Customer Reviews

Kissing the Trail: Northwest and Central Oregon Mountain Bike Trails

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'm working on a new edition of Kissing the Trail NW & Central Oregon, though I'm not certain when it will come out. It will be my eleventh guidebook. The first edition went out of print in 2002. Too bad (it was my previous publisher). While I've been out updating this book, I've found that, actually, most of the info is still correct and up-to-date, despite what the previous reviewer claims. Yes, there are trails like Post Canyon, Gales Creek, and some trails near Bend that need some serious revisions. However, the accuracy of the descriptions, maps, elevation profiles, directions, gps coordinates of the other 65 or so trails still works. That's why people are paying $40 or more for used copies--it's clearly still the best mountain bike guide for Oregon. And worthy of more than one star. The new edition will have 80 to 90 rides, including the North Umpqua epics near Crater Lake and the Scappoose freeride area near Portland. Plus more attitude and lots of new photos. Keep tabs on the progress at adventurepress.com.

While this book highlights some good trails, the author's over-the-top "old school" attitude gets a little tiresome at times (i.e.: the Skibow review). That being said, I've had many good solo rides that were new to me, and for the most part this book was adequate. My biggest complaint is that there are several rides in which the cyclist is directed ENTIRELY the wrong way...who wants to climb singletrack and descend fireroads? (I'm thinking of High Prairie Loop on east mt. Hood, among others). I tend to question an author that reviews his own book, and gives himself 5 of 5 stars.

This BOOK is way out of date, there must be a follow up to this book. Mtn Biking in Oregon is exploding and there is not a current up to date book with all the new trails and rerouted trails.

This book is an outstanding resourse for central oregon. Riding near Bend is awesome and this book shows the way to outstanding rides. I have three other books covering Oregon and this one has many trails that are not found in my other books. This is a must if you are planning a trip to central oregon. Try the Newberry Caldera rim trail!