I haven’t been on my road bike in quite a while, but after watching races and racers in Bend recently, I decided it was time to get out on my own bike and ride. I rode one of my favorite 25-mile loops, finishing up on O.B. Riley Road. I am feeling pretty darn good until I notice more trash on the road than normal.

Upon further investigation, I notice this new trash is the package remains of power gels, go fast goos, and the like. I keep riding and litter(ally) there is one of these sticky used packages every 50 feet.

Now, I embrace cycling and cyclists as much as anyone, but what gives these racers the idea it’s OK to throw their trash on our roads. Is the almighty prize more important than our environment? I admire and respect most every cyclist, but when it comes to litter, that’s where I dismount.

Shouldn’t the governing body have some rule in place against this type of negligent behavior? Or, if not, at least a plan to pick all these wrappers up? In the future, I’d love to experience more bike racing in Bend, but not the trash left behind.

Eric Power

Bend