do it in a way that’s a win for both wildlife and public lands users.”

Give Back
Those looking to get involved with COTA should consider becoming a member or volunteering. Typical trail work consists of clearing brush, repairing surfaces, and improving signage along your favorite trails. If you prefer saving the dirt for your rides, try serving on the board or one of seven major committees.

Emmy Andrews’ Favorite Local Rides

After Work—Lower Whoops Laps
Andrews likes to return to where it all began for her! Park off Skyliner Road, west of Bend, near Phil’s Network. Start by climbing the one-way 310 Road, then descend on the Lower Whoops Trail. Repeat the 3.5-mile lap as necessary. With its rolling hills and berms, it won’t take long for you to realize why this trail is sometimes called the Whoopty Trail.

All Day Ride—Madras East Hills Trail System
If you want to spend the entire day on your bike in a relatively new trail network, drive about an hour north of Bend on Highway 97, then head east out of Madras on NE B Street just past Juniper Hills Park. The roughly 12 miles of trails are open to all users, including horses and e-bikes, so be careful and respectful to others. Loaded with features such as berms, jumps, and paved corners, the Madras East Hills Trail System is a fun break from Bend’s Phil’s Network.

Easy Family Ride—La Pine State Park
Located about 30 minutes south of Bend, La Pine State Park is a mellow alternative to the focused, technical riding of many other Central Oregon trails. The roughly 14 miles of scenic trails pass by the Deschutes River, pine forests, and the 162-foot “Big Red,” Oregon’s largest ponderosa pine. To get a complete picture of the park, try riding 7.6 miles from the parking area to Deschutes Loop, to McGregor Loop, to Fall River Loop, and back to the parking lot. The Fall River Loop includes a worthwhile overlook stop.

Hidden Gem Ride—Bandit Springs
Usually a winter Nordic ski trail, the Bandit Springs Area of Ochoco National Forest has 12 miles of lush trails just east of Prineville. These trails are known for their nature views, especially wildflowers and wildlife—antelope, deer, turkey, lizards, and birds. The outer trails—Ponderosa Loop, Ochoco Way, and McGinnis—are smooth, while the inner trails can be a bit bumpy. Either way, having the trails mostly for yourself is a fair tradeoff!

Visit cotamtb.com for more information.