| (Long Distance) Ramblings |
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I like to ride my bicycle - for long distances. I have earned the California Triple Crown and finished the Furnace Creek 508. My goals include qualifying for RAAM and ...(read the blog to find out). "The bicycle has a soul. If you are able to love it as it deserves, it will give you emotions you will never forget." "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."
"The important decisions in my life I make while out riding my bike."
"Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong
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Sunday, November 27, 2005
St. Paul - Donald Personal CenturyIt is nice to have a long weekend. I did not ride on Thursday - Thanksgiving Day. On Friday, it was raining, but Joanne and I did 40 miles. We did a route to Silverton via Lardon Rd to Cascade Hwy. The traffic was light, perhaps because everyone was shopping. The light rain did not bother us, but the strong south wind did. We stopped at a coffee shop for espresso, and then rode on back home. The pace was easy and it was a good day to ride. On Saturday, I did a personal century. I woke up early and joined the folks at Scott's Cycles for there 7:30 am ride. We headed south into the grey of the morning. It was just 37 degrees F, but I was warmly dressed. Since they have to be back at the shop to open at 9:00 am, I broke off and headed up to the east Salem hills where I saw Christmas Tree harvesting (via helicopter). Once I reached Cascade HWY, I headed back via State St and joined the Salem Bicycle Club for their 10:00 am ride to Mission State Park. Again, the pace was easy and all was well, until we came to the railroad crossing just north of Brooks. This is on the Monster Cookie Metric Century route and we cover the tracks, which are at a very bad angle, with plywood and carpet. I could have used this bridge as I fell at the tracks. My front wheel caught the second rail and I went down on my left side. I suffered no real injuries, only a dime sized scrap on my left knee and a sore right thigh (from hitting the top tube). Luckily, no one ran over me. I picked myself up and continued on. Once we reach the park, I continued north to St. Paul and then went east to Donald where I was planning to eating at the Donald Cafe. But it was closed! So, I enjoyed a quickie market turkey sandwich and an orange juice on the sidewalk. The 25 miles back to Salem was a challenge as there was a stiff south wind all of the way. In such a wind, all you can do is put your head down and pedal. I finished the day with 96 miles and a 14.7 mph average. Today, I did the Salem Bicycle Club afternoon ride and rode it at a recovery ride pace. But the weather was good and the roads were dry so I rode the LeMond (instead of the Cannondale). Oh, how I love the LeMond! Light, fast and fun! It was 23 miles of pure cycling enjoyment.
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