August 2018 Top Talk
President Chip Kyle
You have heard me say this before: one of the characteristics of this club that makes me proud is how willing you, the club members, are to volunteer and to serve in whatever capacity is needed. Once again, you stepped up to help staff the Finish Line of the Seattle-to-Portland ride. Elsewhere in this QR issue is a letter from Corey Eng acknowledging the many individuals who led the plethora of teams needed to run this event. Thanks to all of you for responding so well to his solicitation, pleading and cajoling. I want to add my own big “THANK YOU” to all of you who so willingly gave your time. Well done!
In August, there is no club meeting, instead we have our annual picnic. It’s coming up rapidly – on Sunday, the 5th. I hope to see all of you there as it’s a fun time. We are returning to a potluck format this year, as many of you have said you have missed the variety of offerings. However, you will need to sign up for the picnic so we have an accurate headcount for planning purposes. As last year, we are offering three rides for your enjoyment – a family ride of 10 miles, and two longer rides of 25 and 32 miles. The picnic will be held at Columbia Park in North Portland. Longer rides begin at 9:30 AM, the family ride begins at 10:00 AM and food is planned for noon. There will be a presenter after we munch and before the raffle.
The “T” of the PWTC is, of course, touring. There have been many opportunities to tour so far this year with a couple more on the horizon. Each year, my son-in-law and I take a week-long supported tour with Bicycle Rides Northwest. We just returned from this year’s Oregon ride which was a figure eight course centered around John Day. We rode parts of the Old West Scenic Bikeway, as well as going to Sumpter, Anthony Lake, Baker City, and the metropolis of Seneca. The weather was really hot, some of the climbs long and steep, but the scenery was spectacular! Of particular beauty was a long 40 mile gently downhill ride along the middle fork of the John Day River. (Of course, we did have to “buy” that ride with a steep ascent on US 395 up to Long Creek. Uff da!) If you haven’t done so, you should consider taking one of the many opportunities the club offers for a tour. They are fun and you get to see completely different scenery.
Ride Safely!