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
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Oregon Ultimate Road Ride
Miles: 211.57
Elevation Gain: 12,799'
July Miles: 321.26
Year to Date: 4677.38
At five o'clock in the morning in Sisters, Oregon sixteen bicyclists are standing around Mike as he gives us the pre-ride speech. We are about to start on a 215 mile adventure known as the Oregon Ultimate Road Ride. It is well named. The ride starts in Sisters and ends in Bend, but the route does not take the 20 mile Hwy 20 route. No, we are taking the long way get to get to Bend by crossing the Cascade Mountain Range twice. First, we climb the McKenzie Pass and drop down to McKenzie Bridge. Next on the adventure in one of the most scenic roads in Oregon, the Robert Aufderheide Memorial Drive. Now in Westfir, we cross over a nasty ridge to Oakridge and start the toughest climb of the day, Willamette Pass. It is 25 miles of up, 4000 feet of up. After achieving the summit, we turn north and ride the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway over Mt. Bachelor and then down to Bend.
OURR Elevation Map
Mike gives us the usual warning, ride safe, in single file, etc. But one thing causes me to pay attention. McKenize Pass is closed to all traffic. But he has it on good authority that it is passable. Oh Kay, this sounds like fun!
Actually, there was on 50 foot section where we had to carry our bikes cyclecross style pass where ODOT had covered the roadway with boulders. Other than than, the road was fine.
This was my second OURR, and this year it was easier than my first. I kept my rest stops short, I had more water on the Willamette Pass climb, and I was ready for the headwinds on the Cascade Lakes Byway. I finished at 8:35 pm with an 15.0 mph average
Sunday Recovery Ride
Miles: 38.04
Elevation Gain: 295'
July Miles: 359.62
Year to Date: 4715.74
Yes, after driving home from Bend today, Joanne and I went our for an easy recovery ride. At first, my legs had some strength, but at the end of the ride, Joanne beat me up a small hill. Oh, the shame!