Frequently Asked Questions

Finally, a Salsa Stormchaser. A few of the most remote communities required a hardcore bike and the other bikes weren't cutting it. Wide tubeless tires, even lower gearing, and front suspension to ensure I can handle any road in the county. It's also very heavy and (comparately) slow.

Can I ride with you?

No.

Well...no...probably...  

I don't lead rides. I'm not comfortable assuming responsibility for everyone's safety and well-being. However, if you host a ride in the area, feel free to let me know. I occasionally join others.

Also, thank your ride leader(s) after any organized outing. It's hard work.

Who's that in your photos?

That's Becky.

You didn't ask, but she rides a Cervelo Caledonia (road) and a Trek Checkpoint (gravel).

How do you plan your routes?

Very carefully and over a long time. Most adventures take far longer to prepare than to actually ride. 

I often have to cross reference multiple maps (google street view, strava heat, US forest service, USGS historical, ThunderForest, RidewithGPS, and Open Cycle to name a few) to create a GPX in Caltopo which I then import into Garmin Explore. I try and memorize the major street directions.

I consult with previous trip reports and dig through historical records when relevant. I create a list of sites I need to photograph and have a loose plan about how I'm going to approach and what directions to take pictures from. 

Again, be sure to thank anyone that takes the time to publish a detailed trip report with photos and GPX. It's a tough job.

I did a cool thing. Wanna hear about it?

Yes!

I'm always looking for new adventures. I keep a lengthy to-do list. Reach out to me through Facebook or BlueSky (links at the bottom of every page). 

Why is Washington County so awesome?

When John B. Preston arrived in the Oregon Territory in 1851, he turned to face the Columbia river. With his bare hands, he plunged the Willamette Stone deep into the earth then bellowed "PARTY PEOPLE TO MY LEFT!".

How come Multnomah County is so lame?

I guess the extremely dull people took the proclamation literally and went to the right? 

What's the deal with Columbia County?

I don't think it's possible to name yourself after a long-dead man that never set foot within a thousand miles of your border without being a little messed up.

Can anything be done to make Tillamook County as great as it's eastern neighbor?

No. It is folly to try.

Why do you hate Yamhill County so much?

They know what they did.

Come to think of it, Clackamas County isn't that great either...

That's not a question. 

(It's an objectively factual statement)