The Mid-Valley SPIN
Newsletter of the Mid-Valley Bicycle Club
From the President ...
by Dave Gifford, MVBC President
In this club, we are all about the bicycle. Sure, some of us focus on teaching kids about bikes, or advocating for bike infrastructure, or organizing rides, or organizing tours, but the common theme is the Bike. Unless you are a very dedicated bike racer, where the finish line is the only goal, then much of your time is spent focused on the journey. All of the in-between times. All of the space between departure and destination. I continue to argue that there is no finer way to go between two places than by bike, because it allows you to see a place in the distance on your route, get there, and move on all in a day. In a car, there is so little to see on a high speed road, you just go point to point. By foot, the pace is too slow, but the bike finds the sweet spot- at least for me.
Our club offers tours, more each year, and we are trying to learn how to broaden that even further. I very much suggest that everyone not already participating in a club tour should get out there. Get into that middle space for a while.
If you have been wanting to ride somewhere with others, now is the time to do some planning and talk to others about maybe making that dream formal next year. Reach out to the touring committee to talk through options.
For all the club members on the road or trail this summer, keep living the dream. Enjoy those middle spaces, and come back to tell the rest of us what you saw and learned.
Updated dues fees begin in 2025, club insurance benefit explained
Since its founding in 1974, the Mid Valley Bicycle Club has maintained a strong tradition of sound fiscal management.
While preparing the club's 2025 budget, it was revealed that the club’s administrative operating expenses (insurance, software, licenses) were not being fully covered by our existing dues structure. This review was presented to the Board of Directors, who decided that a dues increase was necessary.
In the spring newsletter of the MVBC Spin , President Dave Gifford announced that a vote on this issue would take place at the next General Meeting in April. According to our bylaws, any increase in dues must be approved by a majority vote of all members present at a General Meeting. At the General Meeting on April 21, 2025 the members approved the dues increase. The new dues structure became effective April 22, 2025.
The new dues fees are as follows:
Individual: increase $5/year to $30
Family: increase $10/year to $40
Student: $10, no increase
It is a modest increase – remember – these are annual, not monthly rates! Thank you for your understanding and support of this necessary adjustment. You will see these updated dues reflected when your renewal occurs in 2025.
One of the benefits of membership in MVBC is the insurance coverage on scheduled club rides and tours. Insurance tends to be a complicated topic with periodic updates. There is now a document on the website to help members understand what the club insurance is all about: MVBC Insurance Coverage Guidelines.
Secretary position available on the MVBC board for 2026
Greetings fellow MVBC Members from your friendly, neighborhood Recording Secretary! I served on the MVBC Board as secretary for three years in the early 2010s when I took notes by hand in our in-person meetings. I am now nearing the end of my current three-year stint as secretary in which I take minutes in Google Docs during our Zoom meetings—a modern, more efficient means of doing things!
As per the MVBC bylaws, board members are committed to each position for one year, though most of us have chosen to serve for three years. As my latest three years come to a close at the end of 2025, I’m looking for someone to take over as Recording Secretary. The duties of this position are as follows:
Records and maintains the minutes of the meetings of the members, special meetings, and the meetings of the Board of Directors
Provides the chair with a list of unfinished business to be conducted at each meeting
Gives notice of all meetings of the members and of the Board as required by the bylaws
To be clear, the meetings for which I take minutes are the MVBC Board Meetings, not the General Meetings. The board meets most months of the year from January through December in the evening of the fourth Monday of the month. We often do not meet during June and July when many of us are on tours or vacations. Also, please know that when I’ve been away or otherwise indisposed during our meeting time, one of my fellow board members has kindly subbed in for me.
Apart from giving back to the club which has given so much to me over the course of my 16-year membership—fitness, fun, and lots of new friends--there are two aspects of serving on the board that I have particularly enjoyed. One is meeting club members who I don’t typically come across on the Tenners rides. The other is learning so much more about the inner workings of the club as well as the many entities with whom we interface such as the City of Corvallis Public Works Department, the Corvallis Bicycle Collective and Corvallis Open Streets among others.
I hope that my explanation of this particular board position encourages some of you to contact the board, offering to step in beginning January 2026. While there is typically an orientation for all new board members, I would be happy to meet with anyone who offers to fill this position to show you the ropes! So, please contact mvbcboard@mvbc.com to let us know of your interest!
Thank you for your consideration!
Upcoming EventsThe MVBC calendar lists MANY events in our area. (I recommend "month" mode.) Club Event Dates 2025 July 12-20, Loop Tour #1: Wheelin’ Wallowa → Elkhorn → Blues July 26-August 3, Loop Tour #2: Wheelin’ Wallowa → Elkhorn → Blues August 10, Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour, Linn County Fairgrounds, Albany MVBC Touring Dates 2025(Click the link or see below for more details!) July 12-20, Loop Tour #1: Wallowas July 26-August 3, Loop Tour #2: Wallowas August 22-23: Gravel Camp with Eugene GEARs September 25-28 Coast Range Gravel Adventure October 2-6 Baker City Gravel Excursion May 18-21, 2026 Columbia Gorge Campout Other area events June 29: Open Streets, Corvallis July 18-20, Cycle Oregon Joyride, Justesen Ranch August 15-17, Swift Summit 200/100, Lebanon August 31, Blackberry bRamble, Eugene September 6 & 13: Ride the Rim, Crater Lake car-free days September 7-12, Cycle Oregon Rally, Crater Lake September 20, Hop Head Hundred, Independence | Save the date! Summer Picnic August 17 MVBC annual summer picnic will be Sunday, August 17, 4:30 p.m. at Rotary Shelter at Willamette Park, in Corvallis. Join in the fun and celebrate a summer of riding, new friends and good food. MVBC will provide non-alcoholic beverages and a main dish BBQ. Please bring a side-dish to share. AI generated image |
Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour prepares for 46th year, Sunday August 10
Registration is open and the Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour (CBBT) is just around the corner! The 46th annual event will be Sunday, August 10, and the ride will start and end at the Linn County Expo Center (fairgrounds) in Albany.
Routes include varying lengths: from the family and beginner friendly 23-mile ride to the 101-mile ride that takes riders to five covered bridges and 3,500 feet of climbing. For more information about the ride, visit https://www.mvbc.com/coveredbridge. As the ride continues to grow in popularity, all profits continue to go directly back to our local communities to support bike education in the schools. In addition to a great ride, as always, there will be root beer floats at the finish line. Riders can also relax and enjoy the sounds of Choro na Cozinha, an Oregon-based group that plays Brazilian Choro music and more!
The CBBT takes the efforts of more than 80 volunteers on the day of the event but also many volunteer hours prior to the event. By helping with the CBBT, you will be helping to support Bicycle Education and Safety programs in the MVBC's Willamette Valley community. CBBT is also a way to earn priority registration to the club's touring options. All CBBT volunteers will also receive a free event t-shirt. To learn more, contact Sam Stern or Rick Olson an email at cbbt@mvbc.com.
For those of you riding, whether you're a seasoned rider looking for a challenge or a leisurely pedaler seeking scenic views, we've got you "covered."
CBBT routes include a full century, "almost" century (85-mile), Metric Century, 44-mile and the most accessible 23-mile route.
Looking for more inspiration? Here's the latest:
Pedal with us through the enchanting Willamette Valley and experience the historic charm of five beautiful covered bridges on the Mid-Valley Bicycle Club's Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour.
Imagine the sensations that come from riding through these timeless structures:
- Sights: Marvel at the intricate wooden beams and the craftsmanship of the historic bridges, each telling its own story of a bygone era.
- Sounds: Hear the gentle echo of your bike tires as you roll across the wooden planks, mingled with the soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.
- Smells: Breathe in the fresh, earthy scent of the surrounding forests and fields as you pass through these picturesque landmarks.
- Feelings: Feel the cool, shadowed air as you enter the bridge, a brief respite from the warm sun, and the textured wood under your fingertips if you pause to admire the construction.
- Flavors: Relish the refreshing snacks and drinks at each rest stop, enhancing the overall sensory journey. Dream of that refreshing root beer float at the end of your ride!
These covered bridges are more than just structures; they are gateways to the past, offering a unique and memorable experience. Join us for a ride that engages all your senses and connects you with the rich history of the Willamette Valley.
Register now and embark on a journey through time and beauty on two wheels! The discounted entry fees end on August 1, so sign up today!
Register HereWe can't wait to share this incredible experience with you!
Loop Tour 2025: Wheelin’ Wallowa → Elkhorn → Blues
by Alex Vincent, Loop Tour Committee Chair
At this writing, there is one spot open on each of Tour 1 (July 12-20) and Tour 2 (July 26-Aug 3). To register, go to looptour.org.
Tour Highlights
In the summer of 2025 MVBC’s Loop Tours are wheelin’ back to the Wallowas, to explore new territory and this year’s tour also adds new miles in the Elkhorn Range.
The nine-day tours will start in Baker City and travel counterclockwise to Halfway, Ollokot Campground, and Wallowa State Park. Following a layover day at Wallowa State Park, we will continue to the Wallowa River Wayside, Grande Hot Springs Resort, and then up to Anthony Lake Campground and on to Union Creek Campground past Sumpter for our last night.
The riding surface is nearly 100% paved. The distance varies from 20-54 miles per day with an average mileage of 42 miles per day. The total mileage is 336. The daily elevation gain varies from 215 to 5,232 feet with an average of 2,658 feet. The total elevation gain is 21,260 ft.
We will be camping in US Forest Service campgrounds, an Oregon State campground, a private campground, a school and a wayside. All camp spots have water and toilets and most have showers. At least one group meal is provided, otherwise food is the responsibility of the participant. Two SAG vehicles will support riders and transport personal gear.
MVBC Touring: planning for the remainder of the year
MVBC members love to ride bikes and camp out together. We have a full schedule of tours planned for this year. These are all posted on the calendar at https://calendar.mvbc.com . (It may be easiest to change the calendar view to month.) There are both road and gravel. long and short tours for every level of rider. We hope you'll consider joining us on one of these tours. Look for registration announcements sent out via the MVBC-Announce email list. Go to touring.mvbc.com for more information on all of our tours.
July 12-20, Wheelin’ Wallowa → Elkhorn → Blues Loop Tour #1: & July 26-August 3, Loop Tour #2:
Loop Tour is an annual nine-day cycling & camping tour. Loop Tour started in 1976! Come and be a part of a long tradition. This year features a return to the Wallowas and an addition of some new areas.
August 22-23: Gravel Camp with GEARs: hub & spoke
Join us for a weekend of camping with a group of like-minded gravel riders from Eugene. This year we will be at one of the nicest campgrounds on the Oregon Coast, Honeyman State Park just south of Florence. In partnership with the Eugene GEARs.
September 25-28 Coast Range Gravel Adventure
Gravel and low traffic roads make this 4-day, 3-night bikepacking adventure in the Coast Range a highlight. This ride takes two days to the beach and two days back.
October 2-6 Baker City Gravel Excursion: hub & spoke
Three days exploring the wide open possibilities of Eastern Oregon, while staying at a hostel.
If you are seeking a fun Eastern Oregon gravel trip…this may be the multiday gravel event for you!Travel to Baker City for three days to enjoy some great off road/gravel cycling! We travel Oct 2 to Baker City. Ride Oct 3, 4, 5. Then drive back home the 6th.
2026: The Columbia Gorge Campout dates will be May 18-21 for next year. Getting campsites is one of the MANY tasks those on the touring committee and Loop Tour Committee take on well in advance of the tour. If you want to become involved, contact touring@MVBC.com
Photos from this years tours: Columbia Gorge Campout: About 10 riders braved the rainy forecast to be rewarded with a weekend of (mostly!) good weather for riding. Brownsville Overnight: About 20 riders enjoyed a one-night, weekend, self supported ride to Brownsville Pioneer Park. Camp Sherman Gravel Camp: Over 30 riders enjoyed camping and riding in the Camp Sherman area. | See these photo albums of past MVBC tours for inspiration! Coast Range Gravel Adventure 2024 Baker City Gravel Excursion 2024 |
FROM THE ROAD
Club members have been out and about exploring all the Northwest has to offer. Check out the photos from the Camp Sherman Gravel Camp and other recent MVBC events on our website. From the home page just scroll down and look for the photo galleries link, or go directly to gallery.mvbc.com or just click here.
Brownsville Overnight helps rider gear up for the touring season
Story & photo by Steve Martel, MVBC director at large
Thirteen club members enjoyed the overnight trip to Brownsville on the weekend of May 31. Gorgeous weather and views of verdant farm fields prevailed on the ride to Brownsville. We relaxed in the afternoon beneath the shade trees at Pioneer Park. On the return trip, riders departed Brownsville at different times depending on whether or not they visited two new establishments there for carbo-loading, coffee, and tea. The return route was under overcast skies and into a stiff breeze until we arrived in Tangent, where most of us regrouped. From there we benefited from clearing skies and a tailwind, arriving home in time to see the Beavers baseball team extend their season.
“There is nothing, absolutely nothing, quite so worthwhile as simply messing about on bicycles." -- Tom Kunich.
Camp Sherman Gravel Camp: fun in the sun
by Tracy Hug, MVBC newsletter editor, photos contributed by Camp Sherman riders
This year, almost 40 people signed up to camp and ride the gravel routes outside of Camp Sherman. The weather was forecast to be in the 90s and did not disappoint. Big kudos go out to Volunteer Tour Coordinator, Nelson Bingelli, who curated a VERY comprehensive Camp Sherman guide for riders to get the most out of their time at Camp Sherman.
The routes were easy to follow with the club's free access to Ride with GPS. (Remember to download them before the ride! Cell reception was variable at the campground depending on provider.) The type of gravel roads for the rides covered all the bases: some forest trails with loose sand/dust in the corners creating a challenge for narrow tires, some gravel roads with nice, smaller red-rock gravel and a few roads that were best described as loose and chunky. Sunday's ride included a stretch best described as a "jeep trail" with small boulders and chunky rock that created a hike-a-bike challenge on the uphill (& downhill!)
On Saturday, the group gathered and headed out at about 8:00 a.m. Round Lake Road forms an 11-mile loop that gains 1100’ of elevation and features great views of six big mountains: Three Fingered Jack, North Sister, Middle Sister, Black Butte, Mt. Washington, and Mt. Jefferson. Many riders stopped at Suttle Lake for lunch either packed from camp or at a lakeside cafe. Following lunch, riders continued on a route that took them along the shoulder of Black Butte or headed back to camp on the many low-traffic gravel roads or trails through the area.
The Riverside campground offered a shallow river for a cooling dip after the ride ... it also was a welcome place to rinse off the dust from the day! Dinner was in camp for some and in the surrounding communities of Camp Sherman and Sisters for others.
One thing that makes Camp Sherman Gravel Camp unique is, as a hub-and-spoke trip, is that riders have MANY options to chose from: they can choose to ride with the planned route or create their own adventure depending on energy level (or wake up time!)
Sunday proved this to be true: the planned route was an early start on a ~27 mile, ~2,700 feet elevation gain route to The Three Sisters. Some riders got an early start and rode the route as posted. Several other groups rode the "lollipop" route as an out and back: spending a roadside lunch break at a breathtaking viewpoint of The Sisters.
Many of our riders have returned to Camp Sherman year after year, so though some of the roads are challenging and the climbs are plentiful, so were the views and those views are worth it! See more of the photos from this year's Camp Sherman adventure!
A gem of a rail trail in Southwest Washington Story and photos by MVBC member Bruce Martin I have had an abiding interest in rail trails for many years and I’ve been a member of the Rails to Trails Conservancy since it’s formation in 1986. This interest has led us to seek out and ride many trails around the US and up into Canada. A new one I discovered recently is the Willapa Hills Trail that stretches for 56 miles from Chehalis west to South Port on the coast. This old railroad bed was once used to transport timber, agricultural goods and passengers to Centralia but declining use led to it’s last commercial run in 1954. Washington State Parks took it over in 1996 and began it’s transformation to a scenic corridor for hikers, bikers and equestrians. I reserved campsites at nearby Rainbow Falls State Park for us and friends from Florida who were coming out for a visit and bringing along their CoMotion travel tandem. We spent four days exploring the trail and although we didn’t ride the entire trail we did out & backs of both ends and parts of the mid sections. The ends are each paved for a few miles and the remainder of the trail is mixed surface of crushed gravel or dirt. There are many trestles spanning the rivers and creeks but no tunnels. 
One day we were having a snack at the Pe Ell trailhead and a passing cyclist stopped by to chat. He was on a self supported tour of the trail with an overnight at lodging in Raymond near the west end. When he found out that Trish and I were from Corvallis he mentioned that he had been a member of the MVBC when he had lived in Corvallis. His name is Eric Alvin for any of you old timers who might remember him. Friends, bikes, a dog and a beautiful trail. It doesn't get any better than this! COMMUNITY CORNER: ADVOCACY & eventsODOT is building the first Protected Intersections in Corvallis. Here is a perspective of the construction in progress, at 4th and Harrison, and the full project site: https://www.corvallisoregon.gov/publicworks/page/odot-harrison-boulevard-tyler-avenue-project
Click the link to stay up to date on the advocacy and bicycle education work that MVBC is doing. Bike lane note of caution: East end of the Washington Way bike path
For riders riding the Washington Way bike path through campus, be aware of a narrowing of the bike lane and watch for oncoming cyclists. (See image at right). This is part of the bike lane that runs through OSU's campus. Tyler Avenue neighborhood bikeway construction underway From Corvallis Active Transportation newsletter The Tyler Avenue Neighborhood Bikeway project is starting its roll out and first on the list of accomplishments is to improve the quality of the street surface. City crews will be performing pothole patching, excavation repairs, and thin asphalt overlays spanning from NW 2nd Street to NW Kings Boulevard. You will start seeing City Crews on the streets come July 14th, but the bulk of the work will begin July 15th and span until roughly mid-August. Additionally, traffic circle construction will be happening at the intersection of 11th Street and Tyler Avenue, which may result in the complete closure of the intersection for a period of time. What to Expect During Construction:
For more information about Neighborhood Bikeways, visit The City of Corvallis web page. Oregon updates e-bike rules for Oregon State Parks from Oregonlive.com: As of July 1, e-bikes are allowed on any park roads and any trails where standard bicycles are allowed, unless expressly prohibited. The rules previously allowed e-bikes only on trails eight feet or wider. 
E-bike riders are also now allowed to ride on any wet sand section of ocean beach, except where they are specifically prohibited, such as in snowy plover nesting areas. E-bikes are not allowed to be operated on any dry sand or dune areas, the parks department said. Some parks have carved out stricter e-bike restrictions of their own, which is allowed under the new rule. Elijah Bristow State Park has banned e-bikes on all trails, while Willamette Mission, Clyde Holliday and Emigrant Springs state parks have restricted e-bike use on some of their trails. The new rules apply to class 1, 2 and 3 electric assisted bicycles as defined by the Oregon State Legislature, park officials said. Anything not included in those classifications is considered a motor vehicle and is not allowed on any state park trails. “We ask that all riders ride responsibly, stay on designated trails and yield to others at Oregon State Parks and the ocean shore,” Aaron Raines, park manager at Stub Stewart State Park, said in a news release Tuesday. “Please keep operating speeds low as people might not be aware that riders are approaching. These are multi-use pathways where they will share the trail with many other users.” Find the original story here: https://www.oregonlive.com/travel/2025/07/these-2-new-oregon-state-park-rules-are-now-in-effect-statewide.html |
Ride of Silence honors cyclists, raises awareness by Jay Thatcher, MVBC member & coordinator of Corvallis Ride of Silence Forty riders came for the 20th annual Corvallis Ride of Silence. After a brief reflective and personable ceremony, the procession began to wend its way for about an hour through the streets of Corvallis. The ride is held to remember cyclists who have been injured or killed on local roads, raise awareness of the numbers of people who ride bikes, and ask that all share the road safely. Highlights this year included the talk by Benton County Commissioner Pat Malone and a spoken rendition from James Bombardier of Jim Page’s song Ghost Bikes. Riders spanned ages from around 10 to almost 80 with many levels of experience and dedication to cycling. Because the MVBC paid to improve the Ride of Silence banner and for it to be hung over Harrison Blvd, awareness of our event spread more widely across Corvallis. The seven-mile long route used a variety of bicycle facilities in Corvallis, including a collector street, a soon-to-be bicycle boulevard, the Eric Austin Memorial Path, Fifth Street through downtown, and lots of local neighborhood streets. A small group of volunteers worked on planning, publicity, and route marking. They deserve lots of thanks. If you’d like to join in the effort, contact me at silent.ride@yahoo.com. The International Ride of Silence started in 2003 in Dallas, Texas and is held annually on the third Wednesday in May. It includes over four hundred locations worldwide in 44 states and on five continents. The local Ride of Silence started after Robin Jensen, a sheriff’s cadet and Aquatic Center staff member, was killed by a hit and run driver in August 2004. Other local riders that have died include Randall Fox in 2016, Eric Austin in 2018, Jeremy Gruver in 2019 and Sherry Sisson in 2021. See photos of past Rides of Silence and the Ghost Bikes. | Ghost Bikes somebody got killed ghost bikes, ghost bikes -Jim Page, https://jimpage.bandcamp.com/album/ghost-bikes, 2010
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Open Streets Corvallis: a sunshiny successful day of walk, bike, and play
Open Streets is a free street festival that re-imagines our most shared public spaces – streets and parks – as places where people want to walk, bike, and play. Many MVBC members were involved as volunteers or participants: taking time to enjoy the traffic-free route and exploring the parks with friends and family.
Find more photos on Open Streets Facebook page.
4th of July Marys Peak ride: sunshine draws a crowd: friends new & old
Marys Peak traditions continue Photos & story contributed to by Steve Gerdemann, MVBC member & volunteer Story by Tracy Hug, MVBC newsletter editor By road and by gravel, MVBC riders headed to Marys Peak for the 4th of July tradition: challenging themselves to a climb and a reward at the top: the views and a snack! This year, road riders started arriving to the top around 10:30 a.m. This year's sunny day turn out, close to 70 riders, breaks recent records. After braving the climb quite a few riders climbed another 300+ feet on gravel to make it to the summit. The estimate is 60% took a gravel route and 40% came by road. "Tenners" ride leader Betty Tucker was impressed with 8- year-old rider, Pearl Rickenbach, who rode from Philomath to the top of Marys Peak. Pearl rode with her mom, Jessica Rickenbach Steve Gerdemann has volunteered to provide snacks and water at the top for ~5 years and the MVBC board thanks Steve for being there with a smiling face and a helping hand with the water and snacks. Steve arrives early to hike up to the top and this year, he added the challenge of riding down to Conner's Camp and back up. Steve volunteers for 4th of July and again on Labor Day, when he arrives in time for the sunrise. He does offer a Hiatt cinnamon roll for anyone who makes the ride on a penny farthing, as a nod to Ashley Molk, who was an MVBC member and Corvallis cyclist who, in 1984, completed a transcontinental trip on a 1880s-style "high wheeler." Steve says, "It was great to see and talk to so many different club members. Thanks to everyone who rode & made it such a fun day for Juan, me and I hope everyone else." Labor Day is the next organized Marys Peak ride to look forward too! Steve says, "In 2018, when Jeff Hale brought the cinnamon rolls (made by his wife) people went on about how great they were. (You know I love cinnamon rolls.) When Jeff did it I'm guessing there might have been 20 riders. This year we had 68 for the 4th of July. The first year I did Labor Day, I brought my camp stove and made coffee and pancakes. That was the last time the stove worked." (Thanks for the sacrifice of your stove Steve!) Steve reflects on his recent Marys Peak support history: The 1st time I rode the 4th of july ride was 2016 and the club had watermelon at the top. The next year (2017) I rode it again and all I found was a Peak Sports employee event. 2018 Jeff Hale was there with cinnamon rolls. If I remember right his wife made them. They were really good. 2019 was the first year I volunteered at the top 2020 I was recovering from Heart surgery and didn't make it 2021 I was there 2022 we were in Portugal on the 4th 2023-2025 I have done it
Paul Liberman, MVBC Webmaster & IT Director and Pearl Specht celebrate at the top of Marys Peak photo contributed by Paul Liberman Special Notes on Marys Peak Gravel Ride Edition by Rob Upson, MVBC Bicycle Advocate Luckily there was no automobile traffic while gravel riders crossed the Marys River bridge on Highway 20, on their way to Woods Creek Road. There is lots of visibility headed westward and riders took the lane early. ODOT has been informed about this dangerous situation and has agreed to sweep the roadside and sidewalk soon. That’s a start. Club advocates are discussing additional options to move toward a safer crossing. I want to recognize all the GEARs riders who drove up from Eugene to climb Mary’s Peak by gravel! In appreciation, consider riding the GEARs Blackberry bRamble on Sunday, August 31, in Eugene. |
Siblings take on ride up the peak Photos & interview contributed by Teddi Crotti, MVBC member Story by Tracy Hug, MVBC newsletter editor The talk of the town (or at least Marys Peak) was Pearl and Will Specht: siblings and the youngest MVBC riders on the Marys Peak ride in recent history. Will, 14 and Pearl who is eight, rode from Philomath to Marys Peak (that's ~38 miles, with ~4,247 feet of elevation!) with their mom Jessica Rickenbach. The family joined MVBC about a year ago and many riders on the "Tenners" rides will recognize Will from Saturday rides. Both Pearl and Will ride with the Corvallis Junior Cycling Team. For Marys Peak, Will rode up with three older junior boys from the team and their Coach Doug Antelman. For the 4th of July ride, Will, an incoming freshman at CHS, was riding his Felt road bike. Pearl was riding her 24" Felt that she's had for about a month. She started riding a road bike when she was seven and when she was "little," (four years old) she had a red bike. Pearl, a third grader, has friends that she rides with on the Corvallis Junior Cycling team and also rides longer rides with her mom Jessica and brother Will. She is also training to do her first half marathon in the fall. Other rides this year have been up to the Lewisburg Saddle, Decker and Hiatt (for Mother's Day) and last year, they rode the 23-mile Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour and the full 32-mile circuit of Crater Lake. Jessica reassures anyone in the "kids can't" camp that the kids have been cleared by their pediatrician. "She has gradually built intensity and distance. She ran the Tutu 5k and Corvallis 5k already this year. Will ran the Corvallis Half, with me too."  "Tenners" ride leader, Betty Tucker, said as she was riding up the road she saw two riders stopped by a car at the parking lot on 34 at the Marys Peak turnoff: she assumed they were starting at the parking lot and riding to the top. "At that point, I had no idea who they were. Just a few moments later, they rode up behind us and Jessica introduced herself. It didn't take long for me to realize that Jessica was Will's mom and I know him from the Saturday rides," Betty said. "I enjoy riding with Will on the Saturday rides. He's always in a good mood and so much fun to ride with. He's always out there with a good attitude and no complaining when he's riding ... even on a rainy day," Betty said. "Later, when I got home, I heard via text they all had ridden from the Philomath Post Office," Betty said. "When I heard that, I was so impressed. That's a long ride and a tough climb! That's longer than I rode that day!" Betty continues, "When I was eight, I couldn't even ride up a hill by my house. I had to get off and push. I wanted to do it but I couldn't do it. I told myself someday I'm going to ride this hill ... and eventually I did!" "I look forward to seeing both Will and Pearl out on the roads," Betty said. |
Friends don't let friends use turn-by-turn directions backroad bicycling
"Stay on the blue line," is a refrain I've heard while riding on some of our remote gravel roads. Recently Dirty Freehub, a Bend non-profit organization, posted on social media about why following the "breadcrumb line," is the best strategy for biking on backroads. When navigating rides on multi-surface, off-the-beaten-path areas and other more remote areas, the turn-by-turn directions are often inaccurate due to the way the base map on the device (Garmin, Wahoo) interacts with the file that has the "route."
The Dirty Freehub User Guide FAQs provides a great explanation of why those turn-by-turn directions can be wrong and some tips on how to adjust your settings so that you don't get led astray in the woods.
Thanks to MVBC Route Librarian Nelson Binggeli for highlighting this article and sharing it with members!
Upcoming events
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07/12/2025Wheelin’ Wallowa - Elkhorn - Blues (2 separate 9-day sessions)
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07/12/2025Wheelin’ Wallowa - Elkhorn - Blues
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07/12/2025Wheelin’ Wallowa - Elkhorn - Blues (2 separate 9-day sessions)