ATHLETICS
Cyclists Gear Up for a New Season of Rides Starting in March
F
or many MAC members, the cycling season started Jan. 1 with a New Year’s Day ride. For other riders, the season only starts with 75 degree days. No matter what type of cyclist you are, MAC has great rides scheduled throughout the year. Rides are designed to help riders achieve their cycling goals for the year, starting with short and easy jaunts and graduating to more challenging rides.
The best way to achieve a major cycling goal for 2012 is to divide the season into shorter sections and set a smaller interme- diate goal for each of those sections. This method allows riders to set and achieve a series of smaller goals and to modify their training accordingly.
Our coaches host Second Saturday rides from March through October, training rides for those under 18 and Wednesday evening rides throughout Daylight Savings Time. MAC weekly and monthly rides are a great place to test your fitness and to learn from MAC riders and coaches.
Second Saturday Rides Begin
Second Saturday rides start with easier rides and progress to hillier, more challenging routes in the middle of the summer. They are designed for anyone who can maintain 12 mph on flat ground, though the mid-season rides are harder and may take more time. Second Saturday rides are free and there is no registra- tion (except the July 22 Eola Hills Ride). Riders must wear a helmet at all times while cycling. Bring tools and a spare tube in case of a flat tire, as well as snacks and water. MAC member coaches are on the ride to give advice to riders. The April through October rides meet by 9 a.m. and leave promptly at 9:15 am. March 10 - MAC - Meet at Joe’s at 8 a.m. for a no-host breakfast and visiting before the ride at 9:15 a.m. After break- fast, we regroup in the Turnaround, and start a flat ride that heads out along the Springwater Corridor for approximately 15 miles. Anyone wanting to turn back early is welcome to do so, and the main group sweeps the course as we return. We return
76 | The Wınged M | MARCH 2012
July 14 - Rock Creek Hills - This ride begins at the Rock Creek Tavern and takes in some very challenging climbs, including climbs of Dormand and Logie Trail before returning to a post-ride gathering at the Rock Creek Tavern. Meet at 9 a.m. at the intersection of Old Cornelius Pass Rd. and Philips Rd.
Eola Hills Wine Ride - Sunday, July
MAC riders at the popular Eola Hills Wine Ride in July 2011.
to the club on SW Jefferson for a fairly traffic-free city ride.
April 14 - Champoeg Park/French
Prairie - For those of you who missed the March ride, Champoeg Park is a great way to start the season. The views are pretty, and the terrain is mostly flat with some easy rolling parts on lightly traveled roads south of Portland. The planned long route is about 30 miles and there is a shorter route of 20 miles. Meet at the Oak Grove picnic area in Champoeg Park (expect a parking fee).
May 12 - Hagg Lake - This beau- tiful ride begins at McMenamins Grand Lodge in Forest Grove and goes out to and around Hagg Lake. The roads are pretty flat out to the lake, then it’s an undulating 11-mile loop with some rolling hills (and one big one!) around the lake before returning to the starting point. The long route (36 miles) includes the 11-mile lap around the lake and returns to Forest Grove. A shorter route (20 miles) goes to the lake, turns around at the country store, and returns to the lodge. June 9 - Clark County, Wash. - This ride takes in many of the roads from the Ride Around Clark County, and provides a nice loop around Lacamas Lake. Meet at Wy’East Park (connected to Wy’East Junior High), just off Mill Plain and I-205 in Vancouver.
22 - This annual and very popular ride begins at Eola Hills Winery. This is one of MAC’s largest outdoor activities and a great ride for all but the youngest kids. The ride also provides a great opportunity to meet other MAC members, cycle with friends, and introduce others to organized rides. Guests are welcome. The 35-mile route winds through the scenic country- side of Polk County wine country, through the town of Independence, and across the Willamette River on the historic Buena Vista ferry. Riders are encouraged to ride at their own pace and return to Eola Hills Winery for a fabulous brunch. August 11 - Bull Run - This ride starts at McMenamins Edgefield Inn in Troutdale. We ride to the Sandy River, then parallel the Scenic Highway to near Crown Point, up part of Larch Mt., out towards Bull Run Reservoir, and back along the Sandy River. This ride is in keeping with the challenging nature of our midsummer rides.
September 9 - Scholls/Chehalem Mt. - Starting at Hillsboro Aquatic Center, we head out for a loop incorporating the hills near Bald Peak and the extended climb up Chehalem Mountain, finishing with a flat run in. Meet at the Hillsboro Aquatics Park at SE 10th and Maple in Hillsboro. October 13 - MAC Eastside Ramble
- Meet at the Turnaround at 9 a.m. for the season-ending ride incorporating visits to some of Eastside’s Portland buttes (Mt. Tabor and Rocky Butte, with a possible detour to Mt. Scott). A mellow coffee break is planned for midway through the ride. Visit
theMAC.com for a full version of this article.
-Robert Burney WM
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