Post-Summer Reflection

Monster Cookie Metric Century, August 28, 2022 Monster Cookie Metric Century, August 28, 2022 Monster Cookie Metric Century, August 28, 2022

As we enter into the fall season and daylight hours start to decline, it’s a good time to reflect on what a fantastic summer-cycling season we all shared. We couldn’t have done it without you! Special thanks to our road captains Rob Schroeder and Todd McCollum, and of course to our ride leaders because without their volunteer support none of our rides would have been possible.

Our club usually approves about ten non-club event rides per year for club mileage. In 2022, we had only seven. Organized event rides made many adjustments to their venues due to post-Covid restrictions over the last couple of years, impacting not only the cost of their rides but also breaking from traditional annual dates for these events.  ✎

One example is Salem Bicycle Club’s Monster Cookie Metric Century. Monster Cookie 2022 was well attended by 28 PBC members – many wearing club colors. This event had the highest attendance of PBC members on a non-club ride this year. Thank you, Ann Morrow, for serving as our ride leader. This ride was once considered a springtime season opener but was held on August 28 this year. 28 on the 28th! What a difference! Fortunately, the registration cost was kept to the normal rate around $45. And the Peach of a Century was still canceled in 2022, but they are planning to bring it back in 2023.

Harvest Century, September 25, 2022

In contrast, some events have tripled their cost to participate, for example, Harvest Century. It was a great new route, and included excellent food, music, and beer at a warm welcoming finish line. The new start/finish for Harvest Century was located in Forest Grove at McMenamins Grand Lodge.

It’s fair to say that our neighboring bicycle clubs and other non-profit organized cycling events are simply doing the best they can to get their venues up and running again, much like we are. At the end of the day, the fundraising cycling events are working hard to make a comeback to raise funds for worthy causes. Thank you, PBC members, for your support.

Other non-club event rides that our club participated in this year were Reach the Beach, Gorge Ride, Tour de Blast, Ride Around Clark County, and Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour.

Here’s looking forward to 2023, folks!

Kathleen Hellem, Recording Secretary