Ah, the Pacific NW in winter, who can beat it? To ride in the foothills of some of the most majestic snow-capped volcanoes on the planet, with views of the Pacific Ocean or Puget Sound (which is almost the same as a view of the ocean).
Anyway, take my word for it that all that is out there somewhere, because those who join us February 4th for the Portland Cogal will be be wrapped in clouds and drenched in a cold, drizzly rain. But a little bit of Rule #9 riding never hurt anyone.
Yours in Cycling,
Frank
—
Portland Oregon in Fabruary: Highs 7.5C, Lows 2.6C average. Near 16cm of liquid sunshine. This is not Palm Springs. I do have respect for those of us that ride in high temps, I actually prefer it hot most of the time. Perhaps I misunderstand Rule #9 as it addresses both ends of the mercury scale, but we Velominati seem to gravitate towards the spring classics, and the images of hardmen; cold, wet and reveling in the moment.
McSqueak and I, under direct pressure from Fronk, planned on doing this in December. As we talked, December is a hard month for folk to get out of town. There’s a lot of meditating on Airing of Grievances. Family obligations. Made more sense to have it in the year of the Mayan Apocalypse.
On February 4th at precisely V past VV, we roll out from Carter Park at the corner of W 33rd Street and Columbia Street in Vancouver, WA for 127K ride. It rolls out flat with a couple little bumps along the Columbia River. Then up part of the Historic Columbia River Highway along the Sandy River. A bit of Sur La Plaque climbing, then a quick decent back down to the Sandy. A few pretty big climbs and descents, a stroll through some wine country, back along the Columbia River and back to my house for beer and food (in that order). Fantastic views of green fields, evergreens, the mighty Columbia, Mt. Hood, wine country and great, lightly traveled roads most of the way. Except it’s fucking February in the PNW. Probably won’t see the mountains.
Couple of details; I’ll emphasize again that it is February. Probably won’t be any snow but I can almost guarantee cold rain. After about 30K, there is NO bailout point, except turning around and backtracking. The MapMyRide climb profile while accurate, understates the climbing. This is a hard route on a sunny day in July. I’m also suggesting a Casually Deliberate pace, but years of riding have taught me one indisputable fact: two or more cyclists going the same way will get competitive and drive up the pace. That, combined with the climbing, will almost certainly see separate groups forming. If the group splits, we’ll regroup at the top of the major climbs and at intersections where we need to make a turn.
Make an honest assessment of your ability to finish the ride (no sag support); we will be riding the rolling sections of the ride in the neighborhood of 25-30kmph and the climbs will be ridden at whatever climbing speed works for you. Let us know if you’re planning on attending so we have a head count for food, bring some hoppy beverages, and come bathe in the glory of a full Rule #9 day. We look forward to seeing you.
Route and planning details can be found on the Portland Cogal Page
[separator break=”true”/][productphoto thumbnail=”http://velominati.com/wp-content/uploads/readers/frank/2011.11.15.00.46.49/cogal_v-cog.png”/][product buttonid=”Y5JK65MQFHRA2″ name=”Cogal V-Pint” price=”30.00″ optionslabel=”Cogal” options=”Portland, Oregon 2012″ /]Attendees of Cogals may order Cogal V-Pints, emblazoned with the name of their Cogal. These are intended only for Cogal attendees and are shipped to the organizer for pick-up at the event.
The V-Pint will be shipped to the Cogal organizer. Shipping charges are $8.00 USD for US domestic orders, $12.00 USD international.[separator break=”true”/]
I know as well as any of you that I've been checked out lately, kind…
Peter Sagan has undergone quite the transformation over the years; starting as a brash and…
The Women's road race has to be my favorite one-day road race after Paris-Roubaix and…
Holy fuckballs. I've never been this late ever on a VSP. I mean, I've missed…
This week we are currently in is the most boring week of the year. After…
I have memories of my life before Cycling, but as the years wear slowly on…
View Comments
The Official King Clydesdale Cogal Forecast (Thanks for the reminder mcsqueak):
Overall it looks like a good day considering it's February!
10AM:
4.5C (40F)
East winds around 10 kph (5 knots)
Abundant Sunshine
Note: When you cross the river and more so when you head away from town expect the winds to pick up quickly out of the east, to closer to 15 kph.
4PM:
8.3C (47F)
East winds around 18 kph (10 knots)
Abundant Sunshine
Note: Probably the driest and gustiest time of the day.
6PM:
5C (41F)
East winds east and down to around 10 kph (5 knots)
Clear Skies
Note: Sunset is officially 5:21 PM
General Notes:
The high pressure that will be bringing rather nice weather for the season will be however creating enough pressure gradient to give some breezy conditions tomorrow, especially around midday. Winds were rather gusty today, and while tomorrow does not look as bad, heading east will most likely be met with resistance. Skies should be clear, maybe some high clouds but in general clear. Also note dewpoints will be in the 20s, so things will feel quite dry by midday. Lastly, note that unless I state otherwise winds are sustained, not gusts. That means a few gusts above those numbers are possible, and seeing how gusty today was, expect a few tomorrow. Enjoy the Ride!
@King Clydesdale
Hat tip to you!
I was reminded to ask because I work out near the entrance of the gorge (in fact we'll be riding right behind my office at one point), and I noticed the strong winds.
@King Clydesdale
Nicely done! We'll report back tomorrow on your accuracy.
Report from the fat old man grupetto:
Thanks frank and mcsqueak for pulling me across the I-205 bridge. I made it to Sandy in time for a late lunch. Also added some extra miles when I somehow got off-course near Corbet. All-in-all a great route, with savage headwind.
@co-mo
Thanks for the update. I wanted to e-mail you last night, but had cleared out my inbox, trash and sent folders. Glad you made it, I can't imagine riding in that wind alone. I'll post up a follow up article real soon with all (some) of the details and all (a few I do have some leverage on G'rilla and Fränk now) of the photos. Thanks for coming out!!
@King Clydesdale
Oof, I think you may have mis-underestimated the wind speed by 20kph or so. Much time was spent leaning into the wind in order to not be flung sideways into the person riding next to you. Having to brace against the wind while stopped is also a good time.
@scaler911
"Leverage" like G'rilla's urine-soaked pants? The trick for the group is to guess who's urine it was. (Hint: not his, not mine, and not Scaler's.)
@mcsqueak
Indeed. Scaler reported the wind at 55kmph.
Hope you guys had a great time, sorry I missed it. Last weeks training program included travelling to Germany and Japan and drinking Weissbeer, Suntory, saki, Suntory whiskey and white Russians - and racing starts in 3 weeks! Yikes!
I have some ideas for another cogal later in the year - maybe even a 2 day affair...
@frank
Naw. I was thinking about the photos I have of you on the leather recliner at 0030, and of G'rilla out by the fire going all "Middle Eastern".
Seems the weather at cogals is starting to develop a baseline of Rule 9