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That’s a wrap on the 5th annual Turns & Berms, hosted in partnership with Oregon Adaptive Sports!

This year, we had 15 athletes travel from near and far to make the most of springtime in Central Oregon. Turns & Berms is strategically scheduled in the Spring to showcase the multi-sport capabilities of Bend, Oregon. This year was no exception; it just looked a little different than the typical skiing and mountain biking format. Due to the historically low snowfall across the West this winter, skiing was unfortunately out of the question. With the incredible logistical capabilities of the OAS team, the group executed a quick pivot to include longer mountain bike rides, paddling, adaptive sports trivia, and a showing of Best Day Ever. 

The camp kicked off with a cookout hosted at Kendall Toyota of Bend, where everyone got fitted in their party shirts. The next morning brought everyone to the Whoops trailhead within the Deschutes National Forest to get warmed up on their bikes and comfortable in the dirt. Friday evening was hosted at the Deschutes River to play around in OAS’ new kayak and paddleboard fleet. “I’m most excited for the paddling because it’s a part of springtime in Bend that we’ve never experienced at this camp before,” shared KBF Program & Research Director Amy at the start of the camp. Local athlete Carl then led the group in an adaptive sports history-themed trivia! 

Saturday morning, the group was shuttled up to the Whoops trailhead and journeyed on a 15-mile ride all the way back to the hotel. Athlete Joanna has been to every single Turns & Berms, but this year she was able to bring her 6-year-old son Landon for the first time. Joanna and Landon have biked together since he was two years old, with Joanna riding the road handcycle that she received with the support of the KBF Active Fund. Joanna shares that this camp “was the first time I could keep up with him while legitimately mountain biking. There were no obstacles, there were no differences in our abilities,” she shares. “This camp provided the equity so we could finally mountain bike without limits as a family.” 

That evening was an opportunity to watch Best Day Ever. “It was definitely a highlight to show the film to the Turns & Berms crew as well as the Bend community,” shared Best Day Ever star and KBF Chief Program Ambassador Greg. “It’s so good to hear how it resonates with the campers, OAS team, volunteers, and community. Thankful that everyone wants to create change!” he says.

After sleeping in a bit, Sunday brought the group to a new Turns & Berms location called Tyler’s trailhead. The group lapped a new flow trail and then ate lunch by the river. For the folks who stayed in Bend for Sunday night, the group explored some food trucks and local Bend culture that evening.

Turns & Berms is a camp that represents how life-changing the community of adaptive sports is. For athlete Ryan, it’s a full-circle experience. Ryan’s first experience with this camp years ago prompted her to move from Seattle and join the community in Bend. “Looking back on my first Turns and Berms,” she says, “I have been reflecting on all of the progress I’ve made over the last 3 years, and I am so incredibly happy to be living in Bend now. My first Turns and Berms led me to make some life-changing choices, and I couldn’t be happier!”

Photo Credit: Pat Addabbo & Campers