bluekat's Journeys

Perfect fall weather for a ride. It was supposed to be cold, but instead the day turned out mild. And no wind to speak of.   Thompson’s Flour Mill We started at Thompson’s Mill and rode the mostly flat farm roads around the valley to Brownsville. There we met up with May at Pioneer Park. She was nice enough to bring us giant size brownies and steaming hot chocolate. So good on a cool fall day.  David Jo and Ace Lynn Tim Bluekat Roger Brownies and hot chocolate Thanks May! May We had a short, easy return to the mill, where Tim fed the local crew. Those ducks and chickens know when someone hits up the bird food vending machine. There aren’t too many days like this left for riding.  The “wildlife” at Thompson’s Mill Those who come late to the party  Will miss out on treats.  Carriage house

“… a lot of medium hills but no killer ones,” The email said. I still have the email to prove it. Greg, Barbi, Al and Emma on Northern Drive An early start today, to beat the heat. Perhaps it was the wrong map, or a miscommunication, but somewhere along the route, after I was already halfway ‘round the mountain, we were suddenly going to ride over Fern Ridge. What happened to Old Holley Road? Scenic. Rolly hills. Lovely. Why? Yours truly I spent Northern Drive desperately chugging down gummy-drop-nutrition-thingies, in a last ditch effort to stave off the dreaded bonk that would surely ensue somewhere on the ascent of Fern Ridge. Northern Drive, Brownsville It was suggested by one rider that we could turn back and still catch Old Holley Road, but of course no one would actually be the first to turn back down the hill. We would have all followed. Really we would. But no. Up we go. Al, Emma and Greg at the top of Fern Ridge - Whew! I’m happy to say I ha...

It sounds worse than it was. It was windy and rainy, sometimes very rainy, but there is something about being out in the rain that can be so peaceful at the same time. Probably has something to do with the warm temps. Stopping didn't mean freezing. We headed toward Brownsville with no particular destination in mind, and options were considered at most intersections. One of my favorite barns All the pretty horses We turned back before Brownsville since we had no desire to stop in town. Headed back along the flat route. 24.51 miles 2:05 time 11.73 av ... we were kicking back a bit. Kinda nice. 26.72 mx 5026 odo Oh, and I climbed the hills without using the granny ring. :)

A couple weeks ago I read a story in the newspaper that there had been a fire at one of my favorite cafes. This past weekend we happened to be driving through Brownsville and saw the devastation for ourselves. We stopped to read some of the notes left on the plywood covering the windows and doors. Very nearly made me cry reading all the little notes of support.   Our bicycle club often rides to Brownsville to have lunch at the the Corner Cafe. Our last visit was on Oct 22. This is a photo from that day. October 22, 2011  Article and photos of the fire in our local paper if you want more of the details.You can see the room above in some of the photos. A few more images from past rides. Smaller room off of the courtyard that appears to have the most damage. 12-29-2007. Dec. 29 2007 Jan. 27, 2010  I hope they will be able to rebuild. Thoughts and prayers to the family. If interested and your in the area, there is a benefit for the family on Dec 9.