Well, spring is sorta here, and with it comes the inevitable mixed bag of weather. The month of April saw two gorgeous Saturdays stacked between two horrific Saturdays. The First Saturday ride program started up again, with a departure out of McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale. The group rode a wonderful scenic route which took us up to Crown Point. The two dozen hearty souls then decided to brave the cold, wind, and rain, by continuing down to Multnomah Falls before returning back to Troutdale.
April also gave us our first taste of nice weather. The April 12th ride was attended by an estimated 125 people! (Where were you all winter?!?) A big thanks goes out to all of our regular ride leaders, plus some new folks who responded to my calls for help and stepped up to lead rides.
Finally in April, we also launched the new Saturday Ride Groups. If you haven't already looked at this, I strongly encourage you to take a few minutes and read over things. (Links to the descriptions can be found on the forums in the Saturday Ride board). This will make everyone's ride safer and more enjoyable.
May should hopefully bring more consistent weather, and with it more consistent numbers to the rides. Additional ride leaders are always appreciated, and very frequently needed! If you wish to help out as a ride leader on the Saturday Rides, please make sure to arrive at rides no later than 8:45 to check in with whoever is doing the sendoff that day.
Speaking of sendoffs, a friendly reminder that the first groups roll out of the parking lot at 9am! Maps, waivers, and other club related stuff is normally put away by 8:55, so plan accordingly. If you haven't yet filled out a 2008 waiver, you need to do so!
The First Saturday ride this month (May 3rd) will be leaving out of Tualatin and repeating the route we attempted to do during the winter. Rumor has it that we'll actually be crossing the Canby Ferry this time! The supplies for Ride Leader first responder kits have been ordered and should be in mid May, so we'll be able to hand those out before rides and collect them afterwards.
In closing, a reminder that we are looking for volunteers for on-course Ride Marshal duty, along with "PV Wingmen" for the LIVESTRONG Challenge June 28th-29th. Club members who have volunteered as Ride Leaders will get first crack at filling the needed slots. If you are interested in helping out, visit the LIVESTRONG Challenge board on our forums for more info!
-matt