There’s something good to be said for a simple yet highly rewarding bike ride. If you have ever wanted a day on the bike, a simple day with lots of camaraderie and beautiful views, but you don’t want to climb up steep mountain passes or to have to think about where to get water, food, or even too much about stressing over the route, the Petal Pedal is for you.
With 30,50,70 and 100mile routes, this is a well-organized ride that starts in Silverton, OR. They take care of everything, soup to nuts in a splendid manner. From the morning parking to the post ride meal, everything is executed with elegance and efficiency.
Mileage: 102 Miles
Elevation Gain 5,800ft
Elevation profile – One large loop with a smaller tack on loop. Most of the climbing in the begining. Flat from mile 50 onward.
Terrain: All smooth normal roads
Ride Route: https://www.strava.com/activities/620886975
Bicycle: Roadbicycle
Gear: Moots CR, 25c tyres, Lara Bars, Pro Bars, Scratch Labs drink mix.
We rode the 100mile version, along the way we saw beautiful views of mt.hood and st.helens. Fields of colorful flowers, of which we would have liked more of, as we heard years before were even more spectacular. We sped past cabbages, hops, berries, goats, horses and sheep. We transversed many streams and river crossings, ascended up to Silver Falls State Park, saw a waterfall and descended lush forest roads into sweeping rollers and exposed agricultural Oregon. Even a trip over a 100yr old covered bridge in Marrion County not too far from the end.
All this was alongside various types of riders on different length routes from newbies to some serious weekend warriors. Chipper good morning conversations were had, and many a wave on the way. The camaraderie presides strong on this ride.
We decided the best way to do the Petal Pedal is to talk your partner into it if you can. Or plan a ride with your buddies, girlfriends or local ride club. Social, Social , Social.
The day started on easy parking, ended on a solid meal for recovery and a quick tour of the jersey shop and in the middle was supported with snack, water and free mechanical supports from Bike Gallery and Western Bike Works
Overall a good ride. Round up your homies and oil your chain for 2017.
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