Willamette Valley Cyclists in Oregon Riding this Summer

[DarcyInOregon]

The Willamette Valley Cyclists is a new group that can be found on MapMyRide.com, and searching within groups for our name. We are a group of older cyclists who love to bike out in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, mostly starting from Champoeg State Park near Butteville. We are not a bike club, just people who like to ride in the valley for the incredible joy it brings us to see the beauty and prosperity of the seasons unfold across the valley floor. Our average speed is about 13 to 13.5 mph, though on routes with a lot of hills and on windy days the average speed can drop down to 12, and on good days the average speed can get up to around 15. We don’t leave riders behind because the rides are not about how fast we can go, but more about having fun. Come join us for a ride this summer and see if your riding style and personality is compatible with our group. There are two group admins, and usually rides for 30 miles or more will be posted to the group forum. You can view the routes and decide if the route is suitable for you or not. If you don’t see any group rides posted, then email one of the group admins to see if you can join up with one of the quick shorter unscheduled rides that we do a lot.

[DarcyInOregon]

I need to admend the description of the average speed for the riding group. Due to weight loss and increased fitness levels, the group now rides with an average speed betweeen 14 and 15, and only dips under 14 on high wind days or rides that entail a lot of climbing. However we will slow down and not drop a member of the group if anyone is riding slower than 14.

[Susan126]

I wish I lived in your area Darcy! I'm up here near Seattle. I would ride with you guys all the time. I love that area. In fact I will be down your way on October 10th riding the 75 mile course of the Harvest Century! It's one of my favorite rides! And it's a great end of the season ride. The scenery is awesome!

Sue :)

[DarcyInOregon]

I wish I lived in your area Darcy! I'm up here near Seattle. I would ride with you guys all the time. I love that area. In fact I will be down your way on October 10th riding the 75 mile course of the Harvest Century! It's one of my favorite rides! And it's a great end of the season ride. The scenery is awesome!

Sue :)

Sue, I am totally addicted to cycling in the Willamette Valley. However I like a change of pace and will spend a few days on Whidbey Island towards the end of the month, just to bike on some different scenic roads, so I will be biking more in your region.

I think the Harvest has a different route this year. It leaves from the Washington County Fairgrounds instead of going out of Champoeg State Park. I will do the Peach metric out of Salem, but I am not certain if I will do the Harvest metric.

Darcy

[ZooZoo]

I plan on doing the Harvest ride, too. (I'm in the Seattle area). Probably the shorter ride (45 miles), depending on time. May do the Peach, still haven't committed yet. Looks like Oregon has some wonderful rides! I plan on doing the Monster cookie ride with some friends.

[Susan126]

Darcy you will love cycling on Whidbey Island. I have cycled the northern part of Whidbey, crossing Deception Pass with a motorcycle escort, when I did the MS 150 two years ago. It's a beautiful area! Like you I have my favorite "local" rides but also like you, it's nice to get a change of scenery and ride in different areas.

Yes the Harvest Century is starting from the Washington County Fairgrounds this year. I already have my hotel reservation, only a mile from the fairgrounds and the start in Hillsboro. My hubby will be doing the ride with me. We'll head on down as soon as we both get off work on Friday. We are looking forward to that beautiful autumn ride! :)

I've never done the Peach Metric. I'll have to look into that one!

ZooZoo, you'll love the Harvest Century. Will this be your first time doing this ride? What a wonderful atmosphere! They go all out!

I wrote about my Harvest Century ride last year on my blog. If you're interested here it is:

2008 Harvest Century . . . What a Fantastic Ride! (http://cycling-addict.blogspot.com/2008/10/harvest-century.html)

I'm sure this year's will be even better! I can't wait! :D

[DarcyInOregon]

I will be doing the Peach too. I just finished the Vine Ride yesterday, out of Newberg, and my cycling buddy thinks we should have done the century. However I prefer the distances of the metric.

Here is the link to the Peach:

http://www.salembicycleclub.org/content.plx?page=majrides

As you can see, the Peach has a new distance this year of 75 miles. The event ride I did yesterday was around 72 miles, so 75 miles should be easy enough.

The Monster Cookie is a fun ride because it is mostly flat to semi-rolling.

Susan and Zoo, have either one of you done the Tulip ride in the early spring that is north of you? I did that ride one year in the heavy rain.