![](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/621847d753ac011312276860/ec6be1e1-ab07-4331-9241-6cbae8638768/Verde+Valley+XC+Race+--+Apr.+7%2C+2024-50.jpg)
Trail Building and XC Racing in Eastern Oregon
I ventured away from Portland’s rainy climate a few weekends ago to attend a mountain bike race in Echo, Oregon. I had never been there before, let alone ridden there. I’ve known about the trails for years, but since XC riding days have long been in my rearview mirror, I never felt compelled to drive three hours just to pedal. But that all changed for me.