The final day – A 75 mile day with an “epic climb” – 25 miles of climbing with over 6,600 feet of elevation gain. I’ve never actually riden my bike by a ski resort before – kind of a kick!! Nice downhill finish back into Elgin and another warm welcome by the community.
All in all Cycle Oregon was a fantastic experience that I would like to participate in again.
Ahh…a layover day – no riding. We did have a number of the “honored children” join us today for the annual ride out. What a humbling experience for David’s family to be with us (David was an honored child who passed away on July 5th). David was so looking forward to meeting up with us – although he was there in spirit his family was there to ensure that we knew how important our efforts were – as I said “humbling”. Here is a link to the media piece that was run in the Eastern Oregonian after the ride:
http://www.eastoregonian.com/news/article_b3d236f2-c3ec-11df-9232-001cc4c03286.html
After the ride out it was on to the Westward Ho parade and the Round-up! The parade was incredible with over 200 entries and 1000 horses – all the entries were powered by either horse, oxen or mule – incredible display that was much like it was 100 years ago. The Round-up was fun to watch – especially the bucking broncos and the Indian Relay Races – what a kick. Early to bed where a storm moved in over night with thunder, lightening and my oh my WIND! All clear by morning however…
My experience with the Hood to Coast run was that whenever the maps describe the course as having “rolling hills” it really just mean “uphill” – no different here. Lots and lots of “rolling hills” – tough ride through the wheat fields from Waitsburg back into Oregon and on to Pendleton!! All told about a 72 mile ride that got warm, warm, warm.
The most awesome thing happened today. Couple of younger riders came up beside me slowed down and said “Karlee thanks you” and then rode off. Left me smiling – you see the Candlelighters all wear jerseys with the names of their honored children on the back – Karlee’s mine. I thought of her a lot – especially when I rode for hours uphill – hoping that my efforts would benefit her and others.
What a great day – slept in and did the easy ride into Walla Walla (22 miles). A fun little ride with a bunch of my Candlelighter friends. Stopped for lunch in the parking lot of the Walla Walla Elks club! Got a chance to get a picture with my niece and nephews – Sarah, Joe, Don and Steven – missed my brother in law Jerry in the picture but got to see him a lot along the way. They all gave countless hours of volunteer time over the week driving Sag Wagons and helping to keep the course safe. Fortunatley I avoided having to ride in any of their vans – I think it would have been intolerable!!
Then, Eric and Andrea showed up and we had a great time hitting wineries on the roads back to Waitsburg (Eric had the foresight to put the bike rack in the trunk…so I didn’t have to pedal the 22 miles back to Waitsburg). We enjoyed the beer garden back at camp (inlcuding the barbershop quartet – gotta love Waitsburg) and then a lovely dinner at a local restaraunt. All in all a great relaxing day!!
Another day with more than 80 miles (82 to be precise). What looked to be an easy day on the map, turned out much tougher due to what they don’t show you on the map – WIND!! Turned a gentle downhill ride into a major effort – if you didn’t pedal hard you didn’t go anywhere – even though it was downhill!! Tough hill after lunch, but lots of great friendships being formed to make the riding easier. Lovely wheat fields we rode through on the last leg into Waitsburg.
What an absolutely wonderful welcome into Waitsburg by the community. Camp is set up for a couple of days and we are making ourselves at home on the infield of the Horse Race Track. Great place – and finally getting warmer in the evening.
Can you say the day we kicked “Rattlesnake Pass”! Tough day of cycling the 86 miles from Enterprise to Clarkston – down Rattlesnake Pass and then back UP (10 miles – 7% grade – about a 3,000 ft climb) it. Had a wonderful time with the ride and kicked the uphill – all those hill miles during the summer paid off big time. Rode the last twenty miles in with Tom Leslie in a pace line that averaged about 26 mph – what a blast.
Camped at the grade school in Clarkston and caught a JV football game across the street – another warm welcome by the Clarkston community.
What a glorious ride today. Broke camp in freezing cold and rode 44 miles from Elgin to Enterprise. Easy ride with spectacular views along the Wallowa River Canyon. Some of the most beautiful country you will ever see. Fly fishing along the river and deep canyon views that were awesome. Great start to the event.
Camped on the golf course in Enterprise with the sun setting over the Eagle Cap wilderness – great day!
The adventure begins with the long drive from Portland to Elgin, Oregon. It was a beautiful day and the farther east we traveled the more bicycles we encountered!! Elgin was a very welcoming community and the set-up was absolutely incredible. Tents, Tents and more tents. Great start to the event, though the temperature dipped into the mid 20’s overnight.
But I’m not just riding for me…I have decided to embrace a philosophy of “paying my good health forward”. That is, take my good fortune of good health and help those who aren’t as fortunate. To that end I am “Riding for a Child” with a dedicated group of cyclists called Candelighters. Candlelighters ride for children with cancer and their families. The mission of Candlelighters is to be established as a leader in providing support, education, advocacy and hope to all children and their families affected by childhood cancer in Oregon and SW Washington. Candlelighters serve children with cancer, survivors of childhood cancer, parents of children who are being or have been treated for cancer, bereaved families, immediate and extended family members.
You can find out more about Candlelighters by viewing this link: http://www.4kidswithcancer.org/about-candlelighters/
But I’m not just riding for Candlelighters…I’m riding for Karlee! Karlee is my honored child, and here’s her story: Karlee is an 8 year old girl who was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma in December of 2006. She is currently in remission, but had to have her left leg amputated above the knee in March of 2008 to stop the growth of the cancer. Since then she has entered a world where her reality is prosthetics and intense pain that can only be managed with lots of medicine. She is a vibrant, loving girl who has the good fortune of being surrounded by a loving family. You can read more about Karlee at her website: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/karleesangels/mystory
It is my goal to raise $10,000 in support of the Candlelighters organization so they can continue to provide services to children like Karlee and their families. I’m hoping that you can help me towards my goal by donating at the following link:
http://4kids.canvashost.com/fundraiser/ride-for-a-child/donate-to-ride-for-a-child/
If you are not able to donate at this time, I totally understand and only ask that you keep children like Karlee, and their families, in your thoughts and prayers.
My sincerest thanks to each of you…
Steve Glenn
503-789-0043 (cell)
PS – You may also either give me a donation check made payable to Candlelighters or mail it to:
Candlelighters for Children with Cancer
PO Box 2277
Portland, Or 97208
Please put “Rider – Steve Glenn” on the memo line.
Saturday I am off to Elgin Oregon to begin the 2010 Cycle Oregon event on Sunday morning. I will be updating this blog every day of the event. I also plan to update photos throughout the ride. Thanks to all for your support of me and the Candlelighters organization.
