February 28 - Group Ride from Latus and on to Markum Inn

What a glorious day! It may have only been in the low fifties but with the sun out, blue skies, and my electric gear on it felt like summer! Started off the day with a large group ride from Latus. About 80 bikes and several road captains took off for a short loop to Estacada and Colton and back. This was one of those times when the ride was really about having an opportunity to interact with awesome people – dozens of friendly fellow bikers as well as many enthusiastic bystanders along the way. When you’re in such a large group it feels almost like a parade. Parents were holding their children up on their shoulders to see the procession and wave, families were waving from inside cars, and homeowners clearing up yard debris from the recent storms all stopped to wave. It was great to mingle with people (with masks on) before and after the ride. We got back to the dealership before 1:00 and it was still gorgeous out. So Grant Myers and I decided to do another short loop down to Stayton, Scio and back using all back roads. Stopped at the Markum Inn for a late lunch. I have to say, the onion rings were amazing! Beer-battered and made fresh to order, they were crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and tasted like a delicious donut with a savory onion inside. Also ordered the monster pizza made with fresh dough and topped with pepperoni, ham, sausage, bacon, onion, peppers, olives, and mushrooms. What a treat. It was hard to turn the bike towards home because all I really wanted to do was ride off into the sunset. If you watch the video you will see all the awesome bikes on the group ride. Grant and I held up the rear, so we are at the very end. The picture of the onion rings includes a half empty basket because I had to eat a couple before I could take a photo.