October 30: Fall Fun with Friends

What a spectacular day! There’s something to be said for riding with someone who really knows their backroads. Mike Webb did an amazing job leading a group ride through the countryside and past several covered bridges to Brownsville for lunch at Kirk’s Ferry Trading Post. I was absolutely delighted that he elected to take the long way home!

I find riding through the countryside to be so rejuvenating, especially on backroads. Mike led us south on 213 and then East on Eureka Avenue and Victor Point Road past orchards, vineyards, fields, Christmas Tree farms, and pastures. As we swooped around one curve after another, we could see chickens scratching, cows grazing, and horses resting. Flocks of birds took flight from bodies of water, telephone poles, and fields. The fall air was crisp and red, yellow, and orange leaves swirled between our tires as we sped down the road.

After stopping at the Stayton Jordan Covered Bridge, we continued south to Brownsville for lunch at Kirk’s Ferry Trading Post. It was wonderful to have a relaxing meal with friends and to catch up on our lives.

After lunch Mike led another great ride west to Philomath and then north along highway 223 past King’s Valley and up to 99W. This part of the ride was especially enjoyable because it was longer than the route Mike originally planned and there was almost no traffic. As I was riding, I was thinking it was the same kind of feeling as when you think you’ve finished a great dessert and find several more bites left on the plate. I so much enjoyed going up and down hills, feeling the wind in my face, and thinking about all I have to be grateful for.