PWTC Reach the Beach Team

Submitted by Ann Morrow

This time of year, for as long as I can remember, Portland Wheelmen have offered Reach the Beach Training (RtB) rides, led by some of our most gutsy riders. I say this about our past and present RtB Training Ride Leaders because the rides are in winter and early spring (winter, Part II here in the northwest) and mileage for these weekly rides jumps exponentially each Saturday. Oh, they start out innocently enough. A relatively flat loop to Vancouver and back.  30 miles. No big deal. But it’s mid-February and usually wet, cold and windy. A few short weeks later a 50- or 55-mile ride is the drill and the weather forecast remains the same. In a word, it’s arduous. And, no, this isn’t the language we use to inspire potential RtB participants to join us on these rides!

But our current RtB Senior Ride Leader (referring to his level of authority not his age!) takes all of this in stride and does not blink an eye at what I consider challenging conditions. It’s inspirational. I’m speaking of Mr. Dick Weber himself. And, sitting here on a Wednesday, I think of my own role in these training rides and how I will, come Saturday, join Dick to offer a slower, shorter version of the route and will try to be as stoic as Mr. Weber. I WILL NOT complain!

I think it’s a great opportunity for us, as a club, to offer these training rides to less experienced but determined cyclists who simply want a fun ride come May and/or to raise money for the American Lung Association (ALA). Many of us know someone who has suffered from a lung disease, and that is a sufficient reason to participate. But ALL of us benefit, particularly as cyclists, from clean air, and ALA advocates for that as well. ALA is a great organization comprised of kind and compassionate folks. This may be why their ride seems to be one of the most popular local charity rides.

My mission this year, aside from the aforementioned ride leading, is to increase promotion of the event within the club. Let’s form a PWTC RtB TEAM to participate in the event. I know, I may have dissuaded you in the first few paragraphs, but remember this is all standard NW winter riding. Come on, let’s do this! Each rider needs to raise (or just pay with your registration) $150 to benefit ALA. Separate from that I would like to raise a little money from our club members to donate as well. We are so involved with the training it seems a little strange to just disappear as a group on ride day. I will be collecting donations at club meetings through May. If you want to join the TEAM contact me at anniedmor@gmail.com.  The ride is Saturday, May 18; for more information visit the American Lunch Association website.

You can ride the course you want and when you want, or we can ride together. I plan to ride the 55-mile route from Amity. Any other ideas?  I am all ears. Don’t hesitate to join us on an official Reach the Beach training ride!

Ann Morrow, anniedmor@gmail.com