Cycling

February 14, 2016

I have long explored the southern and middle reaches of Forest Park during my visits to Portland, but I had not (besides the previously posted little loop) spent time north of Germantown Road. Yesterday I partially rectified this, starting my ride in Linnton, looping as follows: Highway 30->Newton Rd.->Skyline Blvd.->Germantown Rd.->Leif Erikson->Saltzmann Rd.->Skyline Blvd.-> BPA Rd.->Highway 30.

Junction only a few meters from Highway 30. Newton Rd lies to the left, BPA road to the right. A difficult climb either way.

As I was struggling to find purchase on the Newton Rd. climb, I encountered two runners having no such traction issues descending the trail. Based off of the terrain and the season, they had the right idea. I’m fairly sure that even with my current lack of fitness I could have run up Newton Rd (at least the first 1.6 mi. and 800’+) much faster than the ~24 minutes it took me to ride.

This wash called for a dismount. One of several on Newton Rd.

Apart from the steep and difficult beginning and end to this ride, this was a very enjoyable loop. The northern reaches of Forest Park/Linnton Park are much less traveled than the southern area (Pittock Mansion, Macleay Park, and Thurman St.), and features beautiful second-growth forest and some wonderful views. I recommend it in the summer, when traction issues associated with muck and slick rocks are a non-issue.

Gorgeous view at the top of the “steep part” of BPA Rd. with the Willamette River and Sauvie’s Island in the distance. Don’t let the perspective fool you: this 0.8 mi descent loses ~800′ for a -19% average grade.

Steed: 56 cm Haanjo Comp with 700x40c Kenda Happy Mediums

Stats: 15.7 mi., 1:31:50 moving time, 2,373 ft. of elevation gain

The Steed parked at the start of BPA Rd., just off of Skyline Blvd. It is impossible to ride immediately around the gate here, but a lovely path is available to the observant about 5 meters from the gate on the right-hand side.

February 13, 2016

I started Cascadia Flow about a month ago as a way to hold myself accountable for enjoying Oregon and not spending all day, every day in my basement laboratory. In this sense Cascadia Flow has been successful, as I have made a point to “live deliberately” and enjoy the Pacific Northwest (rides, runs, wine, beer, and of course, people) several times a week. This has resulted in a lovely backlog of material, which I have unfortunately not posted. So, in an effort to get in to a blogging flow, I will begin posting my backlogged material interspersed with current adventures.

In Oregon winters, sometimes you just have to stop and listen to the water. Smelling flowers *usually* begins in Spring.

On Saturday, January 30, I rode along Leif Erikson Dr. from Thurman St. to Germantown Rd., looped Firelane 10->Newton Rd.->Skyline->Germantown, and returned to Thurman via Leif Erikson. My steed performed well (I am especially happy with being able to use fenders with 40c tires), though the tires were not made for muck, making the steepest (and slick) climbs of Fireroad 10 nigh on impossible for a novice such as I. It was much too sloppy for Strava PR’s, but the value of outdoor exploration (I had not previously ventured north of Germantown Rd.) trumped the unpleasantries.

The ride started in the late afternoon mist of Tolkein’s fantasy, and ended in the dark, cold, rainy night. This jaunt was simultaneously sublime and sour, a delightful dichotomy ever-present in life. I look forward to riding this loop again.