Riding The Back Roads

When I go out into the countryside 

and see the sun and the green and everything flowering,

 I say to myself Yes indeed, all that belongs to me!  

~Henri Rousseau

Some of the best riding in the Willamette Valley can be found on the small two-lane farm roads that criss-cross the area. They’re fun because they tend to not have too many vehicles, and the scenery is real purty. These roads are also fun because they’re usually long, flat, and straight. So you can find your optimum gear and get cooking on the pedals. You get a nice rhythm going, then start inching the gears upward until you’re at your limit, just at the edge of what you can sustain.  And if you do break out of your cadence long enough to just stop...and take it all in...could anybody blame you?

A Setback for Steve-O

I sent Steve-O a text message this morning about this great bike ride I had just taken.  At the same time he was hearing the doctor tell him his shoulder has a grade 3 separation.  It happened this morning on the Springwater Trail.  Front wheel got sucked down into the void of a train track and it threw him over the handlebars.  This...is not good.

Adding insult to injury, literally, in today’s mail he received the registration packet for the Seattle-To-Portland.  This is the double-century event we’ve been planning and training for, and it’s just three weeks away. We’ll see what this does to those plans. Maybe if the doctor allows it, we’ll do part of the ride, or take a tandem together. I’d rather do that than go solo, if it's a possibility. If not, we'll find another ride to do together. One thing’s for sure: whenever we sign up for a ride event, we end up with a memorable story.  And of course, a headwind.

Here’s to a quick recovery, my friend. Stay strong.

Pollen Time!

This one goes out to all y’all with allergies to pollen. The lush green grasses we enjoy here bring a cost, and you're probably feeling it right now. Between Memorial Day and the Fourth of July is when grass pollen counts are at their highest, and here in the Willamette Valley it’s an off-the-charts season.  

Like, really off the charts. According to today’s article in the local paper,  Eugene hit 990 particles per cubic meter of air last week (200 is considered high).

I hope everybody who suffers with allergies can find some relief. It can be an absolutely miserable, debilitating experience.  My own allergies (and asthma) used to be in the “epic” category, but these latest prescriptions seem to be doing the trick completely.  It’s unbelievable actually.  For the first June in my lifetime, I am outdoors breathing easy and not sneezing.  All the riding I'm doing through the countryside used to be unthinkable.

I promise I'll never take this for granted.

Guest Blogger: Taylor!

Today's guest blog entry comes from Taylor, a five-year-old boy who made a brave decision after taking a spill when he was learning to ride a bike.  Taylor wrote his own story and even typed part of it.  His mother provided the pictures.  Taylor's story inspires us to keep trying and to not give up. Thank you, Taylor!

Go West

I usually have a plan of where to ride before I get on the bike. It’s kind of fun, though, to just create a ride as you go. When you don’t have a specific destination in mind, you’ve already arrived!

Yesterday I wandered in a westward direction, over the Union Street Bridge, pausing long enough to snap a picture. Then it was off to the hills in West Salem, which happens to be where I grew up. It was kind of like coming back to your junior high and wondering why it seemed so humungous at the time. Things take on a different scale and proportion as you get older, I guess.  Those big, long hills from my youth are actually quite small. Hmmm. I tried a section of Doaks Ferry that I'd never thought of riding as a kid.  Yep. Done.

The biggest hills in West Salem are now in my sights. When I need a destination to ride, I'll know exactly where to go this summer.

27 Years!!!

Mrs. C and me, 1983 and now.  We had a very happy anniversary!

Lessons From Behind The Paceline

Last night seemed like a good time to try out one of the local group rides in Salem. People get together after work and ride for a couple of hours. I got there just in time to hop onto the tail end of a “medium” pace group...and I was on the tail end the entire ride. I got spanked.

Once the group got out into open countryside, they began to pick up the speed.  The lead dog set a pace of about 25 mph and everybody stayed in a tight paceline formation. I was, um, not.  As the caboose, I was all over the place. When I could get into the slipstream, I was able to keep up.  But then I’d either fall off my own cadence or get stuck behind somebody else who did, and get spun off. I was pedaling my brains out while guys in the middle of the pack ahead were coasting! I was grateful for the guy who took pity on a couple of us stragglers.  “Get behind my wheel, “I’ll pull you in.” it worked like a charm. 

I've got to figure this out.

The aerodynamics of drafting are sort of basic: the lead locomotive works harder than everyone else.  The second rider slips in right behind, into the vacuum created by the leader, and works about 20% less. In the middle of the pack, you can be working half as hard as the leader. When the leader needs a break, the next person pushes forward, and the rotation continues.  Here's a clip to describe it. You have to keep your nerve and ride tightly for this to work. Stay about 12” off the back wheel of the person just ahead of you. Ride smooth and avoid any sudden moves. Feather your braking to keep from starting a chain reaction crash. And don't miss a beat with the group cadence or you'll lose it.  That was my downfall.

This kind of riding is foreign to me.  As a result, I was my own lead rider most of the time.  I suppose that means I got a better workout than most people!  By the end of the ride I was pooped. 

And ready to try again.

My Folks

I remember when Phyllis Quanbeck, my high school drama teacher, told our class: “Choose your parents well!”

Obviously none of us usually have much choice in the matter, but despite that minor detail, I ended up with fabulous parents. My siblings and I weren’t awful kids...but we certainly were not what you’d call low-maintenance. No matter what kind of curve ball we threw at them, our parents never flinched. To this day they are actively involved in each of our lives. Of course they take great delight in their grandkids, and now that they have a great-granddaughter, they've got a whole new person to be excited about.

Here they are with Nat a few years back on one of our family trips to Sunriver, Oregon. They made sure we had a family vacation there every single summer for over 30 years. I realize now what a gift that was. We can blame them for my obsession with bikes; Sunriver has an amazing network of bike paths, and Central Oregon is a mecca for road and mountain biking. Our vacations were filled with riding bikes, playing tennis, and canoeing on the river. In between the big family outings, I was constantly on my bike by myself.

Every family trip certainly had its share of challenges: arguments, sunburns, sick kids, even a couple of forest fire scares...but those have all faded for me.  What remains clearest are the memories of laughing, togetherness, evening talent shows, and trips to Goody’s Ice Cream with the whole crew. And of course, in the middle of all those memories are my unwavering, ever-present parents.  

Thanks, Mom and Dad!  I chose you well!  Maybe now I can go back to Mrs. Quanbeck and get that "A."

Word Of Mouth Bistro

I'm learning that even while I'm losing weight I can still go out and have a nice meal. I just have to find a place that has some options.  And coffee, of course! Mrs. C and I braved the Saturday morning crowds in line for breakfast at Word Of Mouth Bistro in Salem.   I encourage you to read the reviews from folks who’ve been there.  For me, the Veggie Hash+Toast hit the spot. This place instantly goes to the top select few of our favorite places to eat in Salem. Or anywhere else, for that matter.

A few days before coming here with Mrs. C, I had stopped in because I’d heard they serve Tico’s coffee. Sometime I’ll have to tell you about Tico’s.  You'd need to try it to understand why I’m kinda goofy about it.  Anyway, during my first visit I got the chance to meet Becky, who owns and operates Word Of Mouth with her husband Steve. People running restaurants usually don't have time to chat with customers...unless, of course, they understand that it's all about the customers! Nice conversation, great cup of coffee...I had such a great time on my first stop, I had to bring Mrs. C back with me for another visit. We've found our spot for a breakfast getaway. 

It’s no secret why this place is successful: they make great food, they’re super hospitable, and they serve good coffee.  Bravo!

Today’s ride was an absolute “10.”

I joined my colleagues Ron and Steve (pictured) for a good-sized loop south and west of Salem. Through Ankeny, Independence, Monmouth, Rickreall, back into Salem. 45 miles in all, but it felt more like 20!  We had miles of empty road with postcard-perfect views and riding conditions the whole way.

I know I’ve said this before, but the Willamette Valley has got to be at the top of your list of places to ride. It’s got some of the best roads you’ll find anywhere.  Not a lot of traffic, postcard views in every direction, even the pavement is smooth! 

We rode through vineyards, orchards, wildlife refuge, farmlands...the common denominator everywhere is the color green.  It’s so intense right now because we’ve only had rain and more rain all spring. The sunshine is a long-awaited gift,  making all the colors just pop.  

This blueberry farm (pictured) reminded me to mention...berry season has begun! The strawberries are on right now blueberries are a few weeks off yet. For the next several weeks, folks around here will all be going a little crazy over the local berries.

Personally, having dropped 40 pounds has revolutionized my riding. Last year it was so disheartening to come to a hill and know that I was going to fall farther and farther behind the rest of the pack.  Today, I kept up with my buddies and was even in the lead a few times! Losing the weight has not been easy, but it’s definitely paying off.  I'm still no "greyhound;" at 199 lbs I think I still have some weight to lose.  But this is a 40-pound saddlebag I intend to leave behind.

The good weather is going to hold for at least a while...it's a great time for riding right now!  Git on yer pedals, folks!

Graduate From High School, Then Ride Across America

The teacher leaned my way and asked, “Did you read the article in the paper  today about the kid that’s riding his bike across the United States?”

“Yeah, that’s amazing!”

“You just shook his hand.”

Actually, I got to hand this kid his diploma at high school graduation.  My work is all about high schools and this is one of the fantastic perks.  Anyway, Jordan was already back at his seat by the time I learned who he was.  I’d just read about the trip earlier in the day.

Jordan Gardner graduated last night from Sprague High School, having taken a brief pit stop from the cross-country bike trek he recently began.  He and his dad, along with a few other riders, began their ride earlier this month in Astoria, Oregon.  The ride is for cancer awareness and research, in honor of Jordan’s dad’s friend Dr. Jim Popp, who died of cancer in 2007.

So these guys have already pretty much devoured Oregon.  They’re blogging, sharing some really great photos, and of course, seeking donations.  I’d suggest you follow the trip this summer, and be inspired. Think of your own friends and family who are or were affected by cancer.  Then be proud of a kid who’s wanting to spend some time with his dad and make a difference.

This graduate is on his way.  Go get 'em, Jordan.

Finally, A Number Worth Sharing

I’ve purposefully avoided sharing any progress on my challenge of losing weight. At least not until there was something worth talking about. The last time I mentioned anything was when Mrs. C brought that evil new digital scale into our home. Yes, the one that put me up 8 pounds from where the old scale said I was. Yeesh.  Well, I’m here to say things have improved over time.  Thank goodness.

They say you should really only weigh yourself once a week, but I weigh myself like folks in Chicago vote: early and often! I noticed I have a little pattern going.  Lose a few pounds over the weekdays, find one or two and bring ‘em home on the weekend.  The net result has been that every week, I’m a pound or two lighter.

I'd been gaining weight pretty consistently every year for the past decade. I hit my highest weight back in August before making a determined effort to get lighter again.  I just got tired of seeing myself in the mirror or in pictures, not feeling like that was me I was looking at.  Tired of climbing hills on my bike and always being the last one to the top.  Tired of being tired. Well, that was 40 pounds ago.

It’s been more than ten years since I weighed less than 200, but I’m finally there! This is a really pivotal moment for me, one that I've waited to see happen for some time.  It’s taken a lot of commitment and patience.  Oh, and bags of snap peas...they’re my “candy.”

Still got a ways to go to meet the goal.  I'd sure be a lot closer to it if I could just find that old scale...

My Very First Guest Blogger: Zoey!

Hey Friends,
Zoey agreed to share her story about learning to ride on two wheels. Yay, Zoey! She's my first official Guest Blog Writer, and she wins a blue ribbon for her entry. Let's congratulate her!  
Please share your comments, either on the blog, or on FB!  
KC


Last Saturday I learned how to ride my bike without my training wheels.  First I put on a helmet and started to ride my bike.  I had to learn how to balance and steer, but now I am really good at steering and balancing.  I can ride my bike for a long time.  I can turn around on the road without stopping.  At first my grandpa, my daddy and my Uncle Jordy and my mom helped me start off, and then they let go.  I didn't even know, so I balanced my way until I learned how to ride my bike without training wheels.  It is important to put on your helmet and maybe if you are not used to it, put on knee pads and elbow pads so you will be really safe.  Please watch for cars in the road if you are riding in the road.

To A Brand New Cyclist

Dear Zoey,

Congratulations on learning to ride on two wheels all by yourself!  That is wonderful news.  Your grandmother told me all about it at work today, and she tells me that once you did it, you rode and rode and rode for a long time!  I’m also very glad to hear that you had a helmet on. That’s important to do, every time you get on your bicycle!

I was wondering if you’d like to share your story of how learned to ride on two wheels.  If you’d like, I’ll put it on the blog for other bike riders to read. Or you could draw a picture. That would make all of us smile, because even though we’re older than you, we all remember that feeling when we first learned.

So, you are invited to share your story, and be my first-ever guest blog writer! 

Ride on, Zoey!

Kelly

Protect Your Noggin’!

During our stay in Minneapolis last week, we noticed there were lots of happy Minnesotans out on their bikes in the blazing sun.  I was reminded that they received the coveted Bicycling Magazine #1 rating for bike-friendly cities in the U.S., just edging out Portland this year. 

I noticed that they have lots of generous bike lanes and paths, and some great farm roads for riding outside of the city. Sounds like they’ve got a pretty good cycling community there as well. Snow and ice may keep most folks from riding during the frigid winter months, but from what I can tell, the minute the thaw’s on, these folks are turnin’ and burnin’ their pedals.  So, yay for Minneapolis.

I only have one criticism of the cycling scene in Minnesota, and it's the same for most places in the country. Where are the helmets?!  I’d say I saw almost as many folks without helmets as with them, riding on roads and in traffic.  Kids, too! And here’s the bad part: as unacceptable as that seems, it’s pretty much the norm across the U.S. Only half of bicyclists wear a helmet some of the time, and only 35% wear them most of the time.

Here are the top excuses people don’t wear helmets:

Don’t have one: 50%

Too hot: 47%

Uncomfortable: 45%

It’s just a short trip: 42% 

So why does it feel different in Oregon? Well apparently, when there’s a helmet law for kids, it makes the adults 18% more likely to wear one, too.  That one change--a helmet law for kids--was a tipping point for Oregon. Why does this matter? Bike accidents crash-land more kids into emergency rooms than any other sport. Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 85%.  Bottom line, the research is done.  Helmets save lives.

So, Minnesota, you can do the math, or just put a helmet on and go ride a bike.

The Nest Is Definitely Not Empty.

She looks up from her book and sees both parents are staring right at her.

“What?!” She wants to know.

Sorry, kiddo, that’s what happens when you’re the only birdie left in the nest.  With both brothers gone most the time, we’ve got nothing better to do and you’ve got nowhere to hide. 

The youngest of our trio, Nat has not been bitten by the cycling bug...yet.  And she has no use for coffee. Wow.  Are we really related? Most assuredly...Nat is a singer, and loves singing with choirs. Something I’ve had a bit of experience doing myself.  So it’s fun to turn the tables and become the spectator while my kid is the performer.

Nat’s finding her voice, not only in music but in life. She’s suddenly got opinions about everything...hmmmm...that sort of coincided with becoming a teen.  Like, at the stroke of midnight on her birthday.  This kid’s a voracious reader, an accomplished young writer, and loves to share what she’s learning. She’s not loud, but there’s a boldness to what she’s all about.  Just like the walls in her bedroom.  Sorta makes you think of a highlighter pen.  Being her dad is one of the great joys of my life, and I'm lucky to have such a great kid for a daughter.

She’s definitely her own person, but I’m still optimistic about getting her to love riding bikes. 

I’m open to suggestions.

T-Bone

I miss T-Bone already...all over again. We got to see him for a grand total of four days last weekend before he hopped on a plane to Colorado for the summer.  He’s going to be on staff at a church camp there. As a day camp counselor, it was always easy to spot where T-Bone was, because there were usually kids piling on top of him like a human bean bag chair.  He’s going to be in his element working with children and youth, staying active and enjoying the outdoors, talking about God and stuff. If he remembers to come back at the end of the summer, he’ll return for a week and then it will be time for his second year in college. That's him in the picture, allowing me to finish cramming his "treasures" from his dorm room (an experience I'm not going to repeat).

Anybody who knows T-Bone would have a hard time finding a more fun and sincere person. “Zest” is a good word to describe him: he is goofy and spontaneous, creative, collaborative, a dreamer, and an experiential learner. He’s eclectic: he likes shopping at Goodwill as much as REI, listens to Jack Johnson and then Louis Armstrong, dreams of becoming a Disney Imagineer and marrying Emma Watson. He loves to be active and gets a little antsy if there’s not something cool happening 24/7. As a little guy, he always hated missing out on anything interesting.  That's never changed. He’s a great big brother and little brother, an awesome son, and as true a friend as you’d ever find.  

Kinda sounds like the counselor I’d want leading my cabin...enjoy, summer campers!

Family Time!

Back in Oregon after an extended holiday weekend!  Our whole family was in the same zip code for three days, which was a real treat. We had the opportunity to join G, our oldest, in an entire weekend filled with graduation festivities at his college. Of course we’re singing Hallelujahs that he’s got a college degree--and a plan! 

We sat under a blazing bright Minnesota sky on Sunday afternoon and watched him stand before his class to deliver the graduation speech. Despite being sick (we didn't realize just how sick until after graduation), he hit a bullseye: brief, funny, and poignant. Of course we’re super proud parents of our college grad, but what I wasn’t prepared for was how that kid became that man in such a short time. Geez.

G is home with us just long enough to get ready for his next amazing adventure as a science teacher in rural Mississippi.  He wants to be a part of the effort to close the achievement gap for kids in poverty. So, he’s diving in and getting it done.  Go get ‘em, kid...er, man...but first, let’s take care of that pneumonia you’ve been working on for the last week.

The long ride of parenthood continues...