January 24: Countryside Fries Delight
With a severe weather advisory in effect and temperatures hovering around 36 degrees, I decided today’s ride would be a little jaunt along mostly main roads to a tavern nestled in the foothills of the Tualatin Mountains to check out their menu offerings including a juicy burger and hand-cut fries.
Heading out close to lunchtime with ice still on the side of my road, I pulled back on the throttle heading up the steep hill from my house, my warm breath creating little puffs of white condensation in the brisk winter air and my fingers gloriously cozy in my heated gloves.
Traveling past the fields and farmlands on Stafford Road, north on highway 217, and then west on highway 26 I reveled in the feel of the sun on my back, the cool wind on my face, the rumble of my bike on the road, and the stunning bright blue skies above.
Turning north on Helvetia Road, I wound my way through the hilly countryside, passing goats and sheep grazing on dry brown grass in pastures, red tractors parked in their fields, and time-worn brown barns dotting the landscape. The gnarled branches of large trees along the roadside reached into the sky like long grey fingers probing the heavens.
Parking at the Helvetia Tavern, I heard sheep bleating in the field across the way as I opened the wood door to the warmth of the inviting eatery. Fry cooks labored over their grills while servers bustled back and forth under a rustic wood ceiling covered with hundreds of caps.
Sitting at the barstool and biting into my warm, juicy, never frozen, tender burger topped with crispy bacon, fresh tomato slices, and drizzled homemade ranch dressing, I could not have felt more at home. The friendly waitresses checked in frequently and happy customers enjoyed conversation over large plates of food.
Saving my hand cut fries for last, I sprinkled them with extra salt and dipped the crispy on the outside and tender on the inside morsels into mounds of ketchup, closing my eyes as I relished the crunch and flavor of the canola-fried salty treats. What a great day on the bike!
