Tax Free Day

Massachusetts has a tax free weekend so David and I took advantage of it to go buy new bikes.  He has been begging me to get a bike and after his commuter bike got stolen, he was in need of a new bike too.  So, we headed to Framingham to a bike shop he has been eyeing for months.

The second David saw the Redline 925, he was sold.  Supposedly he has been looking for one for himself, but hasn't been able to find one, but unfortunately it was my size, so I test rode it and loved it.  David also found a pretty inexpensive bike that will meet his commuting needs and now he won't get weird looks anymore for riding his fancy, spancy road bike to work.   

Redline 925.  My future ride.

The commuter.

After our bike purchase I was so excited to ride it that we planned a trip downtown to watch a Shakespeare play in Boston Common. The ride was awesome, but we didn't like the play at all. Thumbs down to Coriolanus!

Bare It All

Today was another BEAUTIFUL day in Portland. I am so hoping these days will stick around until at least October. Is that too much to ask? I'm a little pasty and could use some Vitamin D.

David was on call this whole weekend and since the hospital was really busy, I barely got a glimpse of him, which means I was flying solo. I could not pull myself out of bed knowing that I had planned to do a long run, but I finally did it. I got up. I started the day out with a 12 mile run. I think the last time I ran that far was a half marathon last summer. Once I got going I felt okay, slow, but not tired. At about mile 6 I began thinking about how blessed I am and how incredible it is that my short legs will carrying me for miles on end. That is exactly the boost I needed along with the check at my time and the realization that I wasn't running as slow as I thought. I then turned back and headed home to get ready for the rest of my day.

I got a phone call from David a little later and he was able to break away from work for a bit to attend his co-fellow Erin's farewell BBQ. Knowing Erin is done in 3 weeks made me realize that David only has ONE more year as a Cardiology fellow, but then again, it's not the end end. Just the end of this chapter of training. I think we have at least one more chapter to go. But, the light at the end of the tunnel is getting a whole lot closer and brighter!

David's Co-Fellows and Program Director

Mike, Laurie, Amy, Erin and David

After the BBQ I picked up a friend and we headed to Cirque du Cycling, a street fair and bike race that is held every year on Mississippi. On the way over my friend described an interesting site she observed during her lunch, a conglomerate of naked bikers. I previously heard about the naked bike ride that occurs every year in Portland, but I have never sought out the details. Well, I didn't have to seek anything out this year either. This year, the necked bikers found me. Who knew that in broad daylight at a street, family-friendly affair, men (and sometimes women) would bare it all. And really, on a bike?! That doesn't sound comfortable to me.

Emily and I were walking down the street and I was talking to my dear 68 yr old friend on the phone when Emily shouted, "There they are." I had no idea what she was talking about so I looked in the direction she was gawking and sure enough, THERE THEY WERE. Riding right towards us. NECKED BIKERS. I quickly turned my back to the road and looked right into the open door of the shop I was standing at until the bikers were out of sight. A couple things ran through my head. First, thank goodness for handlebars! All I got a glimpse of was a couple of bare chests. Secondly, I was thinking, here I am talking to this sweet, pure elderly women on the phone and I have about 30 naked guys riding behind me on bikes. She might have died right then and there if she had seen them. Sorry, no pictures.

Then I watched the Crit. And, I saw more skin... What is with today?

If you look closely at this guy's right butt cheek you will notice that he's missing something... a little skin on his cheek. Ouch. And yes, he finished the race just like this. He won the race last year, but I think this little mishap threw him off a bit and he didn't repeat the win.

Cirque du Cycling Criterium

Portland is really big on biking, being green and being weird. There are bumber stickers all over that say, "Keep Portland Weird". This last weekend we went to a biking event that is said to be "part circus and part bike street race". At the beginning of the day there is a bike parade through the streets. We missed the parade but we showed up in time to see the costumes (or maybe real outfits since it is Portland) and some of the unique bikes.

I wish I had a video tape of this guy trying to ride this bike. It was hilarious.
I was waiting for him to topple over.


And remember, it is not Halloween.

Remember how I told you that people in Oregon love tie dye. Here is further proof.

We really came to see the Crit bike race. Crits are great because the riders do multiple laps (30-50) around a short city course. The distance of the race is determined by the average lap time for the first 2/3's or so of the race. The bikers get up to about 25-30 mph as they wind around this 0.80 mile course. There are prizes throughout the race for the winners of certain laps. We had gone to a Crit when we were in Redlands, CA and we loved it. You can get right down on the sidewalk by the road so you actually feel the bikers as they ride past. It's pretty amazing. That is unless you see a crash since they can be pretty brutal. When we were at the race in CA one of the bikers actually lost his seat and had to stand for the rest of the race. Can you imagine standing on your bike going 30 mph around a curving course? I guess it was good motivation to stand since he would impale himself with a metal seat post if he sat.

I love when the overall winner of a men's professional biking race is wearing pink and the team name is Gentle Lovers.

To Market to Market

It is finally time for the Farmer's markets to be open. I love the Farmer's markets here in Portland. Last summer and fall David and I would get on our bikes and head out to the market on Saturday morning. We would wander around, listen to the live band, sample foods and people watch. We would generally wind up with some good fruits, veggies and an organic breakfast burrito for David (I know who cares if it's organic, but let me tell you, it is soooo good). This year David is set on picking up some gourmet bacon. Someday I should buy him a pig farm so he can get all the bacon he wants. I think he would be in heaven.
So, this morning was our first trip to the Hollywood Farmer's market this season. I don't know what it is, but I become a child when I get on my bike and peddle through the neighborhoods to the market. There is something magical about the natural beauty of Portland that leaves me in awe. David laughs at me because I space out when I get on my bike. I'm too busy taking it all in.



This blue bike is where I spend many a Portland summer days commuting to wherever it will take me. And, summer is almost here.