BEND, Ore. — A 73-year-old Bend man was airlifted to a hospital Sunday afternoon after being injured while mountain biking in the Cline Butte Recreation Area, according to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

Deschutes County 911 received a report of the injured rider at about 1:29 p.m. Sept. 20 near Barr Road. A Sheriff’s Office Special Services deputy contacted the man by phone and determined that Search & Rescue assistance would be needed because of his location and reported injuries.

One deputy and five Search & Rescue volunteers responded to the area and reached the injured rider. After an initial medical assessment, rescuers requested additional assistance from Redmond Fire & Rescue.

Because of the rugged terrain, Redmond Fire & Rescue used a side-by-side UTV to reach the area.

AirLink was also launched because of the rider’s condition and concerns about potentially serious injuries, the Sheriff’s Office said. The helicopter landed near the scene, and Search & Rescue volunteers transported the man by litter to the aircraft.

He was then flown to St. Charles Bend for medical treatment. The Sheriff’s Office did not provide additional information about his condition.

The response involved the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Search & Rescue volunteers, 911 dispatchers, Redmond Fire & Rescue and AirLink.