Archive for the ‘Rides/Routes’ Category
March 27th, 2011 | 
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Well, the weather was just warm enough that after doing some yard work, I decided to suit up in my new Frank Thomas leathers and go out for a quick ride. My tires are getting to the end of their life (my comfort level anyway), so I haven’t really wanted to go too far, but I’ve got road side assistance, so why not?
The tires are Bridgestone BT-021s and while I was not thrilled with them the first couple months or so, I have grown to really like them. They are at 9,500 miles so I cannot complain at all about the durability. I just ordered some BT-023s from Chapparrel. I wanted to go local, but the price difference (with sales tax), was just too much to ignore. Sorry guys.
Anyway, and we’re back…
So, it was just a touch chilly, but I didn’t need my winter suit with extra layering ability. The thermal undershirt and mock turtle neck were just fine. I did throw on my Turtle fur for good measure. I’ve decided that comfort rules.
That being said, I did enjoy every spot of sunshine I was able to bask in, whether when stopping or just settling into a cruising mode to prolong my exposure to the heat 
Went up to Eatonville, WA via the normal there and back route (out Meridian, through Eatonville, out to Mtn Hwy, through the twisties and then back again). I expected the road conditions to be somewhat variable due to the tree cover and sure enough, about 25% of the corners in the twisties were wet and in shade so I had no idea what I was dealing with.
Being that I was out to just enjoy an early ride and was one my, hold together until my new tires are on tires, I didn’t mind taking it easy. I wound it out where I could and just settled back when needed. No knee dragging today.
Saw some others out there, but not too many. The weather is a bit schizophrenic this time of year, and on the way back I thought I might get caught in a shower.
All in all, I nice time out. Can it be called the “first ride”? Maybe. I’ve been riding; lots of commuting and my effort to get my knee down at the local roundabout, but as far as heading out “on a ride”, no. I’m going to say yes, as it makes me feel better about my chances to get out again
Tires should be here by mid week, then I just gotta get them over to be mounted and then, I’ll need my next oil change and air filter I think (past the end of the maintenance book, so I have had to extrapolate a bit). Either way, I’m ready to ride and can’t wait to head down to HWY 47 in Oregon as soon as I have a few nice days to count on…
The wife and I took a trip down to Oregon to scout a new route that I think could be a great ride. That is the understatement of the year. Once through the boring bit and turning south out of Clatskanie, the smile sets in on your face and for the next long while you think that maybe something happened and you actually died and went to heaven. If you sat down and designed a point to point race course, this would be it!
It’s hard to really explain it, but Hwy 47 in Oregon is THE BEST road. It twists and turns, up and down. In the car you just stick your wheel on the inside of the turn and hold on. On the bike it’s going to be a physical and mental battle!
Stopping in Scappoose we had a great little lunch and it’ll provide the perfect spot to rest for the next section up Logie Trail, down Beck and Old Logie Trail. Another couple of unbelievable roads! About the only worry might be that there are 4, yes I counted them, switchbacks. These are a little tough on a bike, especially one that weighs 500lbs.
So can’t wait to hook it up with my buddy Elliot. Just need a dry spell (to make sure it’s dry enough in the tree-lined bit) and that the sanding residue has enough time to be cleared away. The cool thing is that we have a free place to stay as my mother lives in Beaverton to we get to do it twice