Weekend Update

Torture 10,000 and More

Miles: 162.63
August Total: 534.61

This is my fourth of fifth T10K (My first one was on our brand new Meridian Tandem), but this was the best ever.


I left the start at 6:45 and it was cold. The first descent down to the Sandy River was very cold on my fingers and chest. I was wearing my California Triple Crown jersey and arm warmers only - no wind vest or jacker. But not to worry, the climbing soon began. They added a short loop off of the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway, that included a short steep hill. Yeah, extra climbing. The actual climb up Larch Mountain was easier than last year. As I started earlier than last year, I was climbing mostly by myself and ocassionaly rode with other cyclists. I spent just 7 minutes at the rest stop at the top and then headed down the hill. I am not a great descender, so I was pass by a group of three and pass only one other. I saw lots of people climbing though.

Next came the route to City of Sandy and I was passed by a few along the way. It was durning this section that I almost hit a deer last year and I can tell you that was on my mind. At Sandy, I spent 12 minutes at the rest stop.

As it is only fifteen miles to the Eagle Fern rest stop, I decided to pass it by and do the George Loop. I saw several people coming down the hill, but when the road split, I did not see anyone until I had completed the loop and start back down the hill to the Eagle Fern rest stop. I spent 14 minutes there.

Now I was headed back to Sandy. But again, since it was only fifteen miles, I skipped the Sandy rest stop and headed toward the finish. But, I missed the Bluff Rd turnoff. I took Orient Dr and backtracked. I was lost, but a nice woman who was walking down the road set me off in the correct direction. On Bluff Dr again, I started passing other riders.

I finished with at 3:00 pm with 107 miles and 10,300 feet of gain.

At the finished, I took a long 30 minute break, before climbing back on the LeMond and headed toward home.

I took the Springwater Trail to the 205 Bike Route to old 82nd. I then took old 82 to Oregon City, climbed the hill on the new highway and stopped for a break. Then I took Central Point to Canby. From Canby, I took
Hwy 99 all of the way home. I was crusin with a tailwind! I averaged over 20 mph from Canby to home. I arrived home at 7:30 pm.

Sunday Recovery Ride

Miles: 74.91
August Total: 609.52

Joanne and I joined the Salem Bicycle Club headed north to the Town of Aurora. The pace was somewhat faster than a true recovery ride pace, but we did not work too hard. However, the distance was too long. Joanne and I are both very tired tonight. I expect to be in bed very soon.

Posted 8:04 PM by John Henry