john

There is a Loop in North Portland that might be good for a group weekday ride? Well let's see if this works.

6PM wedesdays, meet on Charleston and N Lombard beside Weirs.

+ Its about a 10 mile loop, thinking we do it twice. (or once if you get dropped or flat or have ridden enough already...)
+ Street lighted. (yes the whole ten miles.. )
+ Fairly car free in the evening
+ Wide shoulder or wide double lanes
+ Flat with a few small hills, perfect for group riding.
+ All right turns, very few traffic stoplights, therefore should be no to little stopping or interuption of the ride.
+ Very few side roads or driveways off of the route (therefore less chance of someone pulling out in front of...)

negatives
- sometimes the few cars/trucks that do go by, seem to be going well over speed limit. ie like 55 to 60 in a 35.. !! They have their own lane though ...
- Day shift to swing shift change is ??
- North portland rd is sort of narrow but does have a pretty good shoulder. But it also has one very narrow spot, no shoulder, over a bridge.
- if get lost in N.P. may need that bullet proof vest ? (just kidding)

The route I am thinking is: For now, i think we could meet in "st johns" on Charleston street, just in from Lombard st., that is, near the Library / elementary School / behind Weirs Bicycle shop. This is really close to st johns pub, the safeway, starbucks, etc...

We go out (north west) on Lombard, and start the clockwise loop out past Kelleys point, turn right/south onto N portland rd, turn right onto Columbia, go around once more, then finish up on Columbia way/Fessenden.
http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=8247+N+lombard+Portland,+OR+97203&ie=UTF8&z=14&ll=45.60383,-122.744665&spn=0.039932,0.09613&om=1

Key concepts:
-6 Pm start Wednesday night (until track season starts ?) Shouldn't take more than an hour to hour fifteen to finish two loops.
-No regroups or No group stopping. except at end of ride unless you are in a hurry to get home... But mainly show up, ride, get home.
-few sprint spots to make it fun.
-Safety first of course. No risks, nothing illegal, front and rear lights ! bright clothing, etc, etc...

The ride should be good for those wanting to get better at or new to road racing... But mainly the ride will just be a good workout. A chance to work on your spin and speed and practice riding with teammates, do pacelines, try breaking away, learn how to chase. etc. IMHO, the best way to practice this stuff is in a ride with few to no hills, no re-groups or waiting or interuptions, and with space for drafting and a not too long of ride.

Since i don't like to drive to ride, I especially encourage those that live within riding distance to come out!