John’s Ramblings

Tardy again, I know, I know.  Life’s getting in the way of my blogness, and sorry to say that life is winning the competition for my time.

I will give you a recap of another stellar Memorial Day Weekend ride in Pendleton, Oregon, at the Century Ride of the Centuries:

• With only a couple of exceptions, roads that were well maintained, and virtually empty of cars,
• Stupendously wonderful weather in the high 70′s and low 80′s
• Fantastic support, comraderie, and themed rest stops.

After three days of this stuff, I’m completely spoiled and haven’t gotten back on the saddle since.  It is hard to imagine getting back on the local multi-use trails, or ducking truck mirrors while riding around Western Washington.  I will undoubtedly do it, but not quite yet.

I’m not going to give a complete blow-by-blow, otherwise this post won’t happen in my current state-of-mind.  Here’s your Cliff-notes version:

Day 1: 90 miles, and about 4,000 feet of climbing… mostly on “rollers” (they have a funny idea of roller vs. hill in Pendleton).  With the exception of a 10 mile stretch from Highway 82 to Echo, it was gorgeous:

Day 2: Deadman’s Pass / “Cabbage Hill”.  The weather was just about perfect, and I felt much stronger than in prior years making this 15 mile climb.  The only downer for the day was the pair of strange fellows that felt compelled to make the entire ascent singing Wierd Al Yankovic songs in perfect harmony.  I pulled over to let them pass.  No pictures, because Johnny left the memory chip from his camera in the hotel room.

Day 3: Thorn Hollow / Adams.  A beautiful 70 mile ride, and a great way to end a perfect weekend of cycling the rolling fields around Pendleton.

If possible, I’ll make the trip to Pendleton for this ride in future years.  Exceptional event ride, without peer.

Tags: century, CROC, Cycling, oregon, pendleton

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