Blind Date; Cross is SO much fun!

We just finished racing in the Blind Date series.  OK, so we didn't win big, but we didn't get hurt either.  I can't believe we waited this long to ride cross.  It's a whole different world of mud and dirt on a bike.  I bought a really nice used cx bike listed on the OBRA chat site, a green Felt x15.  Craig opted for a new Scott, but I must say, my bike is a lot lighter than his with a carbon set post, fork and seat stays.

I rode a couple of Sunday's ago in a longer Cross Crusade at PIR.  The course is more technical than the Alpenrose course with more obstacles and jumps.  You can watch Oregon Field Guide's video of the Estacada course.  Very muddy!

PV members at PIR and Washington County Fairgrounds

My friend Barb and I laugh at how we place first in our age groups.  I'm the 'old granny' out there competing with some young women in their 20's.  Barb, at 47, she did amazingly well and came in #15 in the listed top 15 for Blind Date final points!  We're already planning on some clinics next fall.  I have to learn to remount my my bike, hopping on, without falling.  Barb and Craig have it (almost) down.

Finally, now it's back to Velo on Saturday's.  We had a glorious fall day last week for the signature ride.

Cyclocross!!

Last night a few of us rode cycle cross at Alpenrose Dairy.  Blind Date.  Craig and I used old heavy mountain bikes.  Mine?  One of Andy's, our daughter's, from about 10 years ago.  Most use specific cycle cross bikes that weigh a lot less.  It was the most fun I've had in a long time!  Beginners, 30 minutes to do as many loops on the course as you could.  We did ok for the first time.  Our bikes (and us) were crusted over with mud.

Bennett (VA's son), VA and me (before - we are clean!)

On course; KRhea snapped this photo.  I am sure I was the only one out there on a girls specific MB 

Last organized ride of the season

The Harvest Century, a benefit ride for Community Vision is usually our last organized ride for the season.  We were really lucky this past Saturday as the weather cleared and we rode on dry roads for the first time in a week!  112 miles (got lost two times), 17.1 mph pace (thanks Art... I think?).
We picked up two other fast guys to help us pace, but Art pretty much pulled the whole day.

John, Sonja, me and Art

At least we have Velo rides to look forward to and also (maybe?) some cyclecross at Alpenrose Dairy.  I took Craig's old 55 Biachi Imola (too small for him and had it fit for me).  My new rain bike!  Look at the cool courtesy flap - leather.  Master mechanic Todd's suggestion at Southwest Bicycles in Multnomah Village.  Rode it yesterday.  Smooth.  Steel is real.  I have to tweak the bars/seat position a bit and I think it'll be perfect for this winter.  Maybe a change out on the bar tape to Bianchi Celeste, although I just had it wrapped in black for winter.

Multnomah Falls ride 10/1/11

VA and me in the parking lot

Poor VA, she can't get away from me!