Two Weeks ’til Reach the Beach

What will the ride look like in 2021 re: Covid-19? There is no question Portland Bicycling Club loves supporting the American Lung Association (ALA) which sponsors and hosts the annually held organized bicycle event titled “Reach the Beach.”

Sadly, it looks like we will not be riding to Pacific City, Oregon. Translation: No one reaches the beach in 2021.

No problem. We dig a little deeper, and we still get to participate in a fun, supported ride, ever remembering the cause we strive to support, battling lung disease. That means we must be vigilant and review the ALA’s revised routes to keep us safe by avoiding riding through counties designated very-high risk level and adhering to schedules for staggered starts (by appointment only) to prevent large groups.

It’s not too late to join the team (there are 15 of us so far) and ride safely with us on Saturday, May 15, through beautiful Washington County on country roads, completing a Hillsboro loop. For more details, see the RTB ride description on our ride calendar.

OR . . . opt to “Ride Your Way,” riding your own personalized RTB route – on your own, on a route and date that works best for you.

There are two more training rides: Saturday, May 8, Banks/Vernonia/Hagg Lake with different route options available; and Sunday, May 9, Tanasbourne REI to Hagg Lake Loop, 66 miles.

Whatever you decide about event day, it is highly recommended that you check check the ALA website for revised maps, route changes and last-minute updates.

Please reach out to PBC team captain, Lynn Blanchard, at [email protected] with any questions. Thank you for your support during our fight with Covid-19.

Kathleen Hellem, RTB Training Series Ride Co-Leader