The World According to Don

My friend Russell and I rode McKenzie Pass yesterday. I can't recall how many times I have over but it must be close to a hundred as the first time a rode it was 37 years ago. Back then I probably knew all of the Bend riders who would ride it regularly. We used to do a loop, over Santiam and then return via McKenzie. 86 miles, it was a highlight of the year. I've raced it, toured it, ridden in the snow, the rain and the blazing sun. I've been there close to tragedy ( a rider on a ride I was supporting crashed and died of his injuries), humor, a tourist fully loaded stayed with a break during the Cascade Classic for a mile or so, feeling strong and feeling weak. As Bend has become a cycling Mecca, McKenzie Pass has become one of the to do rides in our area. The state keeps the road closed well into the summer so cyclists can enjoy it car free. Not many do the loop as the traffic on Santiam is quite busy, and why would one not go out and back on a road closed to cars. I do...

I have been accused of not writing a blog for too long. The truth is I need something to say for me to write. August has been too busy for me to reflect on my life. In other words I have been doing and not thinking. August starts with the Oregon Bike Ride for me. That would be my last blog. Then before OBR was even done it was off to Serena and Ben's wedding in Opal Creek. Then it was back to work, riding my bike and starting to think about Cyclo Cross. The thing that has really overwhelmed me this year are the three new places I have been this year. Those are Opal Creek, Iron and Cone Mountain and Jack Creek to Three Fingered Jack. Central Oregon has been my home since 1969. I have hiked, ridden and driven to most of the really good spots in Oregon. I can't even begin to name them all but there are plenty. Some are so good I like returning year after year. That is where the problem lies. Since I return to my favorites every year I haven't been to some places that really sh...