30 miles out near Scholls - Cold and Wet

I didn't make it on this week's ride. I was back in Virginia visiting the family, but Sean went. It sounds like it was a doozy... (Christa wrote)

Christa assumed correctly, let me set the scene, it was a warm, clear sunny day no cars were on the road and I was feeling on top of my game! No wait a minute, sorry that was what I was dreaming the entire wet, windy and gray 30 mile ride. I found it quite strange the only ride Christa has missed was the most miserable. You know they say misery loves company! I really missed Christa's company on this ride. Although the ride had all of its drawbacks I was able to "test" out all of my winter bike gear. The fenders worked great and my booties kept my feet almost completely dry. Had I been in the saddle for another hour or so I would not have been a happy camper. All in all it was a good ride, can't wait for next week. Hills hills hills. Welcome back Christa!!

Donald/St. Paul Loop - 25 miles

We had a great ride today. It was foggy and damp, but there roads were pretty traffic free, and we had a lot of rolling hills to work on. There were about 20 of us riding today and every one did a great job.

As we started out, miles 2-5 were though a great park on a pretty crazy bike path. It was all moss covered and slick (it probably is all year long, but even worse in the damp NW winter), but pretty peaceful and provided good practice at watching the road ahead and finding the best "line" to ride and not hit all the bumps and holes.

Once we got through the park, we headed out onto the back roads. We rode past a few Christmas Tree farms, a few nursery's and unfortunately, a few dairy farms (Wow, they really do stink).

We finished the ride in 1 hour, 40 minutes and my bike computer said it was exactly 25 miles.
The rides are getting longer, but the team is getting stronger.

26 Miles on the East Side

Today's ride was on the east side of Portland. Sean and I were able to ride down to OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) from our house and meet the group. We started with a quick clinic about how to change a tire, then we were off...down the Springwater corridor along the Willamette River. We were cruising, averaging about 20 mph and having a great time.

Then we travelled off the bike path for about a mile until we found the new section of the trail...at the same time, the wind found us. It slowed us waaaaay down. We struggled for about 7 miles until our turnaround point.

Funny, with the wind at your back, everything seems easier.

16-miles on Sauvie Island

We did a longer ride this week. 16 miles out at Sauvie Island. For those who don't know, Sauvie Island is a great little oasis just west of the city. Huge farms and boating access on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. The Island was full of bikers and birders today. It was another cold ride, 28 degrees when we left the house. The ride was just about an hour and the distance gave us an opportunity to work up a sweat and really get used to our bikes again.

I really do enjoy riding. It's such a peaceful activity. Even when you are riding with 5, 10 even 15 other people. You have to rely on yourself and be able to anticipate the actions of others.

Hmm...skills that also help in the real world.