After last ride's flatfest, I patched several tubes, and swapped on the new Hutchinson tire. The one that flatted was cut clear through. Only 918 miles :-(
Located my evaporative neck cooler and got it soaking. I'd be checking out the Road Holland jersey (thanks MG!) - I was wondering how a wool-synthetic blend would work for me in the heat. I also mounted a third water bottle cage on the right seatstay, and wanted to see how that would work it. I bolted it to the braze on, and maybe it would jiggle too much and stress the braze.
![experimental third water bottle cage mount.](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/14664443884_068ee2fe5f.jpg)
Coasted down to Jim and Patty's for some coffee to get me started. I was starting earlier than is usual for us here for a perm pop, because, even though it was supposed to be a bit cooler, I wanted to finish before the hottest part of the day.
Headed out to Forest Grove by a fairly direct route - straight out Baseline/TV Hwy. While these are both major roads, they have bike lanes or generous shoulders the entire way.
![There is a horse galloping along in there](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2935/14663465501_4b2d10f2db.jpg)
First control, headed to Maggie's Buns and ate a berry muffin. SPOT did not appear to be transmitting; I knew the battery might be a bit low. My new bike computer then chose to inform me that the computer battery was getting low. It was a sale model, and probably sat on the shelf for a couple of years. I resigned myself to another electronics meltdown. Oh, and the cadence pickup had gone stupid, so I couldn't play with the new Power function.
![Untitled](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/14686621763_c064ca59ae.jpg)
![There is a horse galloping along in there](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2935/14663465501_4b2d10f2db.jpg)
First control, headed to Maggie's Buns and ate a berry muffin. SPOT did not appear to be transmitting; I knew the battery might be a bit low. My new bike computer then chose to inform me that the computer battery was getting low. It was a sale model, and probably sat on the shelf for a couple of years. I resigned myself to another electronics meltdown. Oh, and the cadence pickup had gone stupid, so I couldn't play with the new Power function.
![Untitled](https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/14686621763_c064ca59ae.jpg)
Then south on B St. Hmm. Why was the cue sheet telling me to turn left of 18th? Who created this route anyhow? Phantom zero distance turn? So I ignored it and continued on south, past the bison ranch and through Dilley, pausing briefly at the Lake Stop Store to refresh the sunscreen.
![Bison are Wild Animals](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3897/14686579783_f8e9e6b68d.jpg)
![Bison are Wild Animals](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3897/14686579783_f8e9e6b68d.jpg)
Then off to circumnavigate Hagg Lake. Note: when riding this route on a weekday, expect log trucks heading into the lumber mill by the lake.
Hagg Lake is always a pace-neutral stretch for me - just can't seem to make up time here. This is the stretch of the route with all the climbing, and the ramp into the park is definitely a soul-sucker.
![Hagg Lake](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3839/14643684196_752270df59.jpg)
![Hagg Lake](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3919/14686580383_3fa4d1538a.jpg)
Hagg Lake is always a pace-neutral stretch for me - just can't seem to make up time here. This is the stretch of the route with all the climbing, and the ramp into the park is definitely a soul-sucker.
![Hagg Lake](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3839/14643684196_752270df59.jpg)
![Hagg Lake](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3919/14686580383_3fa4d1538a.jpg)
Then back out, and heading south to Gaston. One of my favorite little bits of road. Bought a V8 here, because it was so hot. 25 miles to go.
Got to the intersection with Spring Hill, only to find flaggers, big trucks, stopped traffic... I knew it was scheduled for new chipseal, but didn't think it was this soon. Filtered up to the front, where the cheerful flagger told me they weren't paving yet, and I could go in just a few minutes.
The wind was stronger, and not entirely favorable. Slogged north on Spring Hill and Fern Hill; got a bit of a respite on Geiger. Wished I had some tunes along for company. And I stopped again at the golf course, for another V8.
![Haying on Tongue Rd](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2920/14664398994_c9c22da27a.jpg)
![Haying on Tongue Rd](https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2920/14664398994_c9c22da27a.jpg)
Finally into Hillsboro, turning onto SW Johnson just past the TV Hwy Fred Meyer. Ah. Lovely road - low traffic, and goes east all the way to SW 170th. There are some major road crossings, but they all have traffic lights. Beware at SW 185th - the traffic light won't see you; there is a beg button right at the curb.
The north on SW 170th, right on Merlo, right on SW Jenkins, a couple more familiar turns and done. That mocha mint freeze at Jim and Patty's was outstanding.
![Finished.](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3921/14663507411_cf80167840.jpg)
![Finished.](https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3921/14663507411_cf80167840.jpg)
Ride complete (and heck, I even filled out my card!), I headed over to my favorite battery store for refills.
Aftermath: new batteries in the bike computer and SPOT. New cadence pickup as well, so I have a Power readout.* Fixed the cue sheet, too.
The Road Holland jersey was fine, although not the same as a 100% wool jersey - it dried out quickly, rather than working as an evaporative cooler. I did like the fit. The rear zip pocket wasn't quite big enough for my cycling wallet, but there were three traditional pockets, a rarity on a women's jersey.
And maybe I will explore plan B for mounting that water bottle cage.
*I know it isn't REAL power. However, I can compare it against myself.
*I know it isn't REAL power. However, I can compare it against myself.