Many folks are saying that last weekend was the last summer-ish one of the year. Whether you believe them or not, the last few days were nearly perfect riding weather.
Besides a quick ride around the neighborhood with my girls last night, I enjoyed a weekend at Camp Namanu (near Bull Run on the Sandy River) for a friend’s wedding (here’s the happy couple on a tandem at the Bunny on a Bike Ride).
I didn’t get out to Alpenrose for the big Cross Crusade kick-off, but I heard that a record 798 of you did! Ayleen Crotty of OR Bike was there and from the look of her photos it looked like a fantastic event. If you raced or watched, I’d love to hear how it went.
There was also some bike move action, a woman’s only mountain bike ride, and of course the weekly Zoobomb last night.
Whether you rode with friends, with an organized ride, or just did your favorite loop by yourself, I’d love to hear about your adventures.
I and several friends got lost trying to find the elusive street-level connection/detour of the springwater trail in Sellwood.. Can’t wait for those bridges to open.. I don’t do it often enough to memorize the detour and signage is bad..
Went on a nice 33 mile ride up to Kelly’s Landing park. See last 2 routes at: http://www.wayfaring.com/maps/show/24910
We had some sweep up action on the zoo run yesterday around 5:00pm. Some neighbors looked confused but others gave us the thumbs up. Lots of gravel taken off the bomb and a good run was had by all later that night.
Did one last bike camping trip of the year. Wait, did I just say that? Sang I rode out to McMinnville, via the long way, to visit the Spruce Goose in the Evergreen Aviation museum. We went down through West Linn to the Canby Ferry, crossed over and then after riding past Champoeg crossed the Willamette yet again on the Wheatland Ferry. The Ferries are so much fun, I highly recommend them and they are free for cyclists. The Spruce Goose was HUGE!
We had beer at the Hotel Oregon rooftop bar to watch the sunset and then headed down for some Sushi across the street. Yummy! Then went back to the rooftop for one more beer before heading out to a spot we had scoped out earlier for some urban guerilla camping. We came home the next day by riding up 47 to Hillsboro and catching the MAX. It was a great trip.
I raced at Alpenrose – The course was fun but hard (both literally & figuratively). My lower back is still aching from the pounding it took on the studder bumps through the pasture. There is something to be said about a little bit of rain on a cross course like Alpenrose…
As always, the scene was a hoot. Lots of families and spectators. Lots and lots of participants and of couse lots of fun. Chris King (& co) were there serving up coffee again this year as well as other booths/tents.
All in all a beautiful fall day to spend riding.
Yup, Alpenrose was great. I’m still coughing up dust though. hack hack
Afterwards, folks congratulating total strangers for beating them and being the one they were trying to catch. It really is great to see.
Hey Jonathan, you missed a good one (Alpenrose). Sure it was dry and dusty, but the course was fast. They also mixed the course up a bunch as well adding stairs, small rock hurdle, and a little more pavement. I raced single speed and had a hoot. As always the A’s were a blast to watch, and the competition was fierce. I took some photos as well, at http://homepage.mac.com/john4bho/iblog/
All the best,
John C
It was just right riding weather, crisp morning, leaves turning, sunny afternoon. Went with three other recumbent riders on the two bridges route to Vancouver and back – first time for me (admitted sheepishly)! It’s a lovely cruise along the Columbia and zooming down the 205 bridge is a kick. So many rides, so little time…
I rode up to the Pittock Mansion on saturday. The air was super clear and the view was fantastic (as per usual). It’s just such a sweet ride up there, super low traffic going up from Johnson (or roughly there abouts).
The turn out at Apenrose was huge…but most impressive was the ladies fields size! They have nearly doubled in the last year. And by far, these races attract the most female racers in the country. It sure would be sweet to get a special little article on that. 😉
Yep, I rode my first cross race ever. What a blast! I was really impressed by the turnout. And the kids had a great time racing though they wanted to do another lap. See you there in 2 weeks.
I cheered, heckled and photographed the race @ Alpenrose and was totally stoked to be a witness to the madnes that is cyclocross. I especially was enthusiastic during the ladies race and several women told me during or afterward that they really appreciated the support.That was awesome.
I had a blast at AlpenRose (raced beginners), though I was a little disappointed in the sandbaggers who rode with us beginners. I ran a pretty good race (4th lifetime race) and felt great, till I got to the track on the 4th lap and found out I was cut off from taking a 5th lap. I finished in the 30’s (of a total > 100). That means over 70 people got lapped!
Sandbaggers…glad your ego is raised, but leave the beginners category to beginners!