| (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, March 12, 2006
Saturday Century - Not!I have not been on the bike since the Death Valley Double. It took until Tuesday to drive home. We were suppose to ride on Wednesday, but the weather was terrible. So, we were looking for an excuse not to ride on Saturday, but we had some interest from Pat who wanted to join us. So, at 8:00 am, off we went. We decided to ride take Sunnyview Rd up to Cascade Hwy and then return to Salem to join the 10:00 am Salem Bicycle Club ride. It was cold in the morning. Outside thermometer read 28° F. and we saw ice on the cars, so we put on our really cold weather gear and headed out. But, the sun was out and soon warmed us up. The cold weather jacket I was wearing was too much, but I did not have enough on underneath it to take the jacket off. So, just sweat inside the jacket John. Climbing up to Cascade Hwy was pure joy. The fields are bright green and you can really feel spring is near. But, we had some late winter snow last week, and while the snow did not stick on the valley floor, it did in the hills and we saw what was left of it when we achieved Cascade Hwy. The Club ride was mostly flat to the Woodburn Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. The pace was quick and I had no trouble riding with the group. Joanne, however, dropped off the back with some others. But, after 50 miles total for me, my legs grew tired and I had to work to stay with the group. On one longer hill, I dropped off and had to work to bridge back up. I was happy to see the farm come into view. There, we took a break before heading back. As we left the farm, we saw Joanne coming in so I joined her for the rest of the ride. We stopped in Mt. Angle for lunch (three chicken enchiladas) before heading home. We finished with 82 miles. I needed just 8 more to qualify for a UMCA century, but I was tired and sore. I was happy with what I did.
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