Archive for the 'cycling' Category

Nekkid Fools Bike Ride

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by
Wyatt
on April 1, 2008
in cycling
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I went out for the Nekkid Fools bike ride, but not enough people showed up, so it didn’t happen. That’s too bad because I was really looking forward to stripping down, riding around, and getting a sense of freedom and exhilaration. I was planning to roll in my shoes, drawlz, and scarf. I wonder if it was too cold or if everyone else was at the Ride for Sheldon, which started at the same time.

We met at the North Park Blocks where Food Not Bombs was going on. I haven’t been to that in a while, so that was fun. I wasn’t very hungry, so I just had a semi-tasty freegan pastry that tasted a bit like it was sweetened with Saccharin.

Organic Athlete Group Ride 3-22-2008

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Wyatt
on March 23, 2008
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Today’s Organic Athlete group ride started again at the Cellar Door Cafe. It’s a nice little place with lots of light and a friendly atmosphere. I met Bonnie and Casey there at about 10:30. We hung out for a while and chatted with the owner some. I had a cup of tasty coffee and an even tastier home made banana split cupcake.

Eventually, we rolled out. It was a slightly chilly, very sunny, and fairly windy day. The wind seemed to blow in every direction. I rode my mountain bike because my road bike’s in the shop having its front wheel rebuilt. I love riding my MTB, though it does require quite a bit more effort on a road ride.

Westmoreland Park We made our way to the Springwater Corridor, rode that down to Umatilla, passed by Piece of Cake (vegan cakes, yo!) in the Sellwood neighborhood, came back north by Westmoreland Park and along the west side of Reed College then up SE 26th. When we hit the corner of 26th & Clinton (AKA, Clinton Corner), I realized I hadn’t been to that part of southeast in quite a while. Ah, memories…

At that point, the ride was essentially done, and we headed over to Seven Corners Cycles so Bonnie could pick up a new seat post. The shop is right down the street from People’s Co-op on SE 21st & Tibbetts. I’d never been there before. It’s a fairly large shop with a decent selection of bikes, equipment, and parts. I contemplated buying a new, “cooler” helmet.

Continuing our tour of SE bike shops I hadn’t been to before, we next went to A Better Cycle so Bonnie could pick up a new (used) stem. “A Better Cycle is a worker owned and collectively run used bicycle shop.” They sell mostly (all?) used bikes and parts. I only got a quick impression, but it seemed like a pretty cool shop.

For our final stop, we went next door to Papa G’s, a new all-vegan deli with an “organic, local, sustainable” focus. Tasty, wholesome victuals. I had a veggies & “cheese” pocket. Highly recommended.

First Organic Athlete Bike Ride

Published
by
Wyatt
on March 8, 2008
in cycling
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I went on my first Organic Athlete (OA) group ride today with Mani, Annie, and Jon. They were all dressed up in swanky green and orange OA cycling outfits. I felt like a dork in my hodge podge of cycling gear. I aspire to one day be that cool (and to not be afraid to walk around in spandex).

Organic Athlete Running Outfits
Swiped from here. I couldn’t find a photo of the cycling clothes, but these outfits are similar.

I think we rode about twenty miles. We started at the Cellar Door Cafe at SE 20th and Harrison. They are an OA sponsor and have tasty, home made, vegan treats (thanks for the samples!). From the cafe we headed north on SE 12th; went up Williams/Vancouver to Schmeer; rode around Portland International Raceway, Heron Lakes Golf Course, and Multnomah County Fairgrounds; and came back south via MLK and Vancouver. I broke off at Broadway and went home.

Along the way, Annie got a flat (here). We stopped and they repaired that, but as Jon was finishing pumping up, the valve stem broke. Oh noes! They put in a new tube, and we got on our way again.

Coming south down MLK, I got a flat (approximately here). Double oh noes! Luckily, Jon had a spare tube for me, since I forgot mine at home. (I owe you one, bro.)

These group rides are going to be my gateway to bike fun this year. I plan to start racing at some point, though probably not too seriously–mainly just for fun, but I do have a competitive streak, so we’ll see.

One thing I definitely plan to do is get ready for this year’s cyclocross season. Last year, I was a spectator except for a beginner’s race in Eugene that I almost died* at due to A) not being in shape for a race, B) getting a horrible night’s sleep on a couch in a freezing cold house the night before, C) riding a 30 pound mountain bike, and D) pushing myself way too hard off the line.

Anyway, the ‘cross races are super fun, with tricky, often muddy courses and a festive atmosphere (FYI for those who haven’t been). I can’t wait. Well, that’s not exactly true, because there’s a lot of fun to be had between now and then, but I’m definitely looking forward to it.

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*Not literally, but it sure felt like it.