Missing my Bicycle (BlogAlong day 3/30)

I wish I'd been able to get in some miles on the bike this summer, but it wasn't to be. I miss it a lot, and now I'm so fat and out of shape. It's quite depressing.

The thing I love about bicycling is that it gives you a way to see the countryside at a slower pace, soaking in the sights, sounds, and yes - smells. A couple years ago (in August) we were riding at least 100-150 miles per week in order to prepare for Cycle Oregon. There's nothing like having a big week long ride to get you motivated ~ you can't "cram" for this sort of experience, and no one wants a suffer-fest. But check out this photo - how could you not fall in love with the bike, and Oregon?

I'm hoping my life/work schedule next spring/summer will allow me to get back in the saddle.

Home!

The long drive home yesterday was a miserable one. After stop and go traffic in the area of University of Oregon (Ducks vs Missouri football game?), the weather took a turn for the worse through the coast range - very rainy and foggy with poor visibility. Near collision, too, when some fool thought he'd pass an oncoming car on a curve, completely ignoring the solid double yellow line and stupidity of making such a move in the first place. Thank goodness hubby was hugging the fog line at the time!

I slept in today, and boy, did it feel good. My agenda today is to do LAUNDRY. I believe I'll need to find some tongs to pick through the pile, though. I also want to insert some photos into some of the earlier posts.

This morning, my son (who also rode Cycle Oregon with us), sent me a couple links - a photo and video of most of our "Team" crossing the finish line on the last day (he's a much faster rider and finished well ahead of us). We're wearing our local brew pub jerseys (Fort George), and did our best to promote the business during the ride.  I'm the plump rider with the hydration pack on her back. Below the photos, you can see us in the few seconds of the video.

CO Day 7

Day 7 – September 17: Riddle to Sutherlin

“Water to Wine” (52 miles)

Today’s finish reminds you of the diverse splendor of Oregon riding. You’ll pass pastures of sheep, cattle, llamas and horses. You’ll fly by lumber mills, roll through river valleys and ascend along hillside vineyards. The middle part of the day follows a local wine-tour route, including a stop at the picturesque Melrose Winery. After the rollers spill out into a broad valley, you’ll follow gently rolling swells into Sutherlin, capping a memorable week.

Rest stop at the Melrose Winery. 18 miles to go! Beautiful - must come for a visit again.

Later: Did it! Great ride, and it feels good to accomplish such a big physical challenge. Good to do it with friends, too. Wonder what next year's route will be?

Wow! What a killer day. Gained over 5000 feet in elevation today, over 78 miles. Here I am, photo taken along the descent. Guess I was too tired to suck in my gut...

Later: Back in camp, and boy, does my butt hurt. One day to go! Eating voraciously now. :-)

CO Day 6

Day 6 – September 16: Powers to Riddle

“Stairway to Heaven” (85 miles)

This is a quintessential Oregon forest ride. Climb gradually under a shady green canopy, alongside a boulder-strewn stream, then turn toward the sky for a sturdy climb past waterfalls, before smoothing out for a glide into the aptly named Eden Valley. After lunch the major climb of the week awaits, but the serene surroundings offer a worthwhile trade-off. And it’s (nearly) all downhill after that, including an amazingly smooth run-in that follows Cow Creek for miles of pick-your-pace pedaling.

Well, the description of the ride said something about being "nearly downhill" for the last 25 miles or so, but I want to add that there was a wicked headwind slowing us down and taxing the muscles in our legs - so don't you go thinking it was a breeze!  Here's a glimpse of a small portion of camp in Riddle at the end of the day:



CO Day 5

Day 5 – September 15: Bandon to Powers

“Pedaling Pastoral” (60 miles)

The theme of the day is tranquility, as we traverse low-traffic roads through pastureland and along gentle waterways. Start with a backroads route from Bandon to Coquille, and then enter a Mad Hatter maze of turns on what seems like a dozen roads that all have the same three names (watch your signage!). It’s a pleasant multidirectional meander through dairy farms and pastures. After lunch in Myrtle Point, take a magic carpet ride into Powers – rollers, swoops and views down to the Coquille River as we approach town.

Paul, Chris and I at one of the rest stops. Another beautiful day.

CO Day 4

Day 4 – September 14: Bandon – Port Orford Layover Option

“Parks in Paradise” (56 or 67 miles)

After the rollout along scenic Beach Loop Road, enjoy a surprise: glassy-smooth pavement and good shoulders along Highway 101. The optional side trip to Cape Blanco is a must-do, taking you past headland mesas and cranberry bogs to the cape’s rugged shoreline and majestic lighthouse. Our lunch spot at a park in Port Orford features trails leading to the beach. Retrace your way back up the coast for a new view of the same great scenery, and then find more fun back in Bandon.

Except for Kyle, the rest of the team chose to remain in Bandon on our layover day and explore this quaint little beach town. Here's a look at the beach just blocks from the CO campsite:

CO Day 3

Day 3 – September 13: Reedsport to Bandon

“Cape Crusaders” (76 miles)

Start off rolling past dunes, marshes and lakes along Highway 101, before turning off to swoop and loop around Kentuck Bay. After climbing up and over to Charleston, enjoy lunch at stunning Shore Acres State Park as waves crash against rocky outcrops and seals bark on the way out to Cape Arago. After lunch, take on the Seven Devils – short, steep pitches that will test your resolve – before descending to Bandon for a cruise through the dunes and on into Old Town.

Up early, and it's sprinkling. Not cold, tho, so that's good. I had in my head that this was a shorter mileage day (wishful thinking on my part?)

CO Day 2

Day 2 – September 12: Cottage Grove to Reedsport

“Roller Coast-er” (90 miles)

Today we taste one of the truly sublime coast routes. From the handsome downtown of Cottage Grove, pedal incredibly smooth backroads into tiny Lorane, and then glide through a tunnel of trees on Siuslaw River Road. Yes, there’s a climb and a summit, but you’ll be so euphoric you won’t mind. After lunch it’s a steady ride through the “Chapel of the Coast Range,” a forest-and-river cathedral. We follow the Smith River to Reedsport as it grows placid and wide.

Dinner under the tent:



CO Day 1

Day 1 – September 11: Sutherlin to Cottage Grove
“Hill and Dale” (47 or 70 miles)

Our opening day builds to a climbing crescendo, starting on the inspiringly named Nonpareil Road, followed by a gentle climb through a wooded ravine. Then it’s rollers past oak copses and sheep farms, on into Scotts Valley before turning upward on London Hill for a long, steady grind. A sinuous, forested descent to lunch bottoms out for a flat cruise into Cottage Grove, skirting the shores of Cottage Grove Lake. A lovely introduction to an epic week.

Here we are before our first day of riding, wearing our "Team Vortex" jerseys. Left to right: Kyle (my son), Chris (my husband), me, Mike, Paul, Janet, Steve, and Allison. Missing from photo is Teresa (sis-in-law) who got an earlier start:

It was a hot, hot day when we rode into Cottage Grove - about 100 degrees! All of us (with the exception of Kyle) rode the 47 mile route, in the hopes of "saving ourselves" for the 90 mile ride the next day. The climb today was tough. Hope I'm up for the big climb on Day 6.

Cycle Oregon...ready or not!

Today I must focus on the daunting task of packing for Cycle Oregon. That's ONE bag, weighing no more than 65 pounds, containing all cycling gear and clothing, tools, camp clothes, towels, toiletries, sleeping bag, pad, pillow, camp chair, camera, book (Kindle), and tent.

I've lost a few pounds preparing for this ride, not nearly as much as I'd hoped but I have gained some fitness. Let's see if it's enough!

The weather forecast for the first few days is HOT. Like 90+. Living on the Oregon Coast, that's a bit warmer than what we usually experience here. But as we head west toward the southern Oregon coast, it looks like the temps will cool off a bit. (Must remember to pack SUNSCREEN).

I hope to post at least a couple times during the week, but have preloaded some daily ride details in advance. This is a great way for my family, friends and co-workers to know exactly where we are (there are FIVE Emergency Department people riding this year!)

For those that follow this blog for the DOLLS, please be patient and hang in there - I'll get back on track when I get home.

Ahhhh...Vacation!

Today is the first day of my vacation. We'll be leaving on Saturday for Sutherlin, Oregon, and will start bicycling on Sunday ~ a 500 mile, week-long tour of southwest Oregon (http://www.cycleoregon.com/).

I may upload an occasional post during next week, but it's always nice to get away from electronics and cell phones from time to time. I'll be camping/riding with a group of family and friends this year (and 2200 other riders). Here's a photo of a few of us taken in May, on a training ride. I'm the short one. We'd asked the local micro-brewery to design bike jerseys for us, and they did - the guy on the left forgot to wear on this particular ride.

I'll be focusing more on dolls on my return home.

Wish me luck!

Beautiful Oregon!

Cycle Oregon Route Announced!

Rather than drive into the Portland/Beaverton area 2 hours away to attend the big Cycle Oregon Kick-off Party (and drive back home), we decided to have our own kick-off party at home complete with microbrew and taco bar.

I'm adding the route here as a reminder to myself. Sounds challenging:

Day 1 – September 11: Sutherlin to Cottage Grove
“Hill and Dale” (47 or 70 miles) Our opening day builds to a climbing crescendo, starting on the inspiringly named Nonpareil Road, followed by a gentle climb through a wooded ravine. Then it’s rollers past oak copses and sheep farms, on into Scotts Valley before turning upward on London Hill for a long, steady grind. A sinuous, forested descent to lunch bottoms out for a flat cruise into Cottage Grove, skirting the shores of Cottage Grove Lake. A lovely introduction to an epic week

Day 2 – September 12: Cottage Grove to Reedsport
“Roller Coast-er” (90 miles) Today we taste one of the truly sublime coast routes. From the handsome downtown of Cottage Grove, pedal incredibly smooth backroads into tiny Lorane, and then glide through a tunnel of trees on Siuslaw River Road. Yes, there’s a climb and a summit, but you’ll be so euphoric you won’t mind. After lunch it’s a steady ride through the “Chapel of the Coast Range,” a forest-and-river cathedral. We follow the Smith River to Reedsport as it grows placid and wide.

Day 3 – September 13: Reedsport to Bandon
“Cape Crusaders” (76 miles) Start off rolling past dunes, marshes and lakes along Highway 101, before turning off to swoop and loop around Kentuck Bay. After climbing up and over to Charleston, enjoy lunch at stunning Shore Acres State Park as waves crash against rocky outcrops and seals bark on the way out to Cape Arago. After lunch, take on the Seven Devils – short, steep pitches that will test your resolve – before descending to Bandon for a cruise through the dunes and on into Old Town.

Day 4 – September 14: Bandon – Port Orford Layover Option
“Parks in Paradise” (56 or 66 miles) After the rollout along scenic Beach Loop Road, enjoy a surprise: glassy-smooth pavement and good shoulders along Highway 101. The optional side trip to Cape Blanco is a must-do, taking you past headland mesas and cranberry bogs to the cape’s rugged shoreline and majestic lighthouse. Our lunch spot at a park in Port Orford features trails leading to the beach. Retrace your way back up the coast for a new view of the same great scenery, and then find more fun back in Bandon.

Day 5 – September 15: Bandon to Powers
“Pedaling Pastoral” (60 miles) The theme of the day is tranquility, as we traverse low-traffic roads through pastureland and along gentle waterways. Start with a backroads route from Bandon to Coquille, and then enter a Mad Hatter maze of turns on what seems like a dozen roads that all have the same three names (watch your signage!). It’s a pleasant multidirectional meander through dairy farms and pastures. After lunch in Myrtle Point, take a magic carpet ride into Powers – rollers, swoops and views down to the Coquille River as we approach town.

Day 6 – September 16: Powers to Riddle
“Stairway to Heaven” (85 miles) This is a quintessential Oregon forest ride. Climb gradually under a shady green canopy, alongside a boulder-strewn stream, then turn toward the sky for a sturdy climb past waterfalls, before smoothing out for a glide into the aptly named Eden Valley. After lunch the major climb of the week awaits, but the serene surroundings offer a worthwhile trade-off. And it’s (nearly) all downhill after that, including an amazingly smooth run-in that follows Cow Creek for miles of pick-your-pace pedaling.

Day 7 – September 17: Riddle to Sutherlin
“Water to Wine” (52 miles)Today’s finish reminds you of the diverse splendor of Oregon riding. You’ll pass pastures of sheep, cattle, llamas and horses. You’ll fly by lumber mills, roll through river valleys and ascend along hillside vineyards. The middle part of the day follows a local wine-tour route, including a stop at the picturesque Melrose Winery. After the rollers spill out into a broad valley, you’ll follow gently rolling swells into Sutherlin, capping a memorable week.

testing...

Just pondering the viability of blogging our Cycle Oregon adventure in September. Is it possible? How about ride photos? Hmmm...  So I'm at the local brew pub right now, and have successfully logged onto my blog account. It's tedious to use the tiny keyboard on my phone.

Home now, and typing with a real keyboard~
One big aspect of the ride is to get away from technology and the busy-ness of everyday life. Last time I purposely left my cell phone behind - and that was before I got my Blackberry that can do a few more tricks. It wasn't that difficult. However, a week without my computer/email was quite painful  - not only during the week of the ride, but after getting home and having to wade through so much email and catch up on digests.

As we'll be camping out for a week, I will not be dragging my laptop along. There are a few riders that blog throughout the week - I think a few are journalists. 

If I do decide to bring my phone, I'll have a way to post photos to Facebook along the ride. The number of friends that'll be joining us is growing, and it'd be a great way to communicate with them and coordinate. The Cycle Oregon folks have a cell phone charging station, which is nice.

Cycle Oregon!

It's been 3 years since we participated in the best week-long bicycle ride in the country - Cycle Oregon, so we decided to commit to doing it again this year. The ride is in September, and the route will be announced at the Big Kick-off Party February 8, at the Nike campus in Beaverton. We're in the process of talking some our friends into doing it with us, which will it even more fun.

I participated in this ride in 1988, 1992, 2006, and 2007 - in various stages of fitness. This year will be a first - one of my boys will be doing it with us. Of course, he's more fit than I've ever been or ever will be. Achieving the goal of riding at least 1000 miles this summer before the big event will make the ride much more enjoyable. Now the question is, which bike to ride?

The Oregon landscape is absolutely gorgeous. I try to photograph as I ride (it's not a race, you know), and have set up albums on my picturetrail sites:  2006 and 2007.

Echelon Gran Fondo - Hood River Bike Ride

Yesterday, a group of friends and coworkers participated in an organized bike ride to raise money for the Livestrong Foundation and cancer research, called the Echelon Gran Fondo.

Six of us rode the various distances: 30, 60, and 100 miles. The ride began and ended in Hood River, Oregon.

This is a photo of Janice and I at one of the Columbia River Gorge viewpoints. The Gorge is absolutely beautiful. You can see Washington on the far side of the river.

First Bicycle Race

We were so nervous. Our youngest son participated in his first race, the Cherry Pie Road Race near Albany, Oregon. He started cycling in earnest this past summer, and has become a really strong rider over the past few months. The photo above was taken at the start of the race. As a new rider/racer, he competed with the Category 5 riders. There were a lot of first time racers, which can make a race more dangerous. Riders in a peloton can bump into each other, wheels can overlap, causing accidents.

Happily, Kyle rode extremely well (photo to the left taken just after crossing the finish line), and is looking forward to his next race. There is a time trial (Jack Frost Time Trial) next weekend, and both Kyle and Husband Chris will participate. Unfortunately, I have to work and will be worrying from a distance.

Christmas has finally arrived for the Hogans!

Way back in August, my hubby and I decided to purchase a brand new tandem bicycle - our Christmas present to each other. So we placed an order for a Cannondale tandem. Five months later, our bike has finally been built - Number 1 off the assembly line for 2009!

Today we drove to Portland's River City Cycles to pick up our baby. And she's a beauty! We even managed to get back home before dark, so we could take her for a spin. Limited by daylight, we got a 13.5 mile ride in. Our max speed was 33 on the flat, and it felt like flying.

We already own an entry level tandem, which will be placed on Craig's List ASAP. This one is SO much nicer.

The Boys in my Life

These are the boys in my life. I had such a great time with my boys this past weekend. My youngest and his family were here for a 3-day visit. My oldest came on Saturday to visit, too, and while here the four of us (two sons, husband and I) went for a bike ride, then out to dinner.

Sunday was good, too. Got to see my grandson again, and my how he has changed in just a month! His mom is looking good, too.

The top photo is Ivan, looking very thoughtful. The next is of my youngest (Ivan's daddy). The third is of my two sons. The fourth is of my oldest, and the last is of my husband and sons.

A Quality Weekend. How lucky am I?