Discover the mysteries of the Newberry Caldera and its volcanic activities spanning half a million years. Whether you are riding Creek to Peak or looking for thermals, Ranger Randy and Dr. Daniel McKay of University of Oregon answer many of your questions about this geological formation in Central Oregon. In this podcast, they also discuss the features of the caldera, the science behind geothermal energy, and whether pumice, granite, and obsidian are the same.
This podcast was reproduced with the permission of KPOV Bend, Oregon.
Welcome to Pine Mountain Observatory, nestled in the serene landscapes of Oregon about 34 miles southeast of Bend. In this episode, we unveil the highlights of the night sky with our guest, “astro monk” Alton Luke, Head of Operations at Pine Mountain Observatory and a key figure in the University of Oregon’s Physics Department. Today we get to peer through the lens of Alton’s perspectives as he takes us on an astronomical exploration to share more about the observatory, how to prepare for visits, and what kinds of celestial events to look out for. If you want to peer through the lens of some telescopes too, jump off the bike during the Dark Skies route and keep an eye out for a clear weekend with no moon.
Explore the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse’s captivating history and perilous allure in this fascinating video (14 minutes). Known as “Terrible Tilly,” this abandoned beacon stands tall amidst the unforgiving Oregon coastline, braving treacherous storms and haunting tales. Discover why this iconic structure has earned its reputation as one of the most dangerous lighthouses in the world.
Have you ever encountered a jumping cacti? More specifically, the jumping cholla cactus in Arizona? If you have ridden our Rock Art or Bring a Fork routes in Arizona then you have dodged more than a few of these spiky cacti. Today we interview Peter Breslin who holds his Ph.D. in Environmental Life Sciences and focuses his research on evolution, biogeography, and population of cacti. Breslin informs us about these amazing (and not so little) cacti, answers questions about if they really jump, and what do if you get “attacked!”
Do you ever see some bright green, shrubby looking creature on a gravel ride? This organism is likely Letharia Vulpina (and no it does not have magic or poisonous powers like a spell) which is also knows as Wolf Lichen. Bryologist, mycologist, and lichenologist Tim Wheeler works to dedicate his life studies towards nonvascular plants and over the last 20 years now holds 16,000 specimens in his collections (some of which are named after him!) Joining us as Wheeler describes some fascinating tidbits on this creature we commonly call Wolf Lichen.
In this 2-minute video learn about the jumping (Teddy Bear) cholla and all its prickly tricks from savage backward pointing barbs that are sharp enough to pierce flesh.
Curious about beavers: Where do beavers live? What’s their impact on other wildlife? How do they impact the surrounding property where they live? When should we reintroduce them? Can you relocate a beaver? Are they a protected species in Oregon? How have the laws recently changed about beavers?
Listen to our interview with Maureen Thompson, the Manager of the Beaver Works program at Think Wild in Bend, Oregon.
Go to Beaver Works for news, volunteer events, and updates from ongoing projects – including trail camera highlights with adorable beavers in their natural habitat. You will also find them on Instagram and Facebook.
They may be cute … but are wild burros actually helpful or harmful? Dr. Erick Lundgren who is an ecologist with a lot of research concerning wild burros, horses, and other introduced megafauna discusses the topic of wild burros (which are also called wild donkeys). He addresses perspectives that might encourage you to look at these animals a little differently when you come across them riding in Arizona, California or Nevada.
Travel Oregon recently announced they will fund the nonprofit Dirty Freehub to create 20 to 25 gravel cycling All Access Ride Guides across the state of Oregon. These electronic guides are designed to help adaptive athletes, ebikers or other cyclists such as the 75 year old athlete with aerobic challenges, the person who got busy with life and gained 30 pounds, the person new to cycling, and the families who want to ride together, find great gravel bicycle routes. The routes included in the guides will be shorter in distance, have less elevation gain, not be remote, and use wider roads. Kevin English, Co-Founder and Director of Routes and Technologies, discusses about Dirty Freehub’s new addition to Ride Guides called “All Access.”
Oregon Coast organizations have received $1,109,761 in competitive grants from Travel Oregon to fund accessible and inclusive tourism projects in the region. Across Oregon, 56 grant recipients were awarded $3.6M aimed at enhancing local economies and communities through visitor industry improvements and promotion.
The juniper tree is an iconic tree across Central and Eastern Oregon and yet, in some places they are being removed. Find out the real scoop about this unique tree from Gena Goodman-Campbell who is the Stewardship Director at ONDA (Oregon Natural Desert Association) where she works to engage volunteers in hands-on restoration projects in Oregon’s high desert habitats. Gena has been a key member for ONDA’s staff since 2007.
Today we meet with Patti Lynch, a former Law Enforcement officer, to talk about Search and Rescue and what that looks like in times of trouble. When should you call Search and Rescue and what happens on their side to deploy a rescue. As a cyclist, what should you carry that will really make a difference when things go south.
