Ride with George Hincapie in Oregon

[Susan Otcenas]

Jeff & I did the MS150 (MS180) this weekend. We had a great time.

Sunday night we camped at Pacific University. Cool green grass, lots of shade, and no redneck kids squealing their tires in the middle of the night.

Saturday morning, George Hincapie gave a brief welcoming speech. He doesn't appear to be especially fond of public speaking, but he did welcome us all to the event and thank us for riding (No, no, thank YOU, George )

Being the crappy photographer that I am, the best shot I got of him was just at the moment he decided to yawn. He was apparently quite jet-lagged. He flew in from Italy to ride, and flew right back out when it was over. Got another shot of him speaking at the dinner after the ride too.

Saturday's long option was 106 miles. Quite hilly with 6000 feet of gain. No sustained climbs, just lots of ups and downs. Mostly lower-traffic roads. We did a loop around Hagg Lake, then headed south through Yamhill, Lafayette, Newberg, Sherwood (via Wilsonville Rd/Bell Rd/Baker Rd area), then back to Forest Grove.

The food was marginal. Lunch (including deli meats and salads with mayo) was left out in the sunshine, with no ice. We said something to the ride director and they moved it into the shade. I wouldn't eat most of it anyway. They ran out of water at lunch AND at the following rest stop. We went to Walgreens for water. Sigh.

Sunday's ride was 72 miles. 3750 feet of climbing. Two long sustained climbs - one 3 miles long, and one steep sucker that went on for a mile. Saw several folks walking that one. Food was better and more plentiful, but parts of the route were marginal. They routed us onto Hwy 47 and the 47/26 stretch between Banks and the turnoff to Vernonia. Huge shoulder, but the traffic sucks. Fortunately it was only a few miles.

All in all, an enjoyable ride, despite the food and water issues.