Today was the Portland Century. Starting at Portland State, we rode out the Springwater Corridor and headed up to the Bull Run area out of Sandy where Portland gets our famous water. The weather wasn't cooperative and we had cool temps accompanied by scattered showers. Suffice it to say, the first rain of the season made for very slippery roads. There were three crashes, one of which involved our friend, Art. He fell descending a steep hill, slipping on a rainbow colored slick of oil on a tight left turn. After checking him out, he attempted to get on his bike, but going up the first hill couldn't put pressure on his left pedal and we had to call for a van to get him back to Portland. X-rays are pending but we really hope his injuries are minimal and that he'll be at our usual Wednesday club ride. I heard the other two crashes involved possible clavicle fractures, so maybe Art will be lucky with only a large hematoma on his left hip and some bad road rash. Art's first comment after he fell was, "I ruined my new kit!" He was speaking about his new MAC club shorts and jersey. He was also concerned about the condition of his bike. A true biker.
Coming back into Portland was an adventure with a west headwind coming up the Columbia River on Marine Drive, congestion with many riders coming in from the 25 and 50 miles route, along with some rain. 99 miles, 5300 feet of gain.
I decided I'm not an urban rider. My favorite rides usually require a drive.
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| Clare and Judi at the finish line, Portland State University |
Update - Good news; Art's x-rays were negative!
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