Out Spoke'n members posing for a group shot (JP in the middle in orange)

Today’s beautiful ride was brought to you by Out Spoke’n:  A friendly bunch of folks who enjoy riding and socializing around Portland, Oregon.  Art lead us on a fantastic 27 mile loop south of Champoeg Park. To increase our mileage (43 total) we decided to start our ride in Newberg and met the group in the Park for a breakfast of ham and eggs on wheat english muffins which was part of a fund-raising effort for Out Spoke’n.  The pace of the organized ride was moderate and the route meandered along mostly flat back roads around St. Paul along the Willamette River.  The day could not have been more beautiful with spring flowers blooming, a brisk breeze and wonderful soul warming sunshine.

Jay and I have not done a lot of group or organized rides since we moved to Oregon in 2003. We have lots of experience with group rides as we both come from a racing background and used to enjoy riding a variety of organized events including centuries in and around Los Angeles. Jay has also participated in the Seattle-to-Portland ride. Today, the food was yummy and it was fun to meet and ride with a few more local bicycle enthusiasts. The group is fairly well-organized, safety conscious and welcoming to all riding abilities.  We will likely join Out Spoke’n on a few more rides in the future.