It
seems summer just got here, and the signs are showing that it's soon to
be history. I can't believe the leaves are already starting to fall.
Off-road rides are crunchy. I'm not ready for fall!
The
Lucky Masochist Gravel Deuce went off perfectly, with more riders than
last year and great weather. Day one was overcast and cool, which helped
on the climbs (of which there were plenty). The warmer temperatures and
sunny skies made the Brooklyn Tavern a more-than-welcome stop on day
two, and the chili dogs were just the thing to fuel us to the final 22
miles. To think that was a month ago! The time has flown by. I think
I've finally recovered.
As
a thank you to Lake Tapps Brewing Company for helping out with
supplying beer for the first-day's after-ride gathering at the Lucky
Masochist ride, I put together an evening slow-cruise ride starting and
finishing there. The weather was still very warm at 6:30 as we rolled
out for a six mile social foray onto local multi-use trails and
low-traffic roads. I think we had 15 riders show up, including several
children. It seemed to be very well received by both the riders and the
Lake Tapps folks. I'm thinking we'll do this one more time before
calling it a season and putting it away until spring.
Things on the docket for the not-so-distant future:
*
A trip to the north Oregon coast, that will include a couple
opportunities to ride in a new area. I'm mapping some mixed-surface
rides.
*
An old racing team mate of mine is planning an assault on the hour
record at the Jerry Baker Memorial Velodrome (formerly the Marymoor
Velodrome). No, not the international Hour, but the record for the track
-- currently at 27 miles. It was originally scheduled for this
Saturday, but has been postponed a few weeks. I was thinking I'd head up
to witness the carnage and cheer him on.
*
Ramping up for the Oregon Handmade Bike and Beer Festival in October.
This will be my second showing at this festival, and hopefully will
garner a few new customers, as well as spending some time with the
area's top-notch custom builders.
