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A few weekends ago was this annual unorganized gravel ride on the Columbia an hour and a half east of town. Last year was my first and I had fun so I went and did it again.

Nothing too noteworthy to report. The weather was absolute garbage to start (high 30s and raining), but around 2/3 of the way in the sun poked through, serving to dry and warm. The midway gas station chicken tenders were key. They didn’t have a full order when I got to the register so I got a steep discount to boot. WIN. We had great team turnout, which makes a miserable day all the more palatable. Our reward was beers and burgers at Pfriem in Hood River. Nomnomnom. And no, it’s not 60 miles. [GPS]

Technical notes for my future self:

  • Year 1 I learned to not use road pedals; they don’t handle mud at all.
  • Year 2 I learned that CX race gearing is not great for days of long slippery climbing; was forced into a stronger than desired effort because I had to keep the cadence up.
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Yes, I brought the box of wine again. This time I’ve found a brand I really dig, and it’s French so that keeps with the cycling theme really well.