Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour is almost here! Ride it or lend a hand

It is time for the Covered Bridge Bike Tour (CBBT) and whether you ride or volunteer, you’re sure to have a great time. The ride is on Sunday, August 14 and there are routes for everyone: a full century ride (100 miles), an almost-century ride (85 miles), a metric century ride (68 miles), a short tour (44 miles) and the shortest ride (23 miles) that’s mostly flat . More information and easy registration is on our club website at CBBT registration. 

In addition to the traditional root beer float at the finish, this year, Fionnghal, a Celtic trio, will be playing from 1:30-4:30 at the Linn County Fairgrounds. 

It's not too late to consider volunteering.  Be a part of the team that makes it happen. If you’re interested, contact Sam Stern, 1samstern@gmail.com, to learn more.

MVBC Columbia Gorge Campout a success

Biking and So Much More!

photos and story by Patti Watkins

Vehicles loaded with bikes began trickling into Eagle Creek Overlook Group Campground around noon on a sun-dappled, late May day. This site was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s as a place to view construction of the Bonneville Dam. High on a bluff above the Columbia River, it offers views of the water and the surrounding mountains that rise from the gorge, as well as the occasional passing steamboat! Incidentally, we learned that steamboat sightseeing voyages could be had, launching from nearby Cascade Locks. PortlandSpirit

Folks then began spilling out of their vehicles to set up camp, some in the open meadow, some in forested sites, and some just outside of the large, rustic, stone picnic shelter. All were greeted by MVBC’s Nancy Meitel who was serving as campground host for the season. While, technically, there is no “leader” for this club event, Nancy graciously offered information and tips on where to bike as well as other activities in the area.

Upon setting up the tents, the bikers headed toward Multnomah Falls, 12 miles distant.  Multnomah Falls Most paused to gaze upon Horsetail Falls, about 3 miles east of Multnomah Falls and visible from the historic Columbia River Highway which we traversed once the bike path ended. When we reached Multnomah Falls, some riders stopped to eat at the restaurant housed in the historic lodge, while others procured drinks from an outdoor stand. Many of us just gazed at the falls and cooled off a bit in the mist, though some hiked up to the bridge crossing in front of the mid-portion of the falls. The following website describes many hiking options around Multnomah Falls and other falls in the area. It also offers information about e-bike rentals for self-guided tours of the Gorge. Things to do at the Falls.

Back at camp that evening, Nancy prepared a spaghetti dinner for the group, with participants having brought a variety of side dishes and desserts to compliment the meal. We congregated around the large picnic tables the next nights as well---munching on leftovers, watching the sunset over the river, and swapping stories or sharing intel about our various adventures throughout the day.

The majority of folks started out the next day on bikes—some heading back toward Multnomah Falls, but most heading in the direction of Cascade Locks. Some intrepid riders then cycled across the Bridge of the Gods, a steel truss cantilever bridge with a metal grate surface, allowing riders to look straight down at the Columbia River. There is a nominal toll for passage from both the Oregon and Washington sides. Some of those who crossed into Washington cycled a few miles east to the town of Stevenson where there are a number of eateries and brew pubs. My personal suggestion, having eaten here the day following the official club ride, is the RedBluffTapHouse where I had a delectable gourmet burger with melted gouda and house-made candied bacon jam. Instead of one of the many regional beers available, I chose a craft cocktail with which to wash it down!

On Day 2, Lyle and I had intended to ride further east from Cascade Locks on historic Highway 30 along the river, but unfortunately, just a few miles out of town, the road was closed due to bridge reconstruction. Undeterred, after lunch in Cascade Locks and biking the path back to camp, we hopped in my trusty Xterra and drove over to the Washington side to scope out the boat launch at Beacon Rock State Park.  There were no other boaters in the water at the time, but we were greeted by a snorting sea lion basking in the river! Although the Columbia was flowing fast, our plan, successfully executed the next day, was to put our kayaks in there and hug the shore for a brief amount of time until we could enter Hardy Slough which flows through the Pierce National Wildlife Refuge. Indeed, this was a peaceful paddle filled with bird song and sightings---and reflective views of verdant foliage and Beacon Rock itself on the return paddle. Apart from the kayaking opportunity, there were a number of hiking options in and around Beacon Rock State Park ranging from short to long, steep to flat. On the way back from scouting the river, Lyle and I ventured along the Strawberry Island trail, an easy amble with views of Hardy Creek and the Columbia River. Find out more about the Strawberry Island Loop.

While Lyle and I hit the water on Day 3, one rider biked a goodly way west of Multnomah Falls. Four others drove to the Washington side in order to bike the Klickatat Trail, starting in the town of Lyle. The report at dinner that night was that the pedaling was more akin to mountain than gravel biking. Nevertheless, they described stunning scenery, distinctly different from our wetter western location near Eagle Creek. The trail was lined with a wealth of wildflowers, wending alongside the raging Klickitat River that cut through the rolling green hills. There were also reports of rogue cows meandering along the trail—this confirmed when I hiked a three-mile portion of the trail from the Fisher’s Hill Bridge entry point a few days later!

On their drive back, two of the Klickitat riders took advantage of the public pool at the historic Carson Hotsprings Resort, located approximately 4.5 miles east of Stevenson, WA. This pool, located in a new building on the grounds, is open to non-guests for $12 per hour. I actually extended my time in the Columbia Gorge, staying in the lodge for two nights beyond the club’s campout. Thus, I had the chance to experience the traditional treatment in the original bathhouse built in the early 1900s. This rustic bathhouse, with separate areas for women and men, features vintage stylings including clawfoot tubs into which hot mineral water is directly pumped. This soak, for $30-35, is followed by a linen wrap. Massages are available at extra cost. For those who venture to the Washington side of the Gorge, I also recommend a stop in the town of White Salmon, an artsy town with some great eateries which is also a jumping off point for outdoor activities. I visited there on my way back west from the Klickitat Trail and enjoyed dinner and craft cocktails outdoors at Henni's Kitchen and Bar.

On Day 4, the final morning of the Columbia Gorge Campout, I finally had the chance to hike on the Eagle Creek Trail with two other club members. A number of other participants had hiked this trail throughout our stay as had participants during the previous year’s outing. While I only hiked six miles round trip, the trail is quite long and one could spend an entire day traversing it to the top and back. The portion of the trail that I hiked climbed along rocky cliffs lined with wildflowers from which water frequently dripped. The foliage was lush, and the view of Punchbowl Falls was stunning. The trailhead is located very near our group campground and, according to Nancy, has far fewer visitors during the time of year of the club’s campout than later on in the summer. Eagle Creek Trail

Apart from the Eagle Creek Trail, Nancy also recommended the nearby Elowah Falls Loop Hike, though at the time of this writing, it is closed due to a landslide, but perhaps open in time for next year’s event. Elowah Falls Loop Hike. Lastly, Nancy encouraged folks to take tours of the Bonneville Dam, available from both the OR and WA sides. I ran out of time to do so, but heard from others that they found this to be quite fascinating. All in all, the Columbia Gorge Campout offers club members and their families not only a chance to bike amongst “gorgeous” scenery, but to also experience numerous other recreational and relaxational activities in this part of the Pacific Northwest! I, for one, plan to return next year for the cycling,  camping, camaraderie, and all else that the trip may have in store!

Loop Tour Reflections from fresh eyes

Editor's note: Sometimes I wish I could go back in time and "unknow" things. It's hard to know what we know and I like to hear about things from people with fresh eyes. I asked JP to share a bit about his experience on Loop Tour #2, knowing that he's a capable rider and has experience with mountaineering and backpacking. If you've done a tour and would like to share it with the club, please contact newsletter@mvbc.com. 

An experienced cyclist, backpacker reflects on his first Loop

by JP (aka: John) Wilson, photo by John Rodecker

The Spin: Have you done organized bike camping/touring?

JP: I’ve never participated in an organized bike camping/touring experience before, but I have been an active cyclist for over 30 years. I thought that with my current cycling experience, coupled with my backpacking/mountaineering knowledge that this would be an appropriate challenge to take on.

The Spin: What made you decide to try Loop Tour?

JP: Being an avid cyclist, and finding joy in community cycling I joined MVBC almost immediately after moving here in 2019. I love backpacking, mountaineering, and outdoor activities, so when I became aware that the club sponsored an annual loop tour, I originally signed up for the tour scheduled for 2020, but it was subsequently canceled because of the pandemic. So I set my sights on the next opportunity to join the loop tour when the club offered it, the 2022 loop tour was my first opportunity to go. I am always interested in an experience that I’ve never done before, and I thought that as an active cyclist, feeling strong in my abilities that the Loop Tour would offer a new challenge. I enjoy the shared communal activity of cycling, and believed that the loop tour offered that shared experience.

The Spin: What surprised you?

JP: That I didn’t quit after that first day! I learned that cycle touring is very different than backpacking, and requires a commitment and stamina that I’d never expected. The ride to Prineville didn’t necessarily present any different challenges than my typical rides here in Corvallis, but it was hot, dry and an unrelenting headwind that kept pushing me back as I tried to push forward. Knowing I wasn’t alone in this activity, with my fellow cyclists on the tour experiencing the same conditions, it made me commit to the ride and see it through. I had to take each day one at a time, assessing my expectations vs the actual outcome of each ride. I’m very glad I didn’t quit!

The Spin: Anything that disappointed you?

JP: I was not disappointed with any aspect of the tour, it was well planned, supported, and executed by the SAG team, and my fellow cyclists. I did realize however, that in this tour I may have needed to slow down, enjoy the scenery more often, and try not to be the first to arrive. Having participated in numerous Century rides over the past decades, I became conditioned to ride these one day events as fast as I could, and I think I brought those tendencies with me to the tour, and in that I may have disappointed myself because I missed some sights, and group activities.

The Spin: What would you share with someone thinking about doing LT for the first time?

JP: Manage your expectations, prepare and plan how to react to changing and evolving situations! Ride often, with variable elevations, and mileage. Consider your limitations, and try to exceed them through training and exercise. All of which sounds trite versus the reality of the ride, but plan for all outcomes.

Also, I would do it all again because it was fun, and exciting!

An experienced touring cyclist, returns to self-supported adventure by joining his first Loop

photos and story by Dan Miles

I have been passionate about bicycle touring most of my life. My local bike club in Pennsylvania organized many “credit card” tours every year, where we would stay in hotels and eat in restaurants. Trips included a “cross PA” tour and a yearly ride to Cape May, New Jersey.

After a friend shared the book, “Miles From Nowhere” I was hooked on unsupported, fully loaded bike touring. A friend and I rode across the continent from Florence, Oregon to Bar Harbor, Maine in 2003 and I have since completed mini-tours in Pennsylvania, the Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia-North Carolina), New Mexico, Oregon and Washington.

Moving to Oregon has been a lifelong dream. One of the many benefits of living here is being at the center of Adventure Cycling’s extensive bicycle route network.

My dream for retirement has been to be able to push my bicycle out my door and head off for an adventure in any direction. However, the realities I faced when retiring in 2020 included a pandemic which curbed my plans to go on an Adventure Cycling group tour and the MVBC southern Oregon tour. And, I was experiencing some physical set-backs from a crash along with the effects of aging.

The Bend Bow-Tie tour was a fantastic opportunity to get back in the saddle, test my legs and see if bike touring was still a possibility for me. It was an easy tour, but it was very challenging for me. I chose to ride without the sag option, but I still experienced support that otherwise would not have been available. I was happy to find a sag team waiting at the top of a climb with cold water or at a tricky navigation point with clear directions. And I was quickly spoiled by having cold Gatorade and bubble water waiting for me at the end of the day. The loop tour was well-planned and implemented, and most importantly, there was a relaxed, positive and supportive vibe among the riders. I made many new friends who share our mutual passion for bicycle adventures.

My advice for first time loopers:                                   

Train. I completed many fully loaded training rides, including one overnight in preparation for the tour. I could feel those training miles paying off as we rode up Newberry Crater.

Be prepared to pivot. You’ll inevitably overlook something. I forgot one important clothing item and had to improvise.

Go with the flow. Part of the beauty of bicycle tour is the unexpected, the ambiguity or things simply not going as planned. As I chugged up highway 58 with cars and trucks whizzing by within a few feet, I kept reminding myself, “The difference between an ordeal and an adventure is ATTITUDE.”

I felt myself growing stronger and more confident each day on the Bend Bow-Tie tour. I was elated to be in my “happy place” and continually reflected on a quote by Heinz Stuke, a German cyclist who traveled the world by bicycle his entire life, “Be careful, be crazy, be a little bad. It is the unknown around the corner that turns my wheels.”

Riding the Oregon Outback

by Paul Lieberman (pictures by various participants)

Book review: Eat, Sleep, Ride 

How I braved Bears, Badlands and Big Breakfasts in My Quest to Cycle the Tour Divide

by Paul Howard, review by Tracy Hug

This book follows the adventures of a British sports writer's journey on the Tour Divi

de Race. Prior to the ride/race, he had never owned a mountain bike but he has ridden the Tour de France course. His story follows the genesis of his idea to complete this race and follows the course state by state as he rides the more than 2,700 miles along the Rocky Mountains from Canada to Mexico. Howard shares stories of adventures along the trail and the riders he meets along the way, doing this with a good dose of humor thrown in.  While not a guide book per say, the book has something for everyone: accomplished multi-day self-supported riders or someone who just enjoys a good tale of adventure.

What's that smell?!? 

A few rambling thoughts on helmet health ... 

by David Lerman

Getting a little stinky? Could be you but might be your helmet. Helmets do not come with cleaning instructions. I have put together a carefully curated collection of cleaning techniques sure to satisfy some cyclists. Perhaps the easiest wash is to go for a ride in a serious downpour. But planning to cycle in heavy rain isn’t as easy as it may sound. Usually downpours occur when you are least expecting them. So planning for a downpour can actually prevent the cleansing flood. I recommend cycling on days when no precipitation is predicted during the months November through April. Under no circumstance should you take a rain jacket, booties, helmet rain cover or any other paraphernalia meant for rain. The more cold, wet and miserable you are, the more grateful you will be to have cleansed your helmet.

Another approach, one that does not depend on the elements, is to drag your helmet behind a kayak or canoe. Simply pass the stern line through one of the vent holes, clip the line to itself and toss your helmet overboard. This technique has a side benefit of occasionally catching some fish. While we are often prohibited from fishing and especially net fishing in many bodies of water, I am unaware of any rule anywhere prohibiting dragging a helmet behind a boat. Of course, you might also catch some nasty lake weed. No Peter, not the kind you can smoke . . . or at least not with the sought after result. Generally, just shaking your helmet will dislodge the local vegetation.

Failing more natural approaches, I decided in this post-industrial revolution era that there might be a mechanical solution. First I place my helmet in the dishwasher. Or rather tried to place my helmet in the dishwasher. I don’t know if my head is too large or the dishwasher too small, but in any case, that was a no-go. Next I tried the washing machine. It only took a minute or two for the neighbors to knock on the door to inquire what the racquet was coming from our home. If you live in a rural setting where the nearest neighbor is more than a mile out, this might work. But it was a failure for me. Another technique is to fill a bucket with soapy water and toss your helmet in. The trouble with this approach is that helmets floats. Weighing down your helmet with something heavy, like your significant other or a brick is necessary. I do not recommend strapping in your significant other; that could result in asphyxiation or worse, drowning. Better to have them just sit on the helmet. Originally this approach called for a dog to sit on the helmet. But I find that most dogs are unwilling to sit still that long, hence the significant other. To enhance soak time, provide your SO with a cell phone and arrange for friends to text them frequently. Lastly, you could choose to just leave your helmet in its current condition. After all, you are riding with other people in fresh air, not engaging in some hippie sniff-fest. The guy riding next to you probably smells as bad or worse.If you have other methods for cleaning a helmet, please send them to the author at djlerman3@yahoo.com.

Disclaimer: None of the above methods has been tested. Try at your own risk. Results may vary. Neither the author or MVBC responsible for degradation of your marital or other relationship.