August 24, 2013: Mike makes 54.5 mph while Stu and Tom get brushed off on a ride to Buena Vista, Independence and the surrounding area
On the Buena Vista Ferry
Tom was back in town as the wind had died down in the Gorge, much to the delight of the firefighters, but much to the dismay of the wind surfers. So we did Tom's favorite ride — out Liberty Rd, down and over the Buena Vista Ferry to visit Claudia at the Buena Vista House. The visit takes some time, as coffee/tea and various pastries have to be consumed and conversation exchanged.
Buena Vista House Welcome
Buena Vista House Entrance
Rogue Farm
We then rode back to Independence via Well's Landing, but elected to turn right and see if the dead end would present us with another view of the river. I'm sure it does, but the road is interrupted by the Rogue Farm/brewery. Again Tom prefers tea over coffee, and wine over beer, so I doubt Tom ever shows up for one of Rogue's festivities. Though I did take a picture of Tom and some of his relatives, complete with feathers and wattle!
We meandered back, passed the barn that had finally collapsed near the Beacon of New Hope farm and found ourselves crossing over Independence Bridge, where Tom was ignored by a wide-turning truck driver. The newly laid oil and gravel surface of the road rattled us and we were eager to turn off on Sawmill and the climb to Riverdale.
The Naked Ladies (Hardy Amylrillis) were standing in a row of full bloom near the top, one of the few places I've seen them outside of the older neighborhoods of Salem.
Naked Ladies
Upon arriving at Roberts, we prepared ourselves for the climb up Viewcrest, and once again, the newly laid oil and gravel surface greeted us! It didn't seem to deter Stu as he scampered away, but I could feel the pull of the pavement against my tires, and I wondered what it would be like this winter on my heavier rain bike in winter clothing!
Spped maxed
Stu & I waited for Tom at the top, and Stu informed both Tom and I that he was going straight home from there. I inquired if either of them were interested in going down Croisan Creek and then back up Madronna, but both felt they'd had enough. I let the two of them start before me, knowing that my greater weight would allow me to catch them on the descent known as "buyah", but surprised myself, and Tom, going greater than 50mph. I was disappointed when I read my max as 54.5, as it was a perfect day with no crosswinds and I'd hoped to beat my best of 55 mph. I must have slowed somehow when passing Tom, who was in the middle of the lane on the descent.
A short stop
I found a dustpan brush on the climb adjacent to Sprague High School, and apologized for "brushing the two of them off", but made myself out to be the fool at the intersection of Kuebler and Skyline by locking up my drivetrain by cross chaining my big chainring. Campy chains last forever, I guess, and I've been accidentally locking up the drivetrain for a number of years now, trying not to waste the chain! Tom, of course didn't notice, but informed me the next day that he thought I'd followed Stu home, which made no sense since Stu's wife, Barbara, was in California and there were no fresh-baked pastries awaiting Stu!