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."
Mario Cipolini
"Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride."
John F. Kennedy
"The important decisions in my life I make while out riding my bike."
Former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi
"Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever.” Lance Armstrong
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Snoozeville Populaire
The Oregon Randonneurs hosted another great ride today.
I arrived at 7:15 am and found Nate already there and getting the show on the road.
Nate getting folks ready for the ride.
Shortly after 8:00, over 30 of us were off. The sky was cloudy, the roads were wet, and the forecast was for rain, but our spirits were high as we rode toward the west and our first control.
I was riding with the lead group and looking forward to a quick and easy (drafting in so nice) ride when I flatted in the rear. I was just five miles into the ride. I pulled over and started the repair while 30 riders asked "You have everything?" as they rode on by. Sigh. I found a small wire in the tread and removed it, I slapped in a new tube and used a co2 cartridge to inflate the tire. After ten minutes, I was off and the last rider on the course. What to do? Well, the only thing possible. Start spinning and try to catch up.
Since I was now alone, I have to navigate and not follow the wheel in front of me. I put my cue sheet and brevet card in the front left pocket of my rain jacket (remember, the forecast was for rain). As I crossed over the freeway (Hwy 26), a van that was turning onto the freeway behind me alerted me that I had dropped my map! Sure enough, it was lying on the pavement behind me. I almost lost my brevet card. For there kindness, there were rewarded with rudeness from the driver of the pickup behind them.
I started to catch and pass the slower riders, riders who enjoy taking the time and enjoying the scenery.
Some of the scenery to be enjoyed if you take the time.
I used to ride like that, but not today. One by one I passed riders until I reached the first control. I was there just long enough to have my card signed and grab a few fig newtons and I was back on by bike riding hard. I managed to catch a few more riders. I pulled one up to his friends. But, it would seem that I had catch everyone who was riding slower than I was. As such, I rode the last 30 miles alone. And this is when it started to rain.
But the weather was not bad. I must admit that this was the first ride of the year where the temperature was always above 50° F. This, and the multitude of daffodils along side of the road attested to the change in seasons. Yes!
The last control was a bakery in Forest Grove and again I stopped just long enough to have my card signed.
I now had just 15 miles to the finish. But I did not allow my effort to lessen; I concentrated on keeping my speed up. But, this caused me to miss the last turn and I got in a few "extra" miles.
Ride Stats:
DST: 64.34
AVG: 15.9
ATM: 4:02:16
Elevation Gain: 1407 per my HAC4.
March Miles: 240.3
Year to Date: 1062.68