PBC Member Spotlight: Patti and Steve Hale

By Julia Surtshin

What’s one thing that’s constant in life besides death and taxes?…For Patti and Steve Hale, it’s belonging to a bicycle club. Although they’re relatively new members of PBC, club cycling has been a fixture in both of their lives. Steve joined the San Antonio Wheelmen in the mid 1990’s, Patti joined in 1999; by 2000 both were on the board. Soon sparks flew and in 2001 they married!

Recently over dinner at a neighborhood watering hole, I met with the two of them for a chat.

Patti, a native Portlander, introduced Steve (originally from Oklahoma and Texas) to the Pacific Northwest. He took to the area like a salmon takes to water. So, after work responsibilities no longer kept them in Texas, they relocated here from San Antonio in the spring of 2025.

Joining PBC was one way for Patti and Steve to get better reacquainted with Bridge City and to learn a wide variety of new routes. They both relish opportunities to open up, get into their cycling groove, and challenge themselves, so they’re especially fond of rural rides out in Washington and Clackamas counties, particularly those out of North Plains. Both Steve and Patti enjoy rides of 40+ miles, and while Steve likes to clip along at 18mph, Patti prefers a 15-16mph pace. As for urban routes, Patti enjoyed a recent Three Volcanoes tour. When Steve is short on time, or looking for an easy cruise, he heads towards the Trolley Trail.

Patti and Steve are like bookends. Steve is often known to be the first one up a hill and Patti is known for being the last one down. Take it from me, Patti is an admirable climber, but she’s not at all fond of descents.

Both Hales are always up for adventure and opportunities to socialize. Patti was quick to regale me with tales of their encounter with Mt. Ventoux. On a Trek Travel tour of Provence in 2018, The Bald Mountain was the “highlight”, pun intended. Patti, not surprisingly, fell behind Steve, and was riding with one of the guides. After stopping at a hut, and nearing the top, Patti, who was not familiar with electronic shifting, was feeling pretty gassed, but kept on pedaling, only to be told by the guide that she still had one gear left. That’s quite a serious accomplishment. Kudos to both!!

2026 brought Steve another “check that off the list” event for cyclists – he rode the STP for the first time. Patti sagged. Steve pronounced the ride enjoyable. A few weeks later they joined the club’s recent San Juan Adventure.

I asked the two of them what piece of equipment would they never leave home without. Patti replied, “Our Road iD bracelets and food.” If you don’t know about Road iD, you should check them out.

Patti is a retired nurse practitioner; Steve was a geophysicist in his former career. Patti enjoys cooking and playing ping pong, whereas Steve likes pickleball, is a fix-it guy, and avid mountain bike rider. Both like to travel, hike, and ski.

Surprising facts about Patti and Steve: Patti avidly fished, clammed and crabbed as a child in Rockaway and would love to resurrect those activities; Steve’s first language was German. Who knew?

So, when you meet Patti and Steve on the road, strike up a conversation, they love to connect.

Until next time…