1. What is your favorite club ride?
Nate: I think riding up to Mt. Angel Abbey is one of my favorites. I had never been up there before joining the SBC and it is an interesting place with great views. I also like the route into Silverton by way of Finlay Rd. NE.
Bri: I have only dipped my toes into the club rides thus far (but look forward to more in the future) so I will have to say that the most memorable ride was the Christmas lights ride two years ago. We did it as a family, decorated our bikes and had so much fun! Loved the break for treats and spending time with other club members.
Coraline: Coraline has only been on one club ride, the Christmas lights ride and had a great time!
2. What is your favorite out-of-town ride?
Nate: I enjoyed the Crater Lake Rim ride immensely! I hope to be able to do it again this year. Perfect weather, incredible views, and nice pavement with no cars, I'm not sure how you can beat that!
Bri: I had so much fun riding the Chilly Hilly on Bainbridge Island - pushing up "the hill" and cruising the downhills with my friend.
Coraline: She is quite proud of a ride she did around Corvallis with her grandparents where she made it 8 whole miles on her own power
3. Do you prefer to go uphill or downhill?
Nate: I think I am probably like most people in linking both uphill and downhill together. Downhill feels better after a big climb, and climbing feels better when you know you have a great descent coming up! I really enjoy a nice steady gradient in the 3-5% range. Gives me a great workout and a sense of accomplishment when I reach the top. I struggle (like most of us) when the slopes get up into the double digits, and I'm not sure I can say I "enjoy" those sections all that much.
Bri: I like the last 1/4 of the uphill - almost there, working hard, knowing you can make it and about to feel super accomplished.
Coraline: 100% a downhill girl
4. What is the best part of being a club member?
Nate: For me it is easily the chance to meet more experienced riders, I have really enjoyed learning more about the etiquette of riding in a group, and about the best routes in the Salem area.
Bri: I like feeling connected to the community and being involved in local events that enrich the place we live.
Coraline: Winning the raffle at Painter's Hall
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5. Why do you ride your bike?
Nate: I like the exercise of course, but more that I like the sense of adventure I get from exploring new roads and trails. I like the feeling of gaining fitness and returning to a hill that felt really difficult last year only to find I can conquer it much more easily. I also love the start of a long ride with friends, the feeling of knowing you'll have a fun adventure, get a good workout, and have this protected time to talk and work together to get up the hills.
Bri: To maintain lifetime fitness and spend time with friends.
Coraline: Because my parents make me and I like getting new bikes as I grow.