Sunday February 15 dawned unusually bright and warm. It was hard to believe it was technically still Wintertime as eight riders and bikes piled into the shop Sprinter van and headed down the interstate for the first “organized” dirt road ride (*gravel grinder, if you must) of the year. After our rendezvous with a few hundred like-minded souls at a golf course west of Salem, we rolled out in spirited fashion for 50+ miles of mixed terrain fun. For my part, the pace soon proved to be a bit too spirited at the front, and I soon lapsed into Randonee/fast touring pace. I watched the leaders pull away over the next rise and it afforded me some opportunities to haul out the camera and snap some shots of what turned out to be a beautiful day with a bunch of great folks. The hills and valleys to the west of Salem are woven with great road, both paved and unpaved. Check out the routes for the Perry Roubaix and the dearly departed Rickreall Gravel Classic routes for ideas and go ride!
