Ski and Bike Industry News
Blown-In — A semi-regular look at the latest ski and bike industry news bits — is a collection of press releases, new products, and interesting stuff circulating on the interweb that catches our attention.
This week’s edition of Blown-In features EXPLORE Act status, a new multi-day bikepacking route in Oregon, plus new bike-specific gear from Outdoor Research and Osprey packs.
EXPLORE Act Passes House
For what it’s worth, the US House of Representatives passed the EXPLORE Act (Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences Act). Rooted in the growing popularity of outdoor recreation, the bills featured in the Act are a move towards better supporting public land access and promoting outdoor recreation opportunities on public lands across the country.
You can thank the House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and Ranking Member Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.) for their efforts. The EXPLORE Act is a bipartisan package of recreation bills that address access for people with disabilities and underserved populations, streamline permitting processes for guides and outfitters, and support creating recreation opportunities on our public lands.
A few highlights include:
- The Biking on Long Distance Trails Act (BOLT Act) identifies and creates more long-distance bike trails on public lands
- The Protecting America’s Rock Climbing Act (PARC Act) safeguards Wilderness climbing access
- The Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act (SOAR Act) updates recreational permitting for guides and outfitters
- Of course, there’s some stuff for gun users related to range access and some new terms for filming and photography on public lands.
Read the full H.R. 6492 EXPLORE Act
The Act still needs the support of the Senate, and your voice matters. The Outdoor Alliance has established a quick-action form, making it easy to send personalized letters to your lawmakers.
Oregon Timber Trail Goes Gravel
Oregon Timber Trail – Gravel Edition
From the route-planning minds of The Oregon Timber Trail (a 669-mile mountain bike route that traverses Oregon from south to north) comes the proposed Oregon Timber Trail – Gravel Edition. It’s basically a less technical version of the original Timber Trail that’s rideable on a gravel bike. It runs 565 miles and climbs 45,047 vertical feet.
The route is currently in beta status, and the team behind it is looking for “a few brave souls” who would like to test-ride it and offer feedback and route updates. Check it out, and start packing. OTT – Gravel Edition.
Outdoor Research Drops into Mountain Bike Clothing
No doubt you’re familiar with Outdoor Research for their ski and outdoor apparel. Well, the Seattle-based outdoor clothing brand launched a new mountain bike apparel line this spring. The Freewheel Collection is purpose-built for mountain biking. It’s built around the tech and apparel know-how from OR’s 40 years in the outdoor biz. The collection features women’s and men’s MTB shorts, mountain bike jerseys, gloves, a half-zip hoodie and a 5L waist pack.
Read all about it at Outdoor Research Mountain Bike Collection
Osprey Enters the Bikepacking Bag Market
Highly regarded for their backpacks and travel bags, Osprey jumps into bikepacking bags with a full line of bikepacking-specific gear. The Osprey Escapist family includes a handlebar bag, saddle bag, frame bag (S/M/L), wedge bag and a top tube bag.
Read more about the new Osprey Escapist bikepacking bags.
