Cascade Gran Fondo

Saturday our Portland Velo group got together over in Bend, Oregon for Chris Horner's Gran Fondo, a benefit for World Bicycle Relief, Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Fund and Livestrong.  The 85 mile route started in Bend with a neutral role-out, led by a police car for about 3 miles.  Once at the start, the police car sounded the siren and the timed portion began.  We rode up the Cascade Highway and around Bachelor Butte, a total gain of about 5K.

Portland Velo group at the start

We all rode for time and our group did pretty well.  I got 3rd place overall for women and won some Bontrager shoes.  The last I saw of the two women ahead of me was at about mile 30 when they lost me on the second hill.  Chris Horner isn't riding yet due to his injury in the 7th stage of the Tour and he was in a pace car along the way.  It was pretty darn exciting to have him come alongside me on the first hill and yell 'good job'!  My adrenalin was already peaking and to see him along the way gave me extra energy.  Craig and VA came in not too far behind me, in fact, VA was the 4th woman across the finish line.  I've never been in a racing atmosphere before and I am still feeling the affects two days later.  A totally different venue for us but it goes down as one of my favorite rides this season.

VA, Chris Horner, me and Craig

adjusting the number for fellow Velo member, Mike G.

Mike, VA & Craig

Pep talk at the start, Chris Horner (in black)

looking back to Craig on a hill

We had to stop and take a picture of Bachelor Butte

Chris Horner was very gracious at the start and finish.  It'll be fun to watch him in next year's and hopefully he'll be on the podium!