The Portland Century

On Sunday Kevin and I, along with Susan and Peter, participated in the Portland Century. Kevin, Peter and Susan opted for the 50 mile ride (Half Century) while I tried out the 25 mile route (Quarter Century). I had a wonderful ride and was happy I chose the 25 as opposed to the 50, which Kevin was trying to get me to do. The Quarter Century started out at PSU and headed east over the Hawthorne Bridge to the Springwater Corridor. From the Springwater, we were diverted through SE Portland due to some construction on I-205 and met up with the I-205 bike path. Our one and only rest stop was in Maywood Park at the 17.5 mile mark. From there we headed back West through NE Portland, over the Broadway Bridge and back to PSU. We rode through a lot of PDX neighborhoods, some of which I've never been to, which was great! I always enjoy the opportunity to explore more of Portland, even though I could have taken this same route on my own. The finish line offered massages (which I got), free Widmer beer (which I drank) and a lovely salmon dinner (which I ate, yum!). Of course, after the ride, we had to bike back home!

Great ride on a great day. I hope Baltimore has some planned rides like this!

Interesting lyrics

So, lately I've been listening to the county music station at work because I'm tired of hearing the same old songs on every other non-country station. I came accross this song by Bucky Covington - A Different World. At first, I thought it was hilarious! But by the end, the song made some sense to me. People need to slow down! Myself included.... I think I like this song...so here it is.


We were born to mothers who smoked and drank
Our cribs were covered in lead-based paint
No childproof lids
No seatbelts in cars
Rode bikes with no helmets
and still here we are
Still here we are

We got daddy's belt when we misbehaved
Had three TV channels you got up to change
No video games and no satellite
All we had were friends and they were outside
Playing outside

It was a different life
When we were boys and girls
Not just a different time
It was a different world

School always started the same everyday
the pledge of allegiance, then someone would pray
not every kid made the team when they tried
We got disappointed but that was alright

We turned out alright

It was a different life
When we were boys and girls
Not just a different time
It was a different world

No bottled water
We'd drink from a garden hose
And every Sunday,
All the stores were closed.

It was a different life
When we were boys and girls
Not just a different time
It was a different world

Portland Timbers

Last night K and I rode our bikes to PGE Park for the last home game of the Portland Timbers, the minor league soccer team here in town. The first half was pretty boring but the second half was much more exciting with the only goal being scored at the 79th minute. Timbers won 1-0 over the Charleston Battery.

This weekend we've got the Portland Century on Sunday. K has the 50 mile ride and me the 25. Looking forward to a nice ride around Portland!

More updated reading lists

I've updated my reading lists for Spring and Summer 2007. I've read quite a few books these past few months, even though I've been really busy with getting married and settling into married life.

I hope to keep updating this site on a more regular basis, more for my benefit than anything else.