Volunteers build new horse trail

In a Sisters Country-style show of cooperation, mountain bicyclists, equestrians, and local merchants joined forces last week to create a new horse trail near Sisters.

Members of the Sisters Trails Alliance, a trail group representing bicyclists, hikers, and equestrians, teamed up with members of Oregon Equestrian Trails to create the single-track segments of the new trail.

Melvin's Fir Street Market, The Pony Express, Sisters Veterinary Clinic, Groomingdales, Bright Spot Juice & Java, and Bend Equine Medical Center donated box lunches for the hard-working volunteers.

After the new trail was completed, equestrian volunteers spent another day installing white diamond-shaped trailblazers on trees to mark the route. Lunches for these volunteers were donated by Your Store in Sisters.

The new trail is named the "Jimerson Loop," in honor of Don and Gerry Jimerson, Sisters equestrians who for many years have led the volunteer efforts to maintain Sisters Cow Camp and over 25 miles of the Metolius-Windigo Trail.

The Jimerson Loop connects to the Metolius-Windigo Trail at both ends, creating a delightful 8.5-mile forest ride. Some of the route is on existing forest roads, and some is on the newly created single track trail.

To explore the Jimerson Loop, start at Sisters Cow Camp and ride north on the Metolius-Windigo Trail. In 0.2 mile, turn right on the new trail, which is clearly marked with white trailblazer diamonds on the trees. The trail makes a 6.5-mile loop through the forest, crossing Trout Creek twice and then returning to the Metolius-Windigo Trail for a two-mile jaunt back to Sisters Cow Camp. In addition to starting at Sisters Cow Camp, equestrians can also access the trail from the Crossroads Connector Trail and from the Crossroads to Sisters High School Equestrian Trail. Keep an eye out for white diamonds on the trees, and you'll know that it's the Jimerson Loop.