Part of our style of adventuring is to do it yourself by doing your research and getting your planning right. This helps you set your own schedule, see what you want, and not get in over your head. This can also save you money, especially by picking the right vendor.
Here’s how we went about it all in Bend…
Mountain Bike Rentals
Vendor: Mountain Water Snow (MWS Sports)
170 SW Scalehouse Loop, Bend, OR 97702
Why use them? Last time we were here we rented from Hutch’s Bicycles for $75/day. MWS Sports has great full suspension KHS bikes for $40/day and the dude that owns the place is very cool! Because of that great price we rented here for to Mt. Bachelor too.
Kayak Rentals
Vendor: Bend Kayak School and Rentals
www.bendkayakschool.com
Why use them? Although you pick up the kayaks at their house (they deliver them for full tours), the people are really nice and very, uh…chill. For $47/day per kayak they gave us tie downs, paddles, and life jackets, plus plenty of good advice.
Whitewater Rafting Tour
Vendor: Sun Country Tours
531 SW 13th St, Bend, OR 97702 | www.suncountrytours.com
Why use them? We’ve used them twice now and loved it both times. Great guides and a fun, quick trip for only $59 per person. You only raft about 90 mins and they bus you there and back. You’ll get a taste of Class III whitewater. Great for families!
Hotel
Vendor: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Bend Near Mt. Bachelor
755 SW 13th Pl, Bend, OR 97702 | www.marriott.com
Why use them? As long as you aren’t looking for luxury, this hotel works great and it in a convenient location. We’ve stayed there twice as it is well-kept with a nice pool area and free breakfast. Both trips we’ve had a 2 bedroom suite for $239/night.
Rental Car (Truck)
Vendor: Enterprise
Portland Airport (PDX) | www.enterprise.com
Why use them? They had F-150s in their fleet and we knew a good-sized truck was going to be important to us. We needed the room for 4 adults in the cab, high clearance, and a bed to haul mountain bikes, kayaks, and whatever else we dreamed up!