Bicycle Diaries of Bend with Don Leet

Bend Magazine's The Circling Podcast with Adam Short

When life long cyclist Don Leet and I sat down to discuss some of Bend's biking lore, Don shared stories and insights that make up much of the history of cycling in our region. From the birth of mountain biking in Central Oregon to the emergence of gravel cycling and e-bikes, our conversation is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the sport.
Throughout our discussion, the art and science of trail building take center stage, with a nod to the sweat and precision that have gone into sculpting Central Oregon's legendary single track network. The importance of volunteerism comes into sharp focus, particularly through the lens of organizations like COTA, which have been pivotal in teaching others the skills required to steward the trails that so many have come to love, fostering a sense of belonging and stewardship for the next generation of riders who will call these trails home.

The Circling Podcast is proud to be in partnership with Bend Magazine. Claim your five-dollar annual subscription when you visit www.bendmagazine.com and enter promo code: PODCAST at checkout. Your subscription includes 6 issues of our regions top publication celebrating mountain culture, and four bonus issues of Bend Home and Design, the leading home and building design magazine in Central Oregon.

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Chapters

1. Evolution of Cycling in Central Oregon (00:00:00)

2. History of Mountain Biking Development (00:04:04)

3. Evolution of Biking Culture (00:16:30)

4. Evolution of Mountain Biking Trails (00:22:13)

5. Trail Building in Central Oregon (00:27:48)

6. Evolution of Bend's Cycling Community (00:42:55)

7. Bicycle Industry Trends and Commuting Preferences (00:55:12)

8. Mountain Biking and E-Bike Debate (01:02:37)

9. Mountain Biking Etiquette and History (01:15:37)

10. Local Mountain Bike Racing History (01:23:39)

11. Living a Vibrant Lifestyle in Bend (01:34:14)