May 6, 2008
Most Gigantic ORbike Newsletter
Did you see that latest newsletter we sent out? It was huge - had to be an ORbike record. I tried, really hard, to cut it down, but man there are tons of great events happening, and it's not even summer yet. We strive to keep our newsletter timely, fun, concise and informative. But on this one, I really couldn't resist mention that Portland went Platinum, or Reach the Beach (coming right up on May 17th) or some cool perks you'll get if you're an ORbike member. I also loved getting to know Heather Watson, the latest person I've interviewed as an ORbike member.
If you didn't get our newsletter, you can sign up for it on the front page of our website. To read the May Mega issue, click here.
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May 5, 2008
Rider Profile: The Linssens
Urban Assault is a bicycle adventure scavenger hunt full of creative elements. The event has been a hit in other cities so the organizers are putting it on in Portland on May 25th. Barbara and Peter Linssen are just a few of the many people who are signing up to compete as a team. Barbara says they own tons of bikes, and they do all sorts of city fair weather riding, like going to the grocery. While they do have two young kids, Urban Adventure is all about these two adults taking a day off from the kids (Barbara considers it a date).
The adventure course is full of obstacles, which may include adult big wheels, obstacles on foot, scooters, BMX bikes, slip N slides, bouncy balls, ropes, kayaks, balance, or other zaniness. Barbara says she's definitely ready for this challenge, "That sounds like sneaking across my sons room at night. No problem." And she's working hard to get ready for the ride too. She has dusted off the bikes and she's working out, "I've been lifting several pints at the local pub."
Each team chooses a name and the Lissens have dubbed themselves the UGB Lovers - as in Urban Growth Boundary. When asked to justify such a political name, Barbara says it was an obvious choice, "The UGB is what makes the city end and gives you that amazing wildness so close to town. Without the UGB Sauvie Island would not still exist as is does. It's a truly amazing thing." So amazing to Barbara, in fact, that her license plate reads LUV UGB.
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May 1, 2008
Rider Profile: Unicycle to the Beach!
It's impressive to ride to the beach in the awesome Reach the Beach ride, but it's even more impressive to get there on a unicycle. Bah! Crazy, no one would do that, you say. Well, in fact several Portland unicyclists are taking the Uni Challenge for this year's event. I ran into Michael (aka MJ Freshy Fresh) at the Pre-ride Party at REI and he admitted he's one of the ambitious unicyclists, so I asked him to tell me more. Is it hard? Does it hurt? Are you insane?
ME: So why are you riding a unicycle to the coast?
MJ: The unicycle is has the highest fun-factor of any mode of transportation that I've found yet, so why not ride it to the coast?
ME: How does riding a uni differ from a standard bike?
MJ: It's way harder to ride but provides you more freedom, no handlebars, gears, brakes, etc. For this ride I'll be on a unicycle called a Coker, it's got a 3' wheel which helps you go faster.
ME: Are there any other unis riding, that you know of?
MJ: Yes, I think there are 2 other riders from our gang and they are braver than I! I'm doing the 50 mile but Max and Zeke are going for the 100 miler!
ME: What route are you doing and why did you choose that route?
MJ: I'm doing the Amity route. I think that's all the miles my body can take, a unicycle seat is rather invasive ya know?
ME: What kind of riding do you usually do and are you training on a uni?
MJ: I play unicycle polo weekly, I do some urban trails riding and some trail riding. Not much training, just riding for fun.
So if you see Micheal, or his other unicycle buddies, out there on the course, give them a high five!
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March 21, 2008
ORbike Member Profile: Temple Lentz
We love to get to know more about our members, and we recently got to know a little about 32 year old Temple Lentz from Vancouver. Temple has her priorities straight: she she is excited to be an ORbike member for the discounts she receives when registering for events. We agree, saving big is pretty great. Temple is fond of riding because it gives her the ability to go more places, more quickly, but, she adds, "not going so fast that you can't take in the scene around you." Temple really enjoyed riding the Portland Century last August, nominating it her favorite ride of 2008 "It was a good ride and amazing food at the end!" And, not surprisingly, it is the ride she is most looking forward to this year.
On an organized training ride about a year ago, Temple had one of her most empowering moments with her bike: "I blew out a tire within the first fifteen minutes on the road. The rest of the group went on ahead and I was stuck on the side of the road, a genius without a cell phone having never changed a tire or repaired a flat. But realizing that it was make it happen or start a long walk, I did it--and had a great ride once I was back on the road."
ORbike membership is a great way to save on events, get the royal VIP treatment at select events, and stay clued in to all of Oregon's exciting bike events. Sign up today and take advantage of your discounts this season. [ more info ]
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February 5, 2008
Rider Profile: Gus Fant
Gus Fant is riding in the Worst Day of the Year Ride, but says that a little rain won't scare him off. "I ride in the rain," he says, " because if you don't you won't get much riding in." And Gus knows all about getting riding in - he usually clocks about 3,000 miles per year, and aims for 4,000.
Still, it's no small feat for Gus to be riding in the Worst Day of the Year Ride. This 65 year old is a member of the Tacoma Wheelmen Bicycle Club and he'll be coming down from Tacoma for the ride. Several of the other club members will also be riding.
Gus is a veteran Worst Day of the Year Rider: he has been on five rides. So why does he love it? "It is probably the most social ride I experience during the year," he says. "With the frequent stops on the Worst Day of the Year Ride find it rather relaxing to just take my time and enjoy the ride and visit with riders. Also I take pleasure in supporting the Community Cycling Center as I strongly believe in what they are all about."
One of his favorite aspects of the ride is seeing parents and kids riding together. "I also enjoy seeing other beginning cyclists who express their doubts about completing the ride at the start and then when you see them at the finish line the joy they show from completing the ride."
Speaking of the finish line, what's it gonna be for Gus with he hits those yummy Laughing Planet Cafe soup options? "I'm just not sure although I'm kind of partial towards chili."
Registration closes at midnight on February 7th but the ride will sell out at 2,000 riders. Don't miss out, sign up now!
[ Register ]
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February 4, 2008
ORbike Member Profile: Chris McCraw
During the summer of 2007, ORbike member Chris McCraw hopped on his bicycle in Austin, Texas, and didn't stop until he reached Anchorage, Alaska. So it's no surprise this 31-year-old Portlander is a huge fan of local bike events.
So why did he join ORbike? "ORbike seemed like a good gateway into meeting bikey people and doing bikey things," he says. "Plus, I figured I'd get my money's worth via event discounts and supporting the furtherance of the culture I love."
MEMBERSHIP INFO / JOIN NOW
Chris is a 50-mile-a-week kind of a guy who rides his bike for errands and for pleasure. This year he's really looking forward to riding Seattle to Portland and biking to Mt. St. Helens with friends to camp and climb.
Chris is an experienced rider. He once had to tear free his helmet from the underside of a freight truck - thankful that he escaped the accident unharmed. He enjoys riding a bike because it allows him to be present in the environment through which he is traveling - soaking in the sights and sounds. "I feel like I'm participating actively in my travels rather than just having them happen to me."
Join Chris and become an ORbike member today. You'll get discounts on events all season long and membership pays for itself in no time.
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August 25, 2007
Rider Profile: Jaskirat Wild // 100
Jaskirat Wild is one of the most enthusiastic Portland Century riders. "I'm super- excited about the ride!" she says. "Thanks to the people who are putting this on!" Jaskirat is looking forward to biking further than she ever has before. She has been a vegetarian for 17 years, but says "I'm excited for the dinner and I'm actually going to try the salmon."
On a normal day, Jaskirat rides about 10 miles on her commute from NE Portland to OHSU where she's a neuroscientist. "I study how meditation affects the brain, and how it can be used to reduce stress."
Jaskirat is a big fan of Portland. "I love how people are committed to all things local, and really support small business and farming."
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August 23, 2007
Rider Profile: Stasia Honnold // 100
Car-free cyclist ("Have never owned one, never will," she says) Stasia Honnold is one of the brave souls who has signed up for the full century on the Portland Century, but she's not intimidated by all those miles. "I end up bike commuting anywhere from 20-40 miles a day, depending on how many stops and random side trips I take, so if I'm going to do a recreational ride I basically want to go as far as possible to make it interesting. I also did the 100 miles last year and it rocked. There's nothing like a hundred miles to make you feel like you really earned the post-ride dinner!"
Stasia, a seventh grade English teacher, is exited to return her second Portland Century. "My favorite part of these rides is meeting all the other awesome people out there. I love to find people going my pace. There's something about the fact that you're both biking that makes it easier than ever to strike up a conversation with a stranger."
Stasia says her favorite place to take a long ride is the Gorge, and last weekend she tackled Larch Mountain. She also loves riding through Riverview Cemetery, on the 205 path to Marine Drive and through Washington Park. "But really," she say, "as long as I'm on a bike I'm happy."
Stasia likes that the Portland Century is all about Portland. "I really, really, really like how normal it is to bike here, and how easy. I love that I can tell people I don't have a car and they think it's admirable, not absolutely crazy. I love Portland's continuous work to make the city accessible by and safe for alternative transportation, whether it's bike, bus, max, whatever. And unrelatedly, I love how people care about things being local and organic. Yay for conscious living!"
If you're not yet signed up, you can still sign up online, at Saturday's pre-ride check in, or at the event on Sunday. For more info, see the Portland Century website.
REGISTER
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August 20, 2007
Rider Profile: Char Rowe // 25
Char Rowe, a 32-year-old native Oregonian, is one of the hundreds of people participating in the Portland Century. "I only recently discovered how much fun bike riding is," she says. "So I'm riding the 25 mile Portland Century this year to explore more bike friendly paths in the Portland area."
But last weekend Char and a friend went out for a distance ride to see how she could handle it, and she's considering an upgrade to the 50 mile route.
Char is excited to be a part of the event. "I look forward to seeing the city and surrounding neighborhoods from a different perspective."
Char represents the diversity of Portland Century riders, she's not hardcore. "I would classify myself as a vacation/seasonal bike rider, but I hope to finish this year's 25 mile ride knowing I will sign up for the 50 mile next year."
Char has lived in Portland for the last three years and views biking as an integral part of its culture. "I like the appreciation of healthy and sustainable lifestyles."
Good luck out there, Char!
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July 2, 2007
Rider Profile: Tara Clawson
Last year Tara Clawson had so much fun at Mt. Bike Oregon with her friend that this year she bought a gift pass for her husband. "I know he'll dig the riding," she says. Tara says her favorite trail is Alpine, and she can't wait to get back out there.
On a typical week, Tara, a 49-year-old from Sandpoint, ID, rides 2-3 times on singletrack that's - get this - right behind her home. She says it's only a 3-4 mile ride, but we say, still, it's right behind your house. How great is that? "When the snow melts off of Schweitzer mountain," Tara adds, "I try and ride their trail system at least once a week."
Tara enjoys riding all over her region. "Up here in the northern panhandle of Idaho we have some great riding. A little bit of everything. Our bike club, Pend Oreille Pedalers, has done a great job building new singletrack and buffing out existing trails. Our ski resort has some really challenging downhill rides. It's mostly tight technical riding, not a lot of wide open trails. Great scenery."
This photo is of Tara and her kids riding in Nelson, B.C. She adds, "Girls rock!!"
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 9:57 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
June 22, 2007
Rider Profile: Iris Riggs
Iris Riggs, the Bicycle Recreation Coordinator for Oregon Parks and Rec., is one of the many riders gearing up for Mt. Bike Oregon. "It just sounds like a great event!" she says. "Good food, nice people, and great rides."
Iris is mostly a city rider. She lives in Salem and rides to work, to the store, downtown and for fun - but her roots are on the trail. "I grew up in the woods so my first bike was a mt. bike. I learned to ride on dirt trails and old logging roads. It was two miles to the nearest slab of asphalt, so needless to say training wheels were little to no help for me. Momentum and sheer will were the best teachers." But Iris hasn't done much mt. bike riding since those early days and she says she'd like to do a lot more.
So it's no surprise that what Iris is most looking forward to about Mt. Bike Oregon is the all-day opportunity to get back into mt. biking and learn more about it. "Not to mention fun, oh and free beer" she adds.
Iris says she is hoping for a really positive event with a lot of trail options and beautiful scenery. Just wait till you get there, Iris - you're in for a real treat.
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June 14, 2007
Canadians Invade Mt. Bike Oregon
For the last six months, Craig Hunt's wife has been begging him to sign them up for Mt. Bike Oregon. "Actually, we plan almost all of our vacations around riding somewhere," he says. " I've heard good things about this event and haven't ridden in this part of Oregon so this is a good opportunity." Craig and his wife are from Delta, British Columbia, which is south east of Vancouver. They have spent a little time riding in the Hood River, Bend and MacKenzie River trail and they really like Oregon.
Craig is a huge mt. biker. He says he also does some North Shore stuff, but hasn't been doing it as much lately. He mt. bikes about twice a week and he and his wife take a few one- or two-week mt. bike trips every year. He and his wife moved further away from their work and he misses the bike commute, so once a week he rides 25 miles home from work.
On top of all that, Craig shows his mt. bike stripes as a moderator on the MTBR online bulletin boards. After so much time online, he says he's excited about Mt. Bike Oregon because it's a chance to "meet some people that I only know virtually from MTBR and socialize after the rides." We know what you mean, Craig, you mean beer garden.
Craig is also really looking forward to the singletrack riding on the Alpine trail that he's heard so much about, and we're sure he won't be disappointed.
Look for Craig in the beer garden and buy him a cold one. No wait, you can't do that because the beer garden is all free! Saddle up next to Craig and ask him about riding in B.C. He'll tell you all about his favorite places: Burnaby Mountain, the North Shore, Squamish, Whistler or the Sunshine Coast.
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June 11, 2007
MBO Profile: Juntu Capistrano
Mt. Bike Oregon is filling up fast with riders from all parts of the US and from Canada. Not only is this a chance to tear it up on some of the world's best trails, you can meet some awesome people also. Like Juntu Capistrano. Juntu, a 34-year-old from Portland, says she's riding Mt. Bike Oregon as a way to get in some good mt biking while she's on her mini-vacation. She's more of a cross-country biker who trys to find the time to mtb as much as she can. So what is Juntu most looking forward to?
"Riding, eating, drinking and sleeping," she says. "Then doing it all over again the next day!"
Juntu has never been to Mt. Bike Oregon, but says, "it was highly recommended from one of my friends/riding buddies." Juntu, you're in for a great time! You won't be disappointed.
Look for Juntu out there on the trails... or in the beer garden.
Coming soon: profiles from Canada and Idaho
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June 4, 2007
Breaking News! MBO Discounted Price Extended
In response to overwhelming demand, the organizers of mbo have agreed to extend the standard registration period for Mt. Bike Oregon. "We were hearing from lots of groups that they were having trouble with the deadlines. Instead of coming together for a great event, the deadlines were splitting groups up." With riders coming from 10 states and Canada, the organizers' planning for this weekend getaway event takes a little longer than a typical group ride. The weekend is packed with shuttles to the trails - at least six different ride options every day. Even if you had the energy, there's no way you'd have enough time to ride them all. Good thing you'll have three days.
The extension will last until July 1 for the July 27-29 MBO and until August 1 for the August 17-19 MBO.
COMING SOON: Participants come from all over the country for this ride. Why come all the way to Oregon for a mt. bike weekend? We're interviewing the participants and they'll tell you why they're heading to Oakridge to hit the trails. Stay tuned!
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 9:57 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 15, 2007
Rider Profile: The Clydes
Joe and Margene Clyde live on a farm 13 miles outside of Myrtle Creek, Oregon. Joe says he and his wife "ride to eat and eat to ride." Last summer the couple, ages 69 and 67, spent two weeks in Southern France doing 50 and 60 miles a day. Spain was on their list for this summer, but instead they'll be building a house "closer to town" so they can ride more with friends. Joe says they ride year round, "This time of year we are riding 100+ miles a week. Our riding in general we do as part of our healthy lifestyle."
The Clydes are two of the 2,000+ people who will be participating in Reach the Beach this Saturday. They say they like the event "because it is for a great cause, is well supported, has lots of great people to visit with - and it's not a killer ride." They have participated in the ride six times: three along the Salem (80) mile route and three along the Portland (100) route. "We enjoy the whole scene," Joe says, "the ride, the food, the people and the finish with a visit to the Pelican Pub!"
So look for the Clydes out there this Saturday! And let's all cross our fingers that the weather continues to be as great as it has been lately.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 9:14 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 2, 2007
Rider Profile: Jessica Judah
There are tons of people riding Reach the Beach this year. Jessica Judah, 24, is one of the 1,500 riders who has already signed up. Everyone who rides has a different connection to the event. Some people like the physical challenge. Others like the camaraderie among riders. For Jessica, it goes even deeper. Jessica is participating memory of her grandmother who died of lung cancer. Every one of her pedal strokes will be supporting the American Lung Association of Oregon's efforts to promote clean and prevent lung diseases.
So why is Jessica riding? "First of all...it's for a great cause! Secondly, it sounded like a great event to do with my husband and brother in-law and a great way to stay in shape." Of the six route options, the Jessica, who will be riding for the first time, chose the 100 mile route from Portland. "We chose that distance because we really want to push ourselves. Neither of us have ridden that far in one ride and look forward to the challenge!" But Jessica and her husband average about 50 miles a week and usually go for a longer ride every Sunday.
Comments (4) | Posted by orbike at 9:39 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 23, 2007
A 50-Mile Family Ride
Karen Kimball says her family's New Year's Resolution was to ride a 50-mile ride together. The seven-person family set out to an area west of Coronoa, Californa. One of the kids drove SAG. One mile into the ride, they Karen already had a flat.
[ Read the whole tale ]
Does your family bike together? What is like for you? How far have you gone?
Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 9:42 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 1, 2007
Rider Profile: Riding with Dad
Amy Mayberry is a busy pre-med student at University of Washington. Her schedule doesn't permit her to ride her bike very often, but she's coming down to Portland to ride the Worst Day of the Year Ride.
Amy, who is 20, is looking forward to the Worst Day of the Year Ride as a way to spend some time with her dad - and take a rest from the stress of med school.
[ Full profile ]
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 12:19 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 2, 2007
A Tribute to Ali Al-Salman
It seemed that Ali Al-Salman just couldn't get enough of Portland's bicycle culture. Though he was often busy with family activities, Ali always made time to appear at plenty of bicycle events over the last few years. The 44-year-old translator was most famous for bringing his guitar along on the nighttime Midnight Mystery Rides, to strum, serenade and sing the night away. He attended more rides than anyone else in the three years the monthly rides have happened.
Ali passed away on New Year's Day while in LA to attend a wedding with family. The Midnight Mystery Ride organizers are dedicating the next ride to him. You can hear examples of Ali's music on his MySpace page.
Ali had recently recorded his first CD. He carried copies of it around with him everywhere he went and was excited to share his music with people. The song titles alone - Goodness to the World, I Love Everybody in this World, I'm Evolving I'm Learning - are a snapshot of the gentle addition Ali made to our bike community. He was grateful to all the people who organized events and he enjoyed attending, meeting people and sharing his famous chocolate brownies and hot jasmine tea.
Ali will be missed.
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 5:00 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
December 27, 2006
Biking New Year's Resolutions
We want to hear from you! What are you bikey resolutions for the new year? Choose your response then see the results from other riders.
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Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 10:43 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
October 9, 2006
Cyclocross Rider Profile: Janis McDonald
Janis McDonald is a project manager for PDOT's Transportation Options program. But bikes are not just her job: Janis loves riding. She enjoys long distance rides and participating in organized rides, but this year Janis decided to challenge herself even more by trying cyclocross.
"Every year I say to myself 'this year I will race cross' - and then I chicken out." Janis says. "But his year I told a friend I was going to do it so then I had to. I commute everywhere by bike and feel pretty confident about my riding skills. But cross was a challenge to those skills. Sometimes you can get too comfortable and need to shake it up. I can't believe it took me this long to try it."
Janis got ready for the day by going to a clinic out at Alpenrose. At the clinic she learned how to jump off her bike - because cross racers are constantly hopping off the bike to go over hurdles, up stairs, etc - which was one of her biggest fears. "Rhonda and her crew were patient and broke all the skills down for the beginners to understand. I would definitely recommend the clinics for anyone just starting." Janis says.
Janis had never raced before, but, she says, "Going around the velodrome, feeling that speed, may change all that."
Janis arrived at Alpenrose on Saturday and walked around to scope out the course. She felt overwhelmed by the stairs and the hills. But once she got riding the course was bumpy, challenging and rewarding. She raced hard after the first lap. Not against the other women so much - but against herself, to push herself harder. "I loved it. I felt strong afterward."
Part of the appeal of cyclocross is the scene that unfolds off the course. Janis describes it as "electric." There were 120 women racing that day and Janis loved being a part of the action. As for the spectators, Janis says, "Their energy was just as high - and contagious. They gave me the extra push I needed when I was running up a hill. Or when they yell out that you did a great job over the barricade it makes you jump on your bike and ride harder...with a smile on your face."
So will Janis be out there again? The answer: "YES! It is just plain fun. Makes you feel like a kid just playing around."
The next cyclocross race is October 15th at Hillsboro Stadium.
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 8:21 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
August 26, 2006
Rider Profile: Kate Moore
Kate Moore is gearing up to ride the full century on the Portland Century. Her mantra? "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can..." The 29-year-old is riding because, "my mother is battling the disease ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and watching her courageously battle the disease while her body continues to weaken has inspired me to enjoy and take advantage of all that my body can do." Kate is looking forward to being on course with her husband Rawls (see photo) and friends, and reveling in the sense of accomplishment when she's finished. This will be her longest distance ride yet.
The Portland Century is Kate's first organized ride. After this she says she's planning to do the, "bike section of the Black Diamond duathlon (60 miles) in Enumclaw, Washington in September. My friend Caroline will be doing the running and we'll be doing this in honor of my mother!"
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 6:59 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
August 25, 2006
Another Century Rider
Laurelin is 26 and she and her dad are riding the full century, or as she puts it, "100-miles, baby!" Earlier this year, she trained for and competed in her first triathlon. At the same time, her dad was training for Cycle Oregon. They teamed up for a few long riders and really enjoyed riding together. She says that now she is, "joining him on what will be for both of us a first century ride. My idea of perfect father-daughter bonding."
Laurelin has a daily 11-mile round trip bike commute and like Nick she tries to get in 30-40 miles of weekend riding. She doesn't ususally participate in many organized rides, but this is a picture of her at Bridge Pedal with her friend Andrew who will be joining her at the Century.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 9:21 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
Who is Riding the Portland Century?
Nick Zuiderveld is a new rider who has decided to take on the Portland Century. The 28-year-old just started cycling this year, primarily as an excuse to get in better shape. He says, "Now I am at the point where riding has taken over my life and I want to start exploring more routes, meet other cyclers, and gain more experience doing longer treks." Nick is riding the 60-mile route options. He adds, "I'm excited that this is the very first Portland Century event, and I hope it will be a huge success so that in 50 years I can say that I was there at the beginning!" Nick is also looking forward to the delicious finish line dinner.
On a typical day Nick rides 6 miles from home to work, but sometimes he adds in another 6 miles riding to the gym. On the weekends he goes exploring in the city and averages about 30 miles per trip. He loved riding the recent Bridge Pedal, which was his first organized ride.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 6:10 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
August 2, 2006
Who's Riding the Portland Century?
Kate Lopresti, 34, is one of the 98 riders who have already signed up for the first-ever Portland Century. Kate is using the ride as a way to gear up for her first Cycle Oregon experience in September.
Has Kate ever ridden a century? "Never!" she says. "This will be my first time. YIKES!"
Kate's usual riding includes biking around Portland, starting from her home in Southeast. "I ride downtown, the Esplanade, the Interstate bike lane, Mt. Tabor, over to St. John's and Kelley Point Park, Johnson Creek Trail (not all in the same ride!). My daily commute adds up to about 8 miles round trip: I bike downtown, take the MAX to Beaverton, and bike the rest of the way to the office. When I'm out for a longer ride on the weekends I ride about 20 miles."
This summer is also riding Cycle Oregon and Bridge Pedal, but she's really excited about the Portland Century, a ride that is all about Portland.
"One of the reasons I moved to Portland in 1998 is that I wanted to live in vibrant city, but I didn't want to own a car," she says. "Portland fits the bill on both counts. There's always something going on and I can usually get to it by bike or bus. I've been car-less for nearly ten years because Portland isn't as spread out and car-centric. I'm reminded of that every day I bike Walker road in Beaverton."
Comments (6) | Posted by orbike at 12:06 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
June 12, 2006
Barlow Trail Rider Profile: Christy Evans
River City's Barlow Trail Century is the hotly anticipated event of the season. With this awesome route, I can see why:
The 40 & 100 mile adventures begin on a unique rails-to-trails bike path. The route also features rural country roads then lead to an exhilarating descent down to Dodge Park and the Sandy River, a short but stiff climb up to Roslyn Lake Park, a blazing descent and drop into "Little Switzerland", lush green pasturelands of the upper Sandy River valley, the freshly paved Barlow Trail Road and Lolo Pass Road - the gateway to the Mt. Hood Wilderness Area where the real climbing begins.
Christy Evans is one of the riders this year. As soon as she heard what a great ride it is, she signed right up. "I moved here last year from the east and am really enjoying the scenery in Oregon - and what better way to see the state than to do the rides."
Chrisy got her cycling start doing triathlons and was very active in the long distance (Ironman) events for years, so it's no surprise that the Lolo Pass climb is what she's most looking forward to on the Barlow. Christy considers her other events of the season, such as Monster Cookie and Reach the Beach, to be merely "joy rides".
Christy lives in Hillsboro where she has great terrain available and can ride flats or hills, or a combination, right out her front door. She also enjoys riding with the Aloha Bike Club to Bald Creek, Grabhorn andother areas.
So what draws Chrisy to cycling? She says it's really the outdoors experience, and that cycling, once you get out there, is free.
Look for Christy out there on the Barlow Trail Century, crushing the hills and taking in the sites along the beautiful route.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:38 AM | Permalink | TrackBack