So this was the real reason we drove all the way down to Bend on this long Labor Day weekend… to ride the Mckenzie Rvier Trail.  I can see why it’s one of the top mountain bike trails in the nation… Honestly, the upper part was a pain in the ass and I don’t think I have the technical skill to have fun with it.  It was more of a “survival” run for me… Took my first actual tumble over the handlebars and left my bike precariously dangling over a giant drop right into the river. Luckily Cam bolted by my crumpled pile of sadness and grabbed it for me. That’s what friend’s are for.  I scratched up my shoulder pretty good, but I really love that bike… Would have sucked to have to replace it. Either way, The trail goes by multiple gushing waterfalls and at the end of the “hard” section there’s the blue pool. GORGEOUS! I want to go back and hike down there and swim.  You could see the bottom of the pool from all the way up on the trail where we were.  It’d be worth packing down one of those glass bottom kayaks… Just amazing! The lower part of the trail is well worth doing again!  Nothing but high speed flowy turns.  Super duper fun! It was 26 miles of pain and suffering… but I’d totally do ti again!

We were all totally beat by the time we finally made it back to the parking lot.  I’ve never been so happy to see that big blue truck in my life!  After grilling and scarfing down hot dogs and hamburgers, we all headed back to the hotel for a much deserved shower and dessert from Sonic.  Great way to spend the weekend!