Tuesday - September 19, 2006
Cycle Oregon 06 Photos
Photos for Cycle Oregon
They can be found at www.http://web.mac.com/john4bho/iWeb/bent%20blog/Cycle%20Oregon.html Story to follow soon.
Posted at 12:11 AM
Posted at 12:11 AM
Monday - September 18, 2006
Finally back from Cycle Oregon and the Ring of Fire
It feels good to be back from my week long adventure that took me all over the state of Oregon.
My adventure started in Maupin on Saturday for the Ring of Fire TT. This event is a 12 or 24 hour time trial run by George Thomas and Teri Gooch of race Across Oregon fame. Knowing George likes to run a real tough climbing race, I opted for the 12 hour TT. I think Rich Pinto called it a "blood bath". Well it wasn't quite that bad, but definitely not a bent friendly course. My good friend Bill Phillips crewed for me, and was kind enough to keep an eye on other riders in need as well. The race started promptly at 6:00 am Saturday morning at the Imperial Lodge, and soon we were off up the big hill outside of Maupin. This is the same hill we came down on Race Across Oregon through Maupin, then up Bake Oven Road. Things were going well and I was starting to find my groove early on, even with all the climbing! I started off a little strong, but felt good. Bill marked all the turns in the course by parking his truck at the intersections, so it was nice to not think about the "details" after many hours on the bike. I climbed all the way to Government Camp still feeling strong (muscles) but with a twinge in my right knee, and headed down 26. On Mt. Hood things were chilly, and on the long downhill I was shaking. So much so that I almost lost it at 50 mph when a motorhome passed at close quarters. Talk about a hair raising experience! After a couple more hours of hilly forest service roads I found myself almost back to Maupin and done with the big loop, although my knee was really starting to give me grief. The smaller loop was much friendlier as it had a big hill out of Maupin, but a nice downhill, then some rollers, and finally a nice rolling road along the Dechuttes back to the start/ finish area. Much to my dismay the place where I could make up for lost time I found myself nursing my right knee as sharp pains were hitting me if I pushed too hard. DAMN!!! I pulled into the start/ finish area and seriously thought of stopping the race knowing I had Cycle Oregon the next day. Do I continue on and jeopardize my Cycle Oregon trip? It took me about 2 seconds to think about it, and continued on. I mentally though about pushing through the pain, and it worked to a degree. On the 11th hour I stopped at the start/ finish area and limped into the hotel to use the rest room. Looking at all the river rafters at the bar having a good time I opted for a quick beer instead. When I told the bartender I was on my last lap and I needed a coors light, she responded "your my hero". I stood tall and walked out the bar and on to my bike ready to take on the last lapp. 178.2 miles was my official milage (my computer read slightly more).
Posted at 08:47 PM
Friday - September 08, 2006
Last post for a week or so
That's right, it's bicycle vacation
time!
I will be out of town and out of touch until
9/17/06. I will be at the Ring of Fire tomorrow (my first 12 hour race),
and at Cycle
Oregon for the rest of the week. I have my camera, so expect photos
and stories upon my return.
Ride safe.
Ride safe.
Posted at 09:22 AM
Thursday - September 07, 2006
Why is this thing so fast?
The Dahon folder and speed.
I have been riding the Dahon folder to work for
the last couple of days and have really been enjoying myself. It is surprisingly
fast. Not Carbon Aero fast mind you, but it really scoots, and is easily as fast
as my cyclcross bike with slicks. I am sure you are asking yourself, how can
this be true? Has John finally lost it? Is his helmet on to tight? I asked
myself the same questions and came up with a couple of answers, besides having
my helmet on to tight. OK, here is my hypothesis.
Like a TT bike this bike is very slippery head on.
The wheels are very small in frontal area and don''t churn up as much wind with the smaller spoke length/ wheel size. The frame is essentially a blade, not a diamond, and positioned well below the "normal" top tube placement. I have sized the bike to be an exact copy of a 54 cm road bike and have the drops below the seat, allowing for a nice flat back aero rider position when in the drops.
The chainstays are extremely short and stiff making for a short chain-line, and the rear triangle is compact providing quick acceleration. The wheelbase is long enough to prove stability, even when bombing down River Rd. hill at 40+. It moves along so well that I have has a couple of roadies drafting me home both days from the esplanade trail (OMSI) all the way to River Rd. in Milwaukie (about 10 miles). They both commented on how fast we were moving, and couldn't understand how a folder could hold such a good pace. I think it freaks them out even more then the recumbent!
Of course at work the bike is small enough to store inside the office, and is extremely easy to wheel through doors and around people. Could this be the perfect bike for a fast 10 mile commute? Interesting!
Like a TT bike this bike is very slippery head on.
The wheels are very small in frontal area and don''t churn up as much wind with the smaller spoke length/ wheel size. The frame is essentially a blade, not a diamond, and positioned well below the "normal" top tube placement. I have sized the bike to be an exact copy of a 54 cm road bike and have the drops below the seat, allowing for a nice flat back aero rider position when in the drops.
The chainstays are extremely short and stiff making for a short chain-line, and the rear triangle is compact providing quick acceleration. The wheelbase is long enough to prove stability, even when bombing down River Rd. hill at 40+. It moves along so well that I have has a couple of roadies drafting me home both days from the esplanade trail (OMSI) all the way to River Rd. in Milwaukie (about 10 miles). They both commented on how fast we were moving, and couldn't understand how a folder could hold such a good pace. I think it freaks them out even more then the recumbent!
Of course at work the bike is small enough to store inside the office, and is extremely easy to wheel through doors and around people. Could this be the perfect bike for a fast 10 mile commute? Interesting!
Posted at 09:14 AM
Thursday - September 07, 2006
Jonathan from Bikeportland.org to ride Cycle Oregon
Creator, editor, and writer for the popular bikeportland.org is riding Cycle
Oregon
Jonathan Maus, the creative force behind one of
my favorite cycling blogs will be riding Cycle Oregon this year. Jonathan is
really intrenched in the cycling culture in the Northwest and abroad. He speaks
to and represents all cyclist. Zoobomers, commuters, racers, it's all good in
his book (mine too). I am really looking forward to getting his take on this
yearly event, and will be looking for him among the 2000 riders. You should too,
he's a great guy. His post about Cycle Oregon on bikeportland,org is here.
I replied to his post and offered him a bent as he mentioned he has not done too many long rides. The bent is the perfect platform for Cycle Oregon, and any multi day tour for that matter.
Oh, and one more thing. Marilyn will have a tall tent pole mast with the "Killer B" flag at the top. So if you want to camp with a bunch of great recumbent cyclists, look for the "Killer B" blue and yellow flag. All cyclist welcome, especially if you have beer.
I replied to his post and offered him a bent as he mentioned he has not done too many long rides. The bent is the perfect platform for Cycle Oregon, and any multi day tour for that matter.
Oh, and one more thing. Marilyn will have a tall tent pole mast with the "Killer B" flag at the top. So if you want to camp with a bunch of great recumbent cyclists, look for the "Killer B" blue and yellow flag. All cyclist welcome, especially if you have beer.
Posted at 08:39 AM
Friday - September 01, 2006
Fellow Bacchetta teammate Michael Wolfe signs up for the 508
I am talking about the legendary Furnace Creek 508
of course.
Michael is well known for his long rides and superhuman endurance, and has done very well in the world of recumbent racing, so this is natural progression for him (ultras events). Even though this will be his freshman effort for a solo ultra, I expect him to do well. The 508 is a grueling 48 hour event. Just look at the elevation profile!
This pales in comparison to my race this Saturday, the Ring of Fire. I think he has the tenasity and strength to do well. Keep you eye on this guy.
Posted at 11:13 PM
Friday - September 01, 2006
Greatest hits!
The Recumbent Blog has added the Bent Blog to
his "Greatest Hits" collection
Thanks for the honor Alan. Yours is a mighty
fine blog as well. Very professional and great insight on the
industry! How do you get the scoops? Bentrider
beta, Rivendelle beta, etc. If any one has not checked
out his blog, please do so. The blog is updated several times a week, so thinks
change a bunch. Speaking of change, his blog recently went through a design
change along with a bike change.
While I like the look of new blog, I can't help but think about how cool the old one was. That Bacchetta Aero staring you in the face head on, just taunting you to look at it! OK, I will just say it. I like the old one better! If you are a recumbent nut, or a cycling enthusiast, check out his blog.
While I like the look of new blog, I can't help but think about how cool the old one was. That Bacchetta Aero staring you in the face head on, just taunting you to look at it! OK, I will just say it. I like the old one better! If you are a recumbent nut, or a cycling enthusiast, check out his blog.
Posted at 10:48 PM
Friday - September 01, 2006
More RAO photos
OK, if the race fans just can't get
enough.
More photos from my brother Joey at www.joeygrimaldi.com. I know what your thinking,
Grimaldi, Climaldi, what's the deal? My great grandfather only spoke Italian. He
said Grimaldi at Ellis Island, they spelled Climaldi. Go figure. My bro likes
the origional better. Go figure (again). Another story for another blog, enjoy
the photos. BTW, thats him on the opening page looking to the future, while his
feet are firmly planted in the past (El Tajin?).
Posted at 10:24 PM
Wednesday - August 30, 2006
Dahon done!
That's right bent fans, I have a mini bike
folder. Everyone knows that recumbent enthusiasts love folders!
Now just because I own a bike with 20 inch wheels
don't expect me to do any zoobombing any time soon, not that there is
anything wrong with zoobombing, it's just not my style. This bike is my style.
Something that can be folded into a suitcase for travel, but feel like a real
road bike. Of course the best option would have been a full size bike with S&S
couplers or the fabulous Ritchey breakaway, or even the Dahon
Alegro, but I digress. This is certainly the second best choice for a
folding road bike on the cheep. So far I have $110 and a bunch of used parts.
Not to shabby!
It started life as a used Vitesse 7 frame and some parts and turned out to be a quite a nice road bike. I have added drop bars and a suntour bar end shifter, road brakes and QBP Travel Agents to pull enough cable to work the old V-brakes I had lying around. Nice Fuji road saddle, stock Dahon seat post, and a Sram derailleur round out the package. My kids have dubbed this the "house bike" as it is small enough to do laps in my 1700 square foot ranch style house! I can tell you that it is small in stature but big in ride. It really feels solid with the drop bars and short riser. It almost mimics my road bike in top tube length (lucky I ride a 54 cm bike!), and after a couple miles you forget you are even on 20" wheels.
The fold is small enough to get into the trunk of my wife's Focus with ease, and it also fit's into my $5.00 goodwill suitcase for travel. With the seat post down my kids can ride the bike as well.
There is a wonderful magazine called A to B that got me interested in the folding thing, check it out if you have time. The wonderful folks at Calhoun Cycle have subscriptions to A to B and my other favorite, Velovision .
It started life as a used Vitesse 7 frame and some parts and turned out to be a quite a nice road bike. I have added drop bars and a suntour bar end shifter, road brakes and QBP Travel Agents to pull enough cable to work the old V-brakes I had lying around. Nice Fuji road saddle, stock Dahon seat post, and a Sram derailleur round out the package. My kids have dubbed this the "house bike" as it is small enough to do laps in my 1700 square foot ranch style house! I can tell you that it is small in stature but big in ride. It really feels solid with the drop bars and short riser. It almost mimics my road bike in top tube length (lucky I ride a 54 cm bike!), and after a couple miles you forget you are even on 20" wheels.
The fold is small enough to get into the trunk of my wife's Focus with ease, and it also fit's into my $5.00 goodwill suitcase for travel. With the seat post down my kids can ride the bike as well.
There is a wonderful magazine called A to B that got me interested in the folding thing, check it out if you have time. The wonderful folks at Calhoun Cycle have subscriptions to A to B and my other favorite, Velovision .
Posted at 09:22 PM
Friday - August 25, 2006
More Recumbent Retreat photos
The photos from Sunday can be found here.
Unfortunatly I was not able to attend on Friday
or Saturday, but still managed to connect with old friends and meet new ones. I
had the pleasure to meet Fast Freddy Markham, famous bike racer and the new
owner of Easy
Racers. He has been racing and riding quite a long time and holds
several records. The latest being the Dempsy MaCready Hour Records. From the ER
site:
At approximately 6:20 am on July 2nd,
2006, 20 years after winning the Dupont prize, Fast Freddy Markham set his 20th
world record; winning the prestigious Dempsey - MacCready Hour Record Prize.
Fast Freddy covered a distance of 53.43 miles in one hour, bettering the
previous record by over 1 mile. Fast Freddy and the Easy Racers team received
the $18,000 prize for the fastest one hour in history.
I also rode around the park with my daughter Alexa,
Alex, Keith, Joe Keenan, Marilyn, and Pat. Alexa is riding the Bacchetta Cafe' now, and really likes it. I have
added crank shorteners and re-drilled the carbon seat to fit her. Proof that
even a person 4'6" can ride a Cafe'!
Posted at 01:34 PM
Friday - August 25, 2006
Team Bacchetta RAO photos posted
This was my big event for the year. Quite a
memorable race!
Posted at 09:53 AM
Friday - August 25, 2006
Recumbent Retreat prototype ride
Fast Freddy was there with the prototype
Javelin!
Me and "fast Freddy" Freddy Markham
Freddy was kind enough to let people take it for a spin, so I abliged. While I am average hight, Freddy is a little bit shorter so the bike did not fit all that well. That being said, the Javelin was a nice ride. A little tiller effect but not bad, and that solid tour easy ride (because of the wheelbase length), with just a little "passive" suspension to the frame. With the higher BB and a fairing it makes for a small frontal area, smaller then the TE or Gold Rush. This is a bike that can be ridden without a fairing with good results!
The frame itself is straight tube cromoly. It has the bottom bracket just behind the head tube, so it's a long wheelbase, but a higher bottom bracket placement then normal. A lot like a Bacchetta Agio, Rotator or Rans V2. The bike weighs in at about 25-26 pounds, so pretty light for a prototype. It had a seat that looked like a cut down cobra with a nice mounting system, and a tiller riser with narrow bars. It also was sporting the new carbon toureasy fork, and the head tube looked to be the same length and angle as other tour easy products.
While I was out on my spin I saw people on my Carbon Aero. Thats what I like best about the Recumbent Retreat. Lots of bikes to ride and share!
More Recumbent Retreat stuff soon, stay tuned!
Posted at 08:54 AM
Friday - August 18, 2006
Dahon finally comming together
I have had this Vitesse
frame and some parts for a while now, but it looks like I have found
the rest of the parts to put it together.
Dahon Vitesse frame
In the bag so to speak
I know what your thinking. Is there any bike that this guy does not like? No. I like them all, and they all have there specific strengths and weaknesses. The Dahon fits perfectly in my $5.00 goodwill suitcase, and will be a big plus when traveling to conventions for work! I usually get per day rate from work for a spending allowance when I travel, so no cab or rental car means more cash in my pocked!!! Now if I can just figure out how to make the suitcase into a trailer. Any one have any thoughts?
Posted at 08:16 AM
Friday - August 18, 2006
Recumbent Retreat this weekend!
Most of you are already on your way to Ft.
Stevens.
But I thought I would mention it anyhow. If you
don't know about it, it's the 8th Annual Recumbent Retreat! A get together of
recumbent enthusiast for rides, camping, and talking about bents. The word on
the street is that world record holder Fast Freddy of Easy Racers
will be there.
I am attending a wedding on Saturday, but will drive out early Sunday morning. Hope to see a lot of people there! I will post photos of Sunday and link them here, so stay tuned,
I am attending a wedding on Saturday, but will drive out early Sunday morning. Hope to see a lot of people there! I will post photos of Sunday and link them here, so stay tuned,
Posted at 08:05 AM
Thursday - August 10, 2006
Michael Wolfe launches local bike travel blog
Check it out at http://escapevelocipede.blogspot.com/
Michael is a good friend of mine, and is
wonderful at putting together beautiful rides. He really is good with a map (I
should know, I have ridden brevets with him and usually follow his lead on
directions). He has three so far, with a detailed description of the route along
with his own personal narrative describing the reasons why the route was chosen.
The rides so far make a really long day ride or a nice multi day tour. Nice job
Michael!
Posted at 06:01 PM
Tuesday - August 08, 2006
Another interesting bike ride home
Riding to work has it's pleasures, especially in
August.
While most of the country is amid sweltering hot
conditions or thunderstorms, the Pacific Northwest has been a constant 75 to 85
degrees and sunshine for weeks. Mild conditions usually prevail from just after
Rose Festival to the end of September. This combined with long days (getting
dark around 9:30PM) makes for my favorite time of year for bicycle commuting.
Today was one of those perfect days. I left work and decided to "make the
rounds". It was just to nice to not be on the bike.
First stop the Terracycle/ Vanilla Cycles / Stites Design shop. It was good to get caught up with Robert who had just returned from the Hostel Shoppe Rally, and had nothing but nice things to say about our midwest bent brothers and sisters. Pat, Bill, Sacha, and Ben were there as well. I had a good chat with master frame-builder Sacha White of Vanilla, always good karma from Sacha. I was lucky to catch him building a frame, and admired his creative skill. I really do think of Sacha in that way. A Van Gogh that works in Bicycle tubing.
From there I planned on heading home but my route took me right past Coventry Cycles, of course I had to stop. The shop was really busy at the end of the day, and I ran into Dave (slug) and Edna. Had another nice chat about her new Ti Rush, and headed towards home.
The route home takes me past the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge along the Springwater/ Selwood trail. In this flat section I really got in the groove with my iPod playing and the air rushing through my SDP sandals. Bliss! But wait, about 3/4 of the way down the trail I saw a bottleneck of cyclists and peds. What's up? I slowed to check it out and noticed that people were watching a bald eagle swooping down close the water about 100 feet from the trail. I stayed for about 5 minutes in awe of this mighty creature oblivious to his audience, and marveled at the flight of this bird until he left. As I headed back on the trail home I realized that these are the reasons I commute by bike. It slows things down to a human speed, and you can take in everything. Including the wildlife.....and good friends.
First stop the Terracycle/ Vanilla Cycles / Stites Design shop. It was good to get caught up with Robert who had just returned from the Hostel Shoppe Rally, and had nothing but nice things to say about our midwest bent brothers and sisters. Pat, Bill, Sacha, and Ben were there as well. I had a good chat with master frame-builder Sacha White of Vanilla, always good karma from Sacha. I was lucky to catch him building a frame, and admired his creative skill. I really do think of Sacha in that way. A Van Gogh that works in Bicycle tubing.
From there I planned on heading home but my route took me right past Coventry Cycles, of course I had to stop. The shop was really busy at the end of the day, and I ran into Dave (slug) and Edna. Had another nice chat about her new Ti Rush, and headed towards home.
The route home takes me past the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge along the Springwater/ Selwood trail. In this flat section I really got in the groove with my iPod playing and the air rushing through my SDP sandals. Bliss! But wait, about 3/4 of the way down the trail I saw a bottleneck of cyclists and peds. What's up? I slowed to check it out and noticed that people were watching a bald eagle swooping down close the water about 100 feet from the trail. I stayed for about 5 minutes in awe of this mighty creature oblivious to his audience, and marveled at the flight of this bird until he left. As I headed back on the trail home I realized that these are the reasons I commute by bike. It slows things down to a human speed, and you can take in everything. Including the wildlife.....and good friends.
Posted at 11:09 PM
Monday - July 31, 2006
Phillips Soil Criterium a huge success!
Bill pulled it off, and everyone has a good day
racing.
Mindy showing off here Preme
The track was finished just minutes before racers started to arrive, a nice twisty challenging course. Every one saddled up and in minutes people were warming up and issuing concerns about the second corner being to sharp. We decided to leave the corner in question in and run the races! What's a crit without a hairpin or two.
Following the racers into turn one
The Races went well, and prizes were awarded for lap preme's as well as the first finishers in each category (courtesy of the dollar store). After prizes were awarded we moved on to the BBQ and beer. Then of course more riding! Everyone swapped bikes just two try something different. I think everyone but big Bill Phillips and Rand tried the Carbon Aero, and every one liked it. Carolyn really liked it and seemed to fit it and ride it well.
Thanks Bill for a wonderful time. My family had a great time!
Heather and Rand battle it out. Hey Rand, that's not a certified SNEL cap!
Alexa on the Cafe'
Zane on the Wiz Wheels
Posted at 11:41 PM
Monday - July 31, 2006
My life as a bike shop employee
OK, I am not really an employee, but I do help
out from time to time.
Today was my Monday gig to help Coventry Cycle
Works in Portland, Oregon. Normally closed on Monday, the shop was
open only to Heinz and myself as we were trying to get bikes together during
Coventry's traditional summer rush. It was an eye opening experience for me. I
have had experience wrenching on bikes, and built bikes up from the box a time
or two, but Coventry's checklist for building a bike is mind boggling, and I
can't believe it's not touted more. First off, every bike gets the same time
consuming awesome build, from the EZ1 to the Carbon Aero. So what do you get in
the build?
First off the tires are pulled off the rims and the rims are checked for dish, trueness, spoke tension, and axle adjustment. It is surprising how many wheels come from the factory within their tolerance, but not up to Coventry's standard. Every wheel I worked on had to be tweaked a bit to get it to Coventry spec. After the tires are back on and checked for pressure, the bike is then assembled with ALL of the bolts being lightly greased as well as the brake bosses, even if it means taking a partially assembled bike (assembled by the factory) and disassembling it even further to get all the bolts done. The Cable housing is lightly lubed prior to assembly, and cut to fit perfectly without any excess housing. All components are adjusted to shift perfectly. Brakes pads and cable are adjusted and the rims are cleaned of any residue that might cause brake squeal. The bottom bracket shell is taken out and greased, and if it is not a cartridge type it is checked for grease and adjusted. The headset is adjusted and greased, as well as the steering riser and it's bolts. The brake handles and shifters are adjusted to get them in the most ergonomic position. The seat and struts are attached and adjusted with those bolts getting a lighy tough of grease. Once the bike is done it is test ridded to insure things work in the real world and not just in the stand. I am sure I am missing some stuff, but you get the idea. They really go the extra mile to insure your bike will last and perform it's best. Even if it's a $300 EZ1! If your LBS (local bike shop) does this build, support them. This is a huge cost in labor to make sure your bike is right. If they don't, print this list off and demand it. Shouldn't everyone have this standard?
First off the tires are pulled off the rims and the rims are checked for dish, trueness, spoke tension, and axle adjustment. It is surprising how many wheels come from the factory within their tolerance, but not up to Coventry's standard. Every wheel I worked on had to be tweaked a bit to get it to Coventry spec. After the tires are back on and checked for pressure, the bike is then assembled with ALL of the bolts being lightly greased as well as the brake bosses, even if it means taking a partially assembled bike (assembled by the factory) and disassembling it even further to get all the bolts done. The Cable housing is lightly lubed prior to assembly, and cut to fit perfectly without any excess housing. All components are adjusted to shift perfectly. Brakes pads and cable are adjusted and the rims are cleaned of any residue that might cause brake squeal. The bottom bracket shell is taken out and greased, and if it is not a cartridge type it is checked for grease and adjusted. The headset is adjusted and greased, as well as the steering riser and it's bolts. The brake handles and shifters are adjusted to get them in the most ergonomic position. The seat and struts are attached and adjusted with those bolts getting a lighy tough of grease. Once the bike is done it is test ridded to insure things work in the real world and not just in the stand. I am sure I am missing some stuff, but you get the idea. They really go the extra mile to insure your bike will last and perform it's best. Even if it's a $300 EZ1! If your LBS (local bike shop) does this build, support them. This is a huge cost in labor to make sure your bike is right. If they don't, print this list off and demand it. Shouldn't everyone have this standard?
Posted at 12:24 AM
Thursday - July 27, 2006
Phillips Soil Bent Crit!
That's right race fans, a criterium race just for
bents!!!
You though JV was the only bent criterium racer.
Ha!!! Move over So Cal boy, we race other bents in Oregon, not just DF's. And
not just in "outlaw" crits either, this ones sanctioned by the OHPV! Premes for
each lap consisting of 50 pound bags of Phillips Soil's wonderful spring mix.
Let's see any other criterium offer that! I am sure racers will be risking life
and limb, I know I will, I need two more bags for my raised bed! Proprietor Bill
Phillips is one of the nicest guys I know, and he has opened up his new place
for us to race on fresh asphalt. He is even bringing a BBQ for burgers after the
races! Be there for the
festivities.
Small print: not responsible for life and limb, 50 pound bags might not actually be offered as premes.
Where: 26050 S Hwy 170, Canby, Oregon
When: 2:30-1:00pm.Ê Play all afternoon.Ê BBQ at 5:00pm. ÊÊ
Small print: not responsible for life and limb, 50 pound bags might not actually be offered as premes.
Where: 26050 S Hwy 170, Canby, Oregon
When: 2:30-1:00pm.Ê Play all afternoon.Ê BBQ at 5:00pm. ÊÊ
Posted at 11:26 PM
Thursday - July 27, 2006
Riding with SK
Had a good ride with Sara Kay before she headed
back to The Hub in Hayes, Ks.
SK on the Canby Ferry
We did Bruce Parker's 4 hill ride starting a little late (6pm). Out the south end of the OC (Oregon City) to Township Rd for some high speed rollers into Canby. We stopped by Bruce's place for some fine hospitality, and picked blue berries as well. On the road again, we went across the Canby Ferry with the older captain piloting us across the Willamette river (I swear the young guys do a much better job) . Things were a little choppy and spray was coming over the front of the ferry. Cool! And to add to the excitement the captain came in so fast he almost had us stuck on the cement car ramp. I thanked him for getting us past the steep section of the car ramp, although really grinding off the bottom of the ferry. Up the big hill and out to the rolling hills. I asked SK if she wanted to go up Peat's Mt. for a good Mt. Hood view and screaming downhill into the town of Willamette. She replied "show me Oregon"! What a trooper. Up Peat's and to the top. Nice clear view of Mt. Hood, then the fast downhill. SK was flying on the Corsa, this girl is not afraid of speed. Thorough Willamette, and across the old OC bridge, and a stop at McMinimums for a beer and a burger. Hey, my big race is over! After a nice chat we headed up the OC hill and back to the car in the dark. Great ride! Hopefully the next time we have everyone out for a big race they can all stay a while for some post race rides.
Posted at 11:11 PM
Team Bacchetta RAO jerseys shipped today!
RAO thoughts
Good luck to all at RAO
Getting closer to RAO
RAO Jersey update
Back from Vacation!
Off to California
Barlow Century epic ride
Miss Marilyn conquers Tour DeBlast!
Bacchetta night at Coventry Cycle Works!