(no wearable jerseys were sacrificed)
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Maybe I Got A Little Carried Away...
At the frame shop. The framer had a wonderful time.
(no wearable jerseys were sacrificed)
(no wearable jerseys were sacrificed)
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Andrew's Birthday Ride
Way, way back in 2003, when I was returning to bicycling after an almost 10 year lapse, one of the first folks I met was Andrew B. And through him, the entire Team Bag Balm herd. We've ridden together off and on over the years since then. One of the TBB traditions was the Birthday Ride, wherein you collect a group of friends, ride your birthday in miles, and then eat something. It was Andrew's birthday yesterday, and he hosted a ride today. In km, though, because 1) he's not been riding much, and 2) this is easier if your birthday is in the summer.
I figured to ride over, and Fitz would show up when we finished, with a change of clothes for me. Wasn't supposed to get very wet (we are under a BLIZZARD OF 2012 WATCH from our excitable news media) until later. Warmest jersey (a fleecy Novara thing), wind vest, Showers Pass jacket, which I was planning on shedding, wool cap with earflaps, PI AmFib gloves (really old ones. My winter commute gloves), Sugoi Firewall tights, PI shoes. No booties. Wasn't going to get that wet.
The ride over was totally uneventful, until I got past OMSI, and my directions said to go E on SE Division and turn R onto SE 13th. There was a big train sitting right there, not moving. I kept heading south, looking for ways to go east. Hopefully sometime before SE Holgate, which goes over the tracks at Brooklyn Yard. Somewhere in there, my rear tire went squashy. Called over to say I was Not Far, and was blocked by a train and a flat. Pumped the tire back up some, and eventually did have to take Holgate east.
Apologized all around. At that point, I just wanted to change out the tire and tube altogether. I have decided that tire is now done (2 flats in the last 3 rides). I did have a spare tire - a brand new Grand Bois. Philippe commented on the durability of that particular tire (not. I am living dangerously. It has supple sidewalls.). While it went onto the Aerohead rim somewhat easier than the Michelin, it was still a touch tight. Maybe it will loosen up a bit. No flats for the balance of the ride.
And so, finally off, through parts of the east side I recognized, all the way up to the summit of Mt Tabor. We then kept heading east. And east. I usually go north to the Columbia River, and then head east. Or Cecil takes us east another way (182nd to Halsey, to Troutdale and beyond).
So. The mist was persistent, but not too bad. I was plenty warm. Introduced myself to the riders I did not know (Jim H. and Jim H.). They were both professors at OGI when Fitz was getting his Masters in CS. They were both HIS professors :-) Now all at PSU, as is Andrew.
Caught up with Andrew and Diane. Heard about Nat's first grandchild. Talked about generator hubs and lighting with Jim H. Also recruited. I know he wants to be a randonneur :-)
Heavier mist. Perhaps even rain. We misplaced Diane and Nat - turns out they went another way, and we'd find them further along. Started south (headwind, rain) through Outer Troutdale. I have probably ridden here on a Livestrong Ride, or the Barlow Trail Century. After some wandering around, we eventually dropped onto the Springwater Corridor. The rain had really picked up, and the road down to the trail had a impressive head of water coming down the gutter. We stayed out of the bike lane :-)
By this point, my shoes had given it up, and my feet were gone. The tights weren't helping much, either. Serious dry clothing fantasies. Stopped under I-205 to call Fitz, because we were about 20 or so minutes out. Andrew and I convinced Diane to peel off, go home and get dry clothes, and then come over to eat; she doesn't live too far from Andrew.
Turned off the Springwater to ride...up a wall. SE Flavel. I made it. Didn't stop. Was even gaining on Andrew. Bike computer reveals incline of 14-16%. I'll die later. A bit further along Flavel, a guy out walking commented that we had really nice bikes (thank you!) and were real troopers for riding today. Progressing through SE Portland. When we crossed SE Woodstock, I knew it wasn't much further. Dry clothes, dry clothes, dry clothes...
Put my bike on the porch, and was taking off my sopping wet shoes prior to going inside. Fitz drove up, so I stuffed my feet back in the shoes, and we loaded the bike in the car. Dry clothes, dry clothes, dry clothes...
Whereupon Iinhaled ate some REALLY GREAT Thai-inspired squash soup created by Patty, lots of bread with butter, cheese, and some excellent plum preserve (not all on the same pieces of bread), salad, gingerbread, hot cider, hot tea... And enjoyed more visiting around. Got to see pics of Nat's grandson. Caught up with Patty (she had a cold and didn't ride), as well as Dave and Edna.
The cold air return at home is working hard on drying my shoes and gloves.
The route
48.9 miles by my bike computer, avg pace 11.83.
A fair amount of stopping, none initiated by me. :-)
Maybe I'll host a birthday 200k...
I figured to ride over, and Fitz would show up when we finished, with a change of clothes for me. Wasn't supposed to get very wet (we are under a BLIZZARD OF 2012 WATCH from our excitable news media) until later. Warmest jersey (a fleecy Novara thing), wind vest, Showers Pass jacket, which I was planning on shedding, wool cap with earflaps, PI AmFib gloves (really old ones. My winter commute gloves), Sugoi Firewall tights, PI shoes. No booties. Wasn't going to get that wet.
The ride over was totally uneventful, until I got past OMSI, and my directions said to go E on SE Division and turn R onto SE 13th. There was a big train sitting right there, not moving. I kept heading south, looking for ways to go east. Hopefully sometime before SE Holgate, which goes over the tracks at Brooklyn Yard. Somewhere in there, my rear tire went squashy. Called over to say I was Not Far, and was blocked by a train and a flat. Pumped the tire back up some, and eventually did have to take Holgate east.
Apologized all around. At that point, I just wanted to change out the tire and tube altogether. I have decided that tire is now done (2 flats in the last 3 rides). I did have a spare tire - a brand new Grand Bois. Philippe commented on the durability of that particular tire (not. I am living dangerously. It has supple sidewalls.). While it went onto the Aerohead rim somewhat easier than the Michelin, it was still a touch tight. Maybe it will loosen up a bit. No flats for the balance of the ride.
And so, finally off, through parts of the east side I recognized, all the way up to the summit of Mt Tabor. We then kept heading east. And east. I usually go north to the Columbia River, and then head east. Or Cecil takes us east another way (182nd to Halsey, to Troutdale and beyond).
So. The mist was persistent, but not too bad. I was plenty warm. Introduced myself to the riders I did not know (Jim H. and Jim H.). They were both professors at OGI when Fitz was getting his Masters in CS. They were both HIS professors :-) Now all at PSU, as is Andrew.
Caught up with Andrew and Diane. Heard about Nat's first grandchild. Talked about generator hubs and lighting with Jim H. Also recruited. I know he wants to be a randonneur :-)
Heavier mist. Perhaps even rain. We misplaced Diane and Nat - turns out they went another way, and we'd find them further along. Started south (headwind, rain) through Outer Troutdale. I have probably ridden here on a Livestrong Ride, or the Barlow Trail Century. After some wandering around, we eventually dropped onto the Springwater Corridor. The rain had really picked up, and the road down to the trail had a impressive head of water coming down the gutter. We stayed out of the bike lane :-)
By this point, my shoes had given it up, and my feet were gone. The tights weren't helping much, either. Serious dry clothing fantasies. Stopped under I-205 to call Fitz, because we were about 20 or so minutes out. Andrew and I convinced Diane to peel off, go home and get dry clothes, and then come over to eat; she doesn't live too far from Andrew.
Turned off the Springwater to ride...up a wall. SE Flavel. I made it. Didn't stop. Was even gaining on Andrew. Bike computer reveals incline of 14-16%. I'll die later. A bit further along Flavel, a guy out walking commented that we had really nice bikes (thank you!) and were real troopers for riding today. Progressing through SE Portland. When we crossed SE Woodstock, I knew it wasn't much further. Dry clothes, dry clothes, dry clothes...
Put my bike on the porch, and was taking off my sopping wet shoes prior to going inside. Fitz drove up, so I stuffed my feet back in the shoes, and we loaded the bike in the car. Dry clothes, dry clothes, dry clothes...
Whereupon I
The cold air return at home is working hard on drying my shoes and gloves.
The route
48.9 miles by my bike computer, avg pace 11.83.
A fair amount of stopping, none initiated by me. :-)
Maybe I'll host a birthday 200k...
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Permanent #1401: Beaverton-Hagg Lake-Carlton 203km
Or, wandering around (mostly) rural Washington County, visiting an amazing number of info controls along the way.
I rode most of the route in early January and saw very, very few cars. Can't guarantee this for you, but it was delightful for me.
You start in beautiful suburban Beaverton, right at the corner of SW 117th and SW Canyon Rd. There's many, many places to get a starting receipt. If you don't want to ride over the hill from Portland, you can hop the MAX; the Beaverton Transit Center is one block over to the west.
Working your way west and north, you will escape the Urban Growth Boundary at West Union and Cornelius Pass roads, not to be seen again until you re-enter Hillsboro toward the end.
The route takes you through Helvetia, one of the prettiest bits of countryside around, up the Jackson Quarry Hill (not steep, and be sure to look off to the left as you ascend), and then an up one side and down the other around a valley just outside North Plains.
Through Roy, info control at the church, and ALSO flush toilets in the building to the left of the church back by the garage doors. There is a donation box on the wall in the hallway on the right. Let's keep the hot water, flush, paper towels and TP coming.
Then on through Banks (Thriftway on the right after crossing under Hwy 6), out Cedar Canyon, and back on Hwy 6/Stafford Rd/and so on, ending up at the first timed control in Forest Grove. I recommend Maggie's Buns on 21st. Best sticky buns ever, and as big as your head. She's not open on Sundays, but you can get receipts and food at the convenience store and Pizza Schmizza.
Following the pause in Forest Grove, you'll circumnavigate Hagg Lake. The initial ramp after entering the park can be a bit of a downer, but it is all fun rollers after that. The park is closed in the winter, but spring through fall, there are facilities at several picnic areas.
Then south, entering Yamhill Country and wine country. You'll pass through Yamhill, and the next timed control in Carlton. There's wineries and tasting rooms all along here. Disclaimer- most of them are at the top of steep gravel roads, but there are are few right in Carlton along the route. There is also at least one convenience store in Carlton, on the right side on Main.
Now you are heading back north, along the familiar (to the local riders) Kuehne-Ribbon Ridge-North Valley-Spring Hill-Fern Hill leg before turning east and skirting the southern boundaries of Forest Grove, Cornelius, and Hillsboro.
Somewhere along Rood Bridge Rd you find yourself in Hillsboro, and back within the Urban Growth Boundary. One last timed control at Borwick and Baseline (Jackson's Store at the gas station is handy; there is also a coffee shop a bit further east).
Then a stretch along Baseline; bike lane the entire way. Exercise a bit of caution after crossing SW 185th - after crossing, the right two lanes cloverleaf off to get onto northbound 185th. I move into the second right lane and take the lane to avoid the potential of getting right-hooked.
After passing Nike and Tektronix, you'll turn right onto Hocken and head back the way you came.
Enjoy the ride!
the cue sheet
and map
and registration form
Please contact me if you'd like to ride the permanent for RUSA credit.
This is how I like to get your card and receipts back.
I rode most of the route in early January and saw very, very few cars. Can't guarantee this for you, but it was delightful for me.
You start in beautiful suburban Beaverton, right at the corner of SW 117th and SW Canyon Rd. There's many, many places to get a starting receipt. If you don't want to ride over the hill from Portland, you can hop the MAX; the Beaverton Transit Center is one block over to the west.
Working your way west and north, you will escape the Urban Growth Boundary at West Union and Cornelius Pass roads, not to be seen again until you re-enter Hillsboro toward the end.
The route takes you through Helvetia, one of the prettiest bits of countryside around, up the Jackson Quarry Hill (not steep, and be sure to look off to the left as you ascend), and then an up one side and down the other around a valley just outside North Plains.
Through Roy, info control at the church, and ALSO flush toilets in the building to the left of the church back by the garage doors. There is a donation box on the wall in the hallway on the right. Let's keep the hot water, flush, paper towels and TP coming.
Then on through Banks (Thriftway on the right after crossing under Hwy 6), out Cedar Canyon, and back on Hwy 6/Stafford Rd/and so on, ending up at the first timed control in Forest Grove. I recommend Maggie's Buns on 21st. Best sticky buns ever, and as big as your head. She's not open on Sundays, but you can get receipts and food at the convenience store and Pizza Schmizza.
Following the pause in Forest Grove, you'll circumnavigate Hagg Lake. The initial ramp after entering the park can be a bit of a downer, but it is all fun rollers after that. The park is closed in the winter, but spring through fall, there are facilities at several picnic areas.
Then south, entering Yamhill Country and wine country. You'll pass through Yamhill, and the next timed control in Carlton. There's wineries and tasting rooms all along here. Disclaimer- most of them are at the top of steep gravel roads, but there are are few right in Carlton along the route. There is also at least one convenience store in Carlton, on the right side on Main.
Now you are heading back north, along the familiar (to the local riders) Kuehne-Ribbon Ridge-North Valley-Spring Hill-Fern Hill leg before turning east and skirting the southern boundaries of Forest Grove, Cornelius, and Hillsboro.
Somewhere along Rood Bridge Rd you find yourself in Hillsboro, and back within the Urban Growth Boundary. One last timed control at Borwick and Baseline (Jackson's Store at the gas station is handy; there is also a coffee shop a bit further east).
Then a stretch along Baseline; bike lane the entire way. Exercise a bit of caution after crossing SW 185th - after crossing, the right two lanes cloverleaf off to get onto northbound 185th. I move into the second right lane and take the lane to avoid the potential of getting right-hooked.
After passing Nike and Tektronix, you'll turn right onto Hocken and head back the way you came.
Enjoy the ride!
the cue sheet
and map
and registration form
Please contact me if you'd like to ride the permanent for RUSA credit.
This is how I like to get your card and receipts back.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Overdrawn at the Stupidity Bank
This permanent surely takes the prize...
There was a call for folks to ride the Volcanoes vs Farmland 200k on Jan 2. I'd be back in town Jan 2. My bike could easily be reassembled by Jan 2. Other than the discouraging stretch on Ridge Rd, shouldn't have been anything epic...
Careful reading of the cue sheet discovered a few occurrences of the word "gravel". One occurrence coupled with the word "descent". I generally don't ride off-road. I used to ride on the Banks Vernonia trail when it WAS gravel, and downhill at that, but that was a few years ago.
So, there we were at Marsee Baking in Sellwood, before sunrise. The weather could have been anything from "chance of showers" to "rain all day". I did bring some extra clothes and gloves. David P, the perm owner, was there to check everyone in and hand out cards. Had some coffee, visited with Cyndi, introduced myself to Maria, and generally visited around.
At 7am, David turned us loose. Still dark, of course, but not raining. South for awhile, watching red lights vanish up ahead, then hopped on the bike path along the Willamette River (I've been there before), then onto River Rd for a good long while. Nice sunrise. Michal: "are you familiar with this part of town?". Mmm. Sort of. I did know which way to go to get to Clackamette Park, our first control.
Then wandering eastward, on unfamiliar roads. The stretch along the Clackamas River was very pretty. We rode all the way out to the Barton Store (next control) and stopped for awhile. Banana, Doubleshot and a Payday bar; consumed the whole thing right there. Took off the jacket, hat and heavy gloves - it was sunny!
Doubled back, and eventually ended up on the up and down Ridge Road through the Boring Lava Flow (hence the "Volcanoes" part of the name). Picked up Jeff A along here; the three of us rode together for the rest of the ride. The headwind from the south coupled with the seemingly unending up and down was a bit discouraging. Another info control. I was speculating that David may have put multiple colors of zipties on the road sign, so as to have multiple info control questions. Sure enough. Michal and I had one question, and Jeff had another. Devious! Then up and DOWN Buckner Creek Rd. Put the jacket back on. Then steeply up again. Oops. The rain put in a short appearance.
Eventually into Canby, right along the triathlon bicycle finish and run route. No cheering crowds today. We paused at the Thriftway. I now know where they hide the Doubleshots, and no longer need to search the entire store. Pulled out my pbj, and started working on it. Through Champoeg Park (conversation around Guns, Germs and Steel), then into Newberg.
Well, almost into Newberg. I came up with a rear flat. Took some serious muscle (not mine!) to get that tire off. Put the Hutchinson tire on. There was some worry that we were now behind time, but not so. Whew. Mochas at the coffee shop, and off again. Stretch of gravel road out of Newberg - not so bad, but I wasn't trying to take it fast. It occurred to Jeff that we'd be doing the gravel descent (Saltzman) after dark. I was in total denial. Dark. Downhill. Gravel. Raining...
We almost had a tailwind after turning north on North Valley. Eventually it did become a tailwind. Finally finished that pbj sandwich. Another brief stop in Gaston, then pushing onward to North Plains, our final on-course control. Pause in the market for some Pringles and a Doubleshot; caught a few minutes of the Rose Bowl on the big screen. Then to the McD's for plumbing (nothing between here and the finish...), and off in the swiftly falling darkness. Off and on rain.
Found the Jackson Quarry turnoff from West Union... I haven't approached it from this direction, but there was a handy sign before the actual road. Then east on Helvetia, and calling out to Jeff and Michal when they missed the Phillips Rd turn. And time to Go Up. Jeff had it in his head that we were climbing Old Germantown, and that it would be really hard (it would be), but we were going up Old Cornelius Pass. A gentle climb. Better than this past summer when I was riding it with the world's most awful cold, for sure. But it was dark, raining off and on, and rollering upward. I was not feeling particularly zippy. We paused at Germantown to look at a GPS to figure out where the turn onto Saltzman might be.
Now for the really stupid part...
We arrived at Saltzman. Sorted out how we'd go about this. We were definitely sticking together. Jeff has a fabulous headlight on his helmet, so he went first. He'd actually ridden up it once, in daylight. Me next, Michal sweeping. After a bit, I had to stop. I was shaking so badly I couldn't control the bike. Cold. Wet. My head was buzzing. It was very, very strange. I did eat a banana. And a gel. Michal produced some chemical handwarmers to put in my gloves. And we walked a bit until I was shaking somewhat less. Then rode downhill for awhile, maybe with two more stops. Lots of squeezing the brakes. I couldn't see far enough ahead (for me) to completely relax. We could see the lights from Linnton and St Johns through the trees. I did start to relax a bit, but never warmed up. I think the grade backed off. I was figuring we'd be here forever. Finally, a gate, some really bad pavement, and then Hwy 30. Jeff wanted to know if I was going to do it again next weekend. No. I think this is really a dry summer route.
Conversations about doing stupid stuff on a bike. I hate crossing the Hwy 219 bridge south of Newberg. Granted, it isn't as bad as the Boone Bridge in its current construction state in Wilsonville. Michal isn't all that fond of Bridge of the Gods. Neither is Jeff. I love crossing it. Even when it is raining. They'd both rather ride down some gravel fire road at night in the rain (!)
Zipped into Portland on Hwy 30/St Helens Rd. Warmed up with the pedaling. Up Wardway, through NW, onto Naito, across the Steel Bridge, really gorgeous bit on the Esplanade (many photographers out there with cameras and tripods, getting shots of downtown and the river, all lit up), past OMSI, onto 4th...
"There you are!". David P was riding back along the route to see if he could find us. We were at the very tail end, and had 10 minutes left... Buzzed down the Springwater, and then David stopped and said: this is Sellwood. You are done. (and with three minutes to spare!)
He was off to get some groceries, and would meet us at the Oaks Bottom Pub in a few...
Rode with slightly less urgency back to the pub next to Marsee Baking, put the bike away (thank you Cyndi!), and got some 7-Up and snacks. Visited with Jeff. Did the perm card rituals with David. Went home. Took a very long hot shower, trying to not fall asleep IN the shower, and crashed. The bike and stuff finally moved out of the car this evening after work.
The numbers:
134.86 mi
12.14 avg mph
7342 vertical feet. Rather more than the route description claimed...
There was a call for folks to ride the Volcanoes vs Farmland 200k on Jan 2. I'd be back in town Jan 2. My bike could easily be reassembled by Jan 2. Other than the discouraging stretch on Ridge Rd, shouldn't have been anything epic...
Careful reading of the cue sheet discovered a few occurrences of the word "gravel". One occurrence coupled with the word "descent". I generally don't ride off-road. I used to ride on the Banks Vernonia trail when it WAS gravel, and downhill at that, but that was a few years ago.
So, there we were at Marsee Baking in Sellwood, before sunrise. The weather could have been anything from "chance of showers" to "rain all day". I did bring some extra clothes and gloves. David P, the perm owner, was there to check everyone in and hand out cards. Had some coffee, visited with Cyndi, introduced myself to Maria, and generally visited around.
At 7am, David turned us loose. Still dark, of course, but not raining. South for awhile, watching red lights vanish up ahead, then hopped on the bike path along the Willamette River (I've been there before), then onto River Rd for a good long while. Nice sunrise. Michal: "are you familiar with this part of town?". Mmm. Sort of. I did know which way to go to get to Clackamette Park, our first control.
Then wandering eastward, on unfamiliar roads. The stretch along the Clackamas River was very pretty. We rode all the way out to the Barton Store (next control) and stopped for awhile. Banana, Doubleshot and a Payday bar; consumed the whole thing right there. Took off the jacket, hat and heavy gloves - it was sunny!
Doubled back, and eventually ended up on the up and down Ridge Road through the Boring Lava Flow (hence the "Volcanoes" part of the name). Picked up Jeff A along here; the three of us rode together for the rest of the ride. The headwind from the south coupled with the seemingly unending up and down was a bit discouraging. Another info control. I was speculating that David may have put multiple colors of zipties on the road sign, so as to have multiple info control questions. Sure enough. Michal and I had one question, and Jeff had another. Devious! Then up and DOWN Buckner Creek Rd. Put the jacket back on. Then steeply up again. Oops. The rain put in a short appearance.
Eventually into Canby, right along the triathlon bicycle finish and run route. No cheering crowds today. We paused at the Thriftway. I now know where they hide the Doubleshots, and no longer need to search the entire store. Pulled out my pbj, and started working on it. Through Champoeg Park (conversation around Guns, Germs and Steel), then into Newberg.
Well, almost into Newberg. I came up with a rear flat. Took some serious muscle (not mine!) to get that tire off. Put the Hutchinson tire on. There was some worry that we were now behind time, but not so. Whew. Mochas at the coffee shop, and off again. Stretch of gravel road out of Newberg - not so bad, but I wasn't trying to take it fast. It occurred to Jeff that we'd be doing the gravel descent (Saltzman) after dark. I was in total denial. Dark. Downhill. Gravel. Raining...
We almost had a tailwind after turning north on North Valley. Eventually it did become a tailwind. Finally finished that pbj sandwich. Another brief stop in Gaston, then pushing onward to North Plains, our final on-course control. Pause in the market for some Pringles and a Doubleshot; caught a few minutes of the Rose Bowl on the big screen. Then to the McD's for plumbing (nothing between here and the finish...), and off in the swiftly falling darkness. Off and on rain.
Found the Jackson Quarry turnoff from West Union... I haven't approached it from this direction, but there was a handy sign before the actual road. Then east on Helvetia, and calling out to Jeff and Michal when they missed the Phillips Rd turn. And time to Go Up. Jeff had it in his head that we were climbing Old Germantown, and that it would be really hard (it would be), but we were going up Old Cornelius Pass. A gentle climb. Better than this past summer when I was riding it with the world's most awful cold, for sure. But it was dark, raining off and on, and rollering upward. I was not feeling particularly zippy. We paused at Germantown to look at a GPS to figure out where the turn onto Saltzman might be.
Now for the really stupid part...
We arrived at Saltzman. Sorted out how we'd go about this. We were definitely sticking together. Jeff has a fabulous headlight on his helmet, so he went first. He'd actually ridden up it once, in daylight. Me next, Michal sweeping. After a bit, I had to stop. I was shaking so badly I couldn't control the bike. Cold. Wet. My head was buzzing. It was very, very strange. I did eat a banana. And a gel. Michal produced some chemical handwarmers to put in my gloves. And we walked a bit until I was shaking somewhat less. Then rode downhill for awhile, maybe with two more stops. Lots of squeezing the brakes. I couldn't see far enough ahead (for me) to completely relax. We could see the lights from Linnton and St Johns through the trees. I did start to relax a bit, but never warmed up. I think the grade backed off. I was figuring we'd be here forever. Finally, a gate, some really bad pavement, and then Hwy 30. Jeff wanted to know if I was going to do it again next weekend. No. I think this is really a dry summer route.
Conversations about doing stupid stuff on a bike. I hate crossing the Hwy 219 bridge south of Newberg. Granted, it isn't as bad as the Boone Bridge in its current construction state in Wilsonville. Michal isn't all that fond of Bridge of the Gods. Neither is Jeff. I love crossing it. Even when it is raining. They'd both rather ride down some gravel fire road at night in the rain (!)
Zipped into Portland on Hwy 30/St Helens Rd. Warmed up with the pedaling. Up Wardway, through NW, onto Naito, across the Steel Bridge, really gorgeous bit on the Esplanade (many photographers out there with cameras and tripods, getting shots of downtown and the river, all lit up), past OMSI, onto 4th...
"There you are!". David P was riding back along the route to see if he could find us. We were at the very tail end, and had 10 minutes left... Buzzed down the Springwater, and then David stopped and said: this is Sellwood. You are done. (and with three minutes to spare!)
He was off to get some groceries, and would meet us at the Oaks Bottom Pub in a few...
Rode with slightly less urgency back to the pub next to Marsee Baking, put the bike away (thank you Cyndi!), and got some 7-Up and snacks. Visited with Jeff. Did the perm card rituals with David. Went home. Took a very long hot shower, trying to not fall asleep IN the shower, and crashed. The bike and stuff finally moved out of the car this evening after work.
The numbers:
134.86 mi
12.14 avg mph
7342 vertical feet. Rather more than the route description claimed...
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Year in Review - Cycling
I'll come right out and say it - this has been an amazing year. Whatever made it happen, I sure hope I don't lose it.
Total miles: 5805. Almost 1400 more than last year, and highest annual mileage ever.
I rode my bike 213 days this year.
Commuted about 1500 of those miles. If I don't ride to work, I face a gauntlet starting with the receptionist, all the way to my desk..."where's your bike?". I love my current contract - lots of meetings on the main campus, our building is not on the main campus, and it is quicker to ride the bike than to drive. And I can park in the buildings and never have to worry about locking up. I had a 100% commute rate in the BTA Bike Commute Challenge.
17 rides of more than 100 miles.
2 centuries
12 200km
1 300km
1 400km
1 600km
I would have to say that Sweetpea got the bulk of the riding love this year - all but a couple of the Rando rides, plus trips to Ireland and California. Bleriot got all the commutes, and poor Lemond has probably less than 300 miles ridden on it in total.
Organized rides - only two, RSVP and RAPSody. I'll probably ride them again next year, lots of fun.
Randonneurs USA riding
4524 km. Most ever.
Completed my second R-12 in September.
Earned my first-ever Super Randonneur by completing a 200k, 300k, 400k, and 600k in a calendar year. I am still stupidly pleased and insufferably proud about this.
Rode a couple of sub-10 hour 200km rides. Whoever that Lynne was, I'd like her to show up more often :-)
The hardest rides I did were:
1. Bikenfest, the Oct 200k. 11522 vertical feet. I am not sure I ever wanted to just lay down and die on any other ride I have done.
2. The 400k. I couldn't stay awake, which made riding through the night somewhat of a challenge. Did get to see two sunrises!
3. The 600k, because, well, it was a 600. Way outside of my comfort zone. I was never worried about not finishing in time on the second day. Well, ok, there were a few bad hours in there on day 1.
Learnings: I CAN pull myself out of a massive bonk. Still to learn: don't bonk in the first place.
I CAN ride >10000 vertical feet in a day. RAMROD is definitely a possibility (I am shallow. I want the jersey.)
Goals. Hmm. More 300km rides. I need to get to where I can just go out and ride one, rather like I approach a 200km ride now. Quit being terrified of 400km rides. A 1000km would be very cool.
Acknowledgements:
Sweetpea, for being such a great bike (thank you Natalie)
Fitz, because I'm out riding a lot.
Cecil, Susan, Michal, and Lesli, for being such great riding buddies. Looking forward to more rides with you in the coming year!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Riding in the Desert
We are here for a week, so I figured to get in some rides. Rummaging around on bikely.com, I found a 60 mile loop by a jckramer. I've met him. Went back later, and that entry was gone, but there was a similar one. Remapped it in bike route toaster, so I'd get a cue sheet. More on that later.
Packed Sweetpea, but left the fenders at home. Yes, Sweetpea will get a sunburn. Little Pink Bear forgot to hop in the bike case. Guess I'd have to talk to myself.
So here is the route, more or less: http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Palm-Springs-60-mi-loop. I did modify it slightly at the end.
Got on the road about 9am. Made sure I had a couple snacks, and two full bottles of water/NUUN. And sunscreen.
The route headed north past an extensive wind farm. They weren't turning, so maybe I was safe. Through some annoying road construction, and gently up to turn right on Pierson heading through Desert Hot Springs. I did pause at a 7-11. They did not have a restroom for customers. Except... "are you on a bicycle?" Nice. Bought and consumed a Gatorade, removed the arm (long since shoved down to my wrists) and knee warmers, applied sunscreen, went to put on some lip glop... Went back into the store and bought a Chapstick.
Now heading SE, down Hacienda Rd. It was supposed to turn into Bennett, but never did. Still dumped me onto Dillon, which was where I needed to be, but sooner than the cue sheet indicated. According to my AAA road map, there is no Bennett Rd, so I did not miss anything. Careful viewing of the satellite images reveals that there might be a DIRT road there, but I didn't see it intersect with Hacienda. Gentle climbing again, about 2%. With a slight headwind. I kept pushing myself to keep it above 12mph, with varying success.
Starting to get much less populated, and, past Sky Valley, nothing but desert and scrub. The bike computer indicated that I should have found Thousand Palms Canyon Rd by now, but nothing. Pulled out my phone and tried Google Maps (cheating, I know), but it couldn't connect. I had signal and all, but no maps. The AAA map had stuck a big street index right over that whole area. Ok then. I'd go for another mile or so and see if I ran into it. I couldn't see any road, but I did see three cars turning into what looked no different than the surrounding scrub. And there it was.
This was a very fun descent. Eventually I found the thousand palms (in the canyon, naturally) in the Coachella Valley Nature Preserve. Then 5 or so more miles and I was back in civilization. Indian Wells, to be precise. Their roads are paved with the nicest asphalt and mostly have wide outer lanes, which, for me, is heaven. There was a stretch of shopping districts that eventually took me to CA-111, where I'd spend the next 16 miles. It started out with a really nice buffered bike lane. And, finally, a tailwind. I was thinking this could be really nice.
Not so much. The next town along, Palm Desert, didn't believe in such niceties as shoulders or bike lanes. The road varied from 2-3 lanes in each direction, so you'd think there would be enough room for everyone. Mostly, but it was cozier than I would have liked. Many parking lot entries, and more traffic lights than SW Beaverton Hillsdale, all of them red. But yet, there was that tailwind. Rancho Mirage wasn't much better, and I kept looking at my odometer muttering "5 more miles...". Fitz called while I was passing through Crystal City; we figured we'd get back about the same time.
The route had me continuing on Business CA-111. I should have taken the right to stay on CA-111; I could have gotten back from there as well. Eventually got onto the Palm Springs bike path system. I don't like them. They are meant for riders pootling along on cruiser bikes. They meander. They cross driveways. It is not clear who has right of way at intersections. I stopped and looked; didn't want to get run over by a right-turning motorist. I couldn't stand it any longer,and turned onto Tahquitz Way; on street bike lanes. By now I was just about finished.
Turning into the parking lot, I spied a familiar person unloading his golf clubs. Perfect timing!
On that bike route toaster comment - it appears to get its rights and lefts mixed up from time to time. Plus it throws in a "take the first..." when the turn is not the first left or right. Insert control points, rather than a track point at each turn, or they won't appear on the cue sheet. Takeaway - proofread the cue sheet!
The route headed north past an extensive wind farm. They weren't turning, so maybe I was safe. Through some annoying road construction, and gently up to turn right on Pierson heading through Desert Hot Springs. I did pause at a 7-11. They did not have a restroom for customers. Except... "are you on a bicycle?" Nice. Bought and consumed a Gatorade, removed the arm (long since shoved down to my wrists) and knee warmers, applied sunscreen, went to put on some lip glop... Went back into the store and bought a Chapstick.
Now heading SE, down Hacienda Rd. It was supposed to turn into Bennett, but never did. Still dumped me onto Dillon, which was where I needed to be, but sooner than the cue sheet indicated. According to my AAA road map, there is no Bennett Rd, so I did not miss anything. Careful viewing of the satellite images reveals that there might be a DIRT road there, but I didn't see it intersect with Hacienda. Gentle climbing again, about 2%. With a slight headwind. I kept pushing myself to keep it above 12mph, with varying success.
Starting to get much less populated, and, past Sky Valley, nothing but desert and scrub. The bike computer indicated that I should have found Thousand Palms Canyon Rd by now, but nothing. Pulled out my phone and tried Google Maps (cheating, I know), but it couldn't connect. I had signal and all, but no maps. The AAA map had stuck a big street index right over that whole area. Ok then. I'd go for another mile or so and see if I ran into it. I couldn't see any road, but I did see three cars turning into what looked no different than the surrounding scrub. And there it was.
This was a very fun descent. Eventually I found the thousand palms (in the canyon, naturally) in the Coachella Valley Nature Preserve. Then 5 or so more miles and I was back in civilization. Indian Wells, to be precise. Their roads are paved with the nicest asphalt and mostly have wide outer lanes, which, for me, is heaven. There was a stretch of shopping districts that eventually took me to CA-111, where I'd spend the next 16 miles. It started out with a really nice buffered bike lane. And, finally, a tailwind. I was thinking this could be really nice.
Not so much. The next town along, Palm Desert, didn't believe in such niceties as shoulders or bike lanes. The road varied from 2-3 lanes in each direction, so you'd think there would be enough room for everyone. Mostly, but it was cozier than I would have liked. Many parking lot entries, and more traffic lights than SW Beaverton Hillsdale, all of them red. But yet, there was that tailwind. Rancho Mirage wasn't much better, and I kept looking at my odometer muttering "5 more miles...". Fitz called while I was passing through Crystal City; we figured we'd get back about the same time.
The route had me continuing on Business CA-111. I should have taken the right to stay on CA-111; I could have gotten back from there as well. Eventually got onto the Palm Springs bike path system. I don't like them. They are meant for riders pootling along on cruiser bikes. They meander. They cross driveways. It is not clear who has right of way at intersections. I stopped and looked; didn't want to get run over by a right-turning motorist. I couldn't stand it any longer,and turned onto Tahquitz Way; on street bike lanes. By now I was just about finished.
Turning into the parking lot, I spied a familiar person unloading his golf clubs. Perfect timing!
On that bike route toaster comment - it appears to get its rights and lefts mixed up from time to time. Plus it throws in a "take the first..." when the turn is not the first left or right. Insert control points, rather than a track point at each turn, or they won't appear on the cue sheet. Takeaway - proofread the cue sheet!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
The Pie Ride
Usually sometime on a Wednesday, I start plotting what ride I'll be doing on the weekend. This time of the year, I have to (heavily) recruit folks, or go with the local club ride. When Dr. Codfish mentioned that there would be a Permanent Populaire out of his town (Oakville, WA), well, I was tempted. Oakville isn't too far away from Centralia. When he mentioned Pain au Chocolat... that sealed it. I was completely planning to go by myself, but the lure of baked goods put Susan over the edge.
She showed up right around 7am, so we'd get there in plenty of time for the 10am start. Then she went back home to get something she'd forgotten (15-20 min round trip), and I loaded the car. I knew we'd still get there in plenty of time for the 10am start. We arrived at 9:27am, lots of time to change shoes, decide I didn't need to wear any more than I wore last weekend (starting temperature 33 degrees), and faff around some more. And watch Albert assemble his S&S-coupled Co Motion tandem. That's how you put a tandem in a Camaro. :-)
In all we were me, Susan, Paul, Albert, Allison, and Alan. Off to Harry's Market for starting receipts, and then away we went. It was cold, and it took about 15 minutes for my hands to join the rest of me. We headed east-ish, to Rochester, Grand Mound and Centralia. Somewhere around Grand Mound I realized I had ridden here before - the Capital Cycling Club (Olympia) used run the Two County Double Metric Century out here, and over some of the same roads.
We needed a stop in Centralia, and after some discussion (Texaco or Starbucks?), stopped at Starbucks. And who should be there but John V! We had hoped he'd be riding, but this was the next best thing. A cheese danish and a Pumpkin Spice Latte (mostly into my thermal jug) later, off again, through Chehalis and another 10 or so miles to the turnaround at Mary's Corner. Pretty farm country, but looking kind of bleak in the cold and clouds. The last couple miles to Mary's Corner were uphill, and with atailwind headwind. Discouraging. But Mary's Corner finally appeared. I found everyone but Paul inside. Got some Pringles and my receipt, and we all loitered around and visited, waiting for Paul.
And Paul arrived, got some snacks, and we all set out again. I had been wearing lightweight long finger gloves. The downhill and cold proved too much for them; I stopped to pull on the lobster claws. Still not wearing a jacket :-) We did have a lovely tailwind and it blew me all the way back to Chehalis. It blew almost everyone else back faster. Oh well.
The ride through Chehalis was interesting. My bike computer display completely checked out, and none of the streets I was riding on (which seemed to be the correct ones) matched the street names on the cue sheet. Right around Market and Cascade, the road went onto Cascade... Ack. I turned left onto Washington, and it eventually dumped me onto National, which is where I was supposed to end up. Paul is going to revisit the cue sheet.
Then things got bouncy. And flat. Rear tire flat. Pulled over into a handy parking lot, such that Paul would see me when he rode by. It being cold and rather damp (aggressive mist for the past 4 or so miles, not that I'd know, because my bike computer was sulking), I elected to just swap out the tube AND tire. All good, until I went to get the spare tire on. I'd forgotten how very tight those Michelins are on the Aerohead rims. Fortunately Paul came along, and we managed to wrestle the tire back on. A woman exiting the parking lot asked if we were ok. Yes, just finishing up, having great fun here. She said we should be careful, because we could get very cold standing around. Yes, I've heard that :-)
Given my lack of navigational cues, I figured I'd stick with Paul through Centralia. Pulled ahead on Hwy 99, eventually made the turn onto Old Hwy 9 (navigation was easier at this point), and thought I saw Paul's headlight behind me. It was a bicycle headlight. Actually several of them - Albert, Allison, Susan and Alan had stopped at the Starbucks again for hot drinks. Paul came up shortly thereafter, and we continued on the last 10-ish miles. The stretch on Hwy 12 and Elma Gate Road had beautiful views to the west (sun getting very low) and north (misty hills).
Into Harry's Market again. The cashier: "you all need the receipts, right?". She even called out to Paul as he was leaving - "you forgot your receipt!" From there we all coasted back to Paul's (about a mile), and feasted on cheese and crackers, pasta with sundried tomatoes and walnuts, fruit, various hot beverages, Susan's pumpkin muffins, and the promised Pain au Chocolat. All very wonderful, followed by an equally wonderful hot shower. Thank you!
Brief pause in Centralia on the way back. Of course, at the Chevron, and my favorite night cashier was working. We exchanged greetings.
Turned on the radio to keep us both awake. The station I listen to usually plays music from my HS/University years, but it was House of Hair hour, so Susan got to sing along; I didn't know any of them!
The route itself was 68 miles, total for the day 70 miles. Riding average 13.89mph. It did not get above 37 degrees; avg temp was 34.9.
She showed up right around 7am, so we'd get there in plenty of time for the 10am start. Then she went back home to get something she'd forgotten (15-20 min round trip), and I loaded the car. I knew we'd still get there in plenty of time for the 10am start. We arrived at 9:27am, lots of time to change shoes, decide I didn't need to wear any more than I wore last weekend (starting temperature 33 degrees), and faff around some more. And watch Albert assemble his S&S-coupled Co Motion tandem. That's how you put a tandem in a Camaro. :-)
In all we were me, Susan, Paul, Albert, Allison, and Alan. Off to Harry's Market for starting receipts, and then away we went. It was cold, and it took about 15 minutes for my hands to join the rest of me. We headed east-ish, to Rochester, Grand Mound and Centralia. Somewhere around Grand Mound I realized I had ridden here before - the Capital Cycling Club (Olympia) used run the Two County Double Metric Century out here, and over some of the same roads.
We needed a stop in Centralia, and after some discussion (Texaco or Starbucks?), stopped at Starbucks. And who should be there but John V! We had hoped he'd be riding, but this was the next best thing. A cheese danish and a Pumpkin Spice Latte (mostly into my thermal jug) later, off again, through Chehalis and another 10 or so miles to the turnaround at Mary's Corner. Pretty farm country, but looking kind of bleak in the cold and clouds. The last couple miles to Mary's Corner were uphill, and with a
And Paul arrived, got some snacks, and we all set out again. I had been wearing lightweight long finger gloves. The downhill and cold proved too much for them; I stopped to pull on the lobster claws. Still not wearing a jacket :-) We did have a lovely tailwind and it blew me all the way back to Chehalis. It blew almost everyone else back faster. Oh well.
The ride through Chehalis was interesting. My bike computer display completely checked out, and none of the streets I was riding on (which seemed to be the correct ones) matched the street names on the cue sheet. Right around Market and Cascade, the road went onto Cascade... Ack. I turned left onto Washington, and it eventually dumped me onto National, which is where I was supposed to end up. Paul is going to revisit the cue sheet.
Then things got bouncy. And flat. Rear tire flat. Pulled over into a handy parking lot, such that Paul would see me when he rode by. It being cold and rather damp (aggressive mist for the past 4 or so miles, not that I'd know, because my bike computer was sulking), I elected to just swap out the tube AND tire. All good, until I went to get the spare tire on. I'd forgotten how very tight those Michelins are on the Aerohead rims. Fortunately Paul came along, and we managed to wrestle the tire back on. A woman exiting the parking lot asked if we were ok. Yes, just finishing up, having great fun here. She said we should be careful, because we could get very cold standing around. Yes, I've heard that :-)
Given my lack of navigational cues, I figured I'd stick with Paul through Centralia. Pulled ahead on Hwy 99, eventually made the turn onto Old Hwy 9 (navigation was easier at this point), and thought I saw Paul's headlight behind me. It was a bicycle headlight. Actually several of them - Albert, Allison, Susan and Alan had stopped at the Starbucks again for hot drinks. Paul came up shortly thereafter, and we continued on the last 10-ish miles. The stretch on Hwy 12 and Elma Gate Road had beautiful views to the west (sun getting very low) and north (misty hills).
Into Harry's Market again. The cashier: "you all need the receipts, right?". She even called out to Paul as he was leaving - "you forgot your receipt!" From there we all coasted back to Paul's (about a mile), and feasted on cheese and crackers, pasta with sundried tomatoes and walnuts, fruit, various hot beverages, Susan's pumpkin muffins, and the promised Pain au Chocolat. All very wonderful, followed by an equally wonderful hot shower. Thank you!
Brief pause in Centralia on the way back. Of course, at the Chevron, and my favorite night cashier was working. We exchanged greetings.
Turned on the radio to keep us both awake. The station I listen to usually plays music from my HS/University years, but it was House of Hair hour, so Susan got to sing along; I didn't know any of them!
The route itself was 68 miles, total for the day 70 miles. Riding average 13.89mph. It did not get above 37 degrees; avg temp was 34.9.
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