Cycling event to benefit two rivers

Cyclists can tour the scenic environs of the McKenzie Pass in a ride that benefits two of Central Oregon's Wild & Scenic Rivers, the Metolius River and Whychus Creek.

Join the National Forest Foundation (NFF), The Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce, and title sponsor MODA Health on the "Ride for Two Rivers," Saturday, June 15.

The day starts with a self-paced ride up the McKenzie Pass (Hwy. 242), one of Oregon's Scenic Bikeways, and finishes with a benefit dinner at FivePine Lodge & Conference Center. This seasonal route allows for cyclist to enjoy this ride in the mountain spring without the worry of vehicle traffic.

"This ride really brings people closer to the forest," said Lisa Leonard, Oregon program coordinator for the National Forest Foundation, "and Sisters is the perfect place to highlight the beauty and story of the Metolius and the Whychus. The scenery, the country, and the people all make for a truly one-of-a-kind ride."

The Ride for Two Rivers begins at Creekside Park in Sisters and winds its way to the top of the spectacular lava rock moonscape through the forested landscape of McKenzie Pass, offering pristine mountain views along the way. Riders coast back to Sisters and FivePine Lodge where they can enjoy an evening dinner or a night of fun and relaxation in downtown Sisters.

The fully supported ride offers a variety of round-trip routes for all ability levels, with distances from 18 miles to 75 miles. Registration is open now at $100, which includes the supported ride and benefit dinner. (Ride only and youth registration rates are also available.)

Ride proceeds will directly support on-the-ground conservation and restoration projects within the National Forest Foundation's Treasured Landscapes campaign site encompassing these watersheds. These restoration efforts will enhance fishing and other recreational activities while improving the health of the rivers and wildlife habitat through invasive species removal and restoration of in-stream habitat.

This work by the NFF and its partners has already resulted in the groundbreaking return of steelhead and sockeye salmon in increasing numbers to Whychus Creek and the Metolius River.

Registration is open through June 13, at http://www.NationalForests.Org/Ride. For more information on the Ride for Two Rivers contact John Rivera, events coordinator at the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce at [email protected]