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!

Hood River Harvest Ride

Summer is winding down and the Harvest Ride is one of the last rides we do.  Yesterday's weather was gorgeous, a perfect day to ride.  The smoke from the Dollar Fire is gone but the base camp at the fairgrounds is still going and the road up to Lolo Pass is closed due to mop up. The ride started instead up in Parkdale at the Mt. Hood Town Hall.  We did two loops, 62 miles, 5100 feet of gain.

Lost Lake

This picture is from a ride I did from Pacific City to Netarts Bay last week with Art and Craig:

Our last organized ride is the 8th, the Harvest Ride in Hillsboro.

New Shoes

Got the shoes I won today.  Really nice Bontrager XXXL carbon.  Very flashy red!  Plus a cool t-shirt and back pack.  How nice!

Vuelta rides Angliru tomorrow!

Should be fun to watch!

http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stages

Highrocks 2011

VA and Marc with their Independent Fabrication bikes.

Part of our group before the 'Disneyland' descent

Just finished this invitational ride set up by KRhea, Portland Velo's president.  71 miles, over 5600 ft of gain, starting at the Timberlake Civilian Conservation Center outside Estacada, Oregon, off highway 224.  The route starts with a 14 mile Cat 1 climb on paved forest service roads in Mt. Hood National Forest and circumnavigates Timothy Lake.  I'd definitely recommend this route.  We had volunteer support, even tech support courtesy of master mechanic,Todd, of Southwest Bicycle in Multnomah Village.  I do think prepared riders in a group of at least 4 could go out and do it unsupported.  There is water at some of the campgrounds along the way.  No cell phone coverage.  As KRhea put it,  If you have to tweet, update your facebook status or contact your bookie you're hurtin'. 

KRhea, his wife (who drove a support car) and his little daughter.
In the background you can see our mechanic, Todd (wearing the apron)