April 22: Delightful Countryside Cruise

What a delightful, rejuvenating romp through the countryside! Today’s ride, led by Mike Webb from Volcano Harley, took us on backroads through Silver Falls State Park and then north again to Silverton. It was absolutely inspiring to cruise through the hills and farmlands on the new Baby with sun peeking through the clouds and not a raindrop in sight. Read more of the details here.

I am so incredibly grateful to have a new adventure bike and even more excited about the fact that it’s almost completely dialed in to fit me and the plans I have for it this summer. Next weekend the last piece of the puzzle will fall into place as I outfit the Baby with new tires designed for even better off road performance than the ones that are currently on there.

After tackling loose gravel and mud last weekend, the leisurely ride through the countryside today sounded downright refreshing. Mike led us south on highway 213 past vineyards, orchards, fields, and farmlands and then east on Valley View Road through hills and valleys with snow-capped mountains on the horizon. Passing Silver Falls State Park, we took one delightful twisty curve after another breathing in the crisp clean air surrounded by forests of thick green evergreen trees.

Heading south towards Stayton and then north on Howell Prairie Road, I could almost smell the fresh baked pies at Willamette Pie Company just a short distance away as we zipped around curves and corners heading back towards Silverton.

After some great lunch conversation, Grant Myers and I continued north on Marquam Canby Road and then 99E, following the peaceful blue curves of the Willamette River and the stunning mist-enshrouded Willamette Falls. Where else but the state of Oregon could you enjoy fields and farmlands, snow-capped mountains, and roaring waterfalls all in one day?