Early on in the ride on a steep descent Scott's tire came off his rim around a turn and his tube blew out like a shotgun blast. He managed to hang on and stay upright and quickly changed the tube. Luckily his tire was fine, though the tube had a six-inch gash. After going through Sandy and stopping at the rest area at Roslyn Lake we had our major climbing for the day. Nothing too long but plenty steep and some in sun. Not sure what the high was today but it was in the nineties. We were getting a little bushed and the only thing coming up on the ride map was a "water" stop which didn't sound too exciting so we stopped at a market in Troutdale and got our trademark sodas, candy bars, and my ice cream sandwich. After reluctantly leaving our shady pit stop we headed east on Marine Drive and did some pacelining which worked great until Drew and Scott failed to read my mind that I was about to slow down and make a sharp right turn. Prompt reactions from both gentlemen again had everyone staying upright even if Scott was on the other side of the road from us.

We just kept heading west past the airport and eventually got into the industrial wasteland I mentioned earlier. There was supposed to be a rest top near here but we didn't see it nor did the dozens of other riders we talked with. Anyway we pushed on and turning onto Willamette Boulevard around mile 80 I saw a tavern beckoning. A very helpful bartender filled our bottles with ice water and we decided to stick around; we ordered some sodas and sat and ate popcorn.

Even more reluctantly leaving that stop we carried on, shooting back out east for a bit before finally turning towards the finish line. Just as I was coming down Interstate, soon to get on the Broadway Bridge (we were a bit off route I think) I got a cell phone call that I answered and while chatting on my left side tried to reach my left shifter with my right hand to downshift the front derailleur and quickly toppled over going around 17 mph according to Scott. Talk about a stupid fatigue-induced move. Anyway I was lucky to be fine save for a few scrapes and a torn shirt. The bike seemed OK too and we limped along back to the finish for some overcooked salmon and a welcome beer. Before completely collapsing into the lovely grass we grabbed our goodie bags and headed home.

Thanks to the organizers for a fun event and to Scott and Drew for a great day of riding!