1. What is your favorite club ride?
It's really hard to choose just one when we have so many great club rides. We are truly blessed with some of the best cycling in the Willamette Valley right here in our own backyard. Since I enjoy rides with a view and beautiful scenery, I would say the Mehama/Lyons ride is near the top of my list, along with Mt Pleasant. And then there's the Berry Creek gravel ride!
2. What is your favorite out-of-town ride?
Well...if we're talking about a club ride, it's the Oregon Coast Siletz River ride that starts at Agate Beach and makes its way through Newport's historic bayfront and around Yaquina Bay to Toledo, where it then travels north to Siletz and follows the Siletz River all the way to Highway 101 at the Siletz Bay. From there, a quick ten miles down the coast, you leave the highway to join the Otter Crest Loop, which is absolutely breathtaking! After a stop at Otter Crest State Scenic Viewpoint, you descend down to Otter Rock where you hop back on Highway 101 and continue through Beverly Beach State Park before arriving back at the parking lot for Agata Beach. We may need to get this one on the calendar for 2026!
3. Do you prefer to go uphill or downhill?
I guess this depends on the day but I'm a little bit partial to the downhills. Of course, one must go up to come down, so I've learned to enjoy the climbs and the views that come with them.
4. What is the best part of being a club member?
The camaraderie of being a club member and the friendships I've made over the years are priceless. I also like contributing to the greater cause of bicycle advocacy in our communities to allow future generations to enjoy as much as I have...now more than ever.
5. Why do you ride your bike?
So many reasons. Stay active and healthy. Improve cardiovascular health. Strengthen muscles. Weight management. Mental well-being (think endorphin production). Exploration and adventure. Should I go on?