Roger's Ramblings - Santiam Spokes

Newsletter of Santiam Spokes, Inc. • Volume 14, No. 1 • October

Roger's Ramblings club this past year. I say loudly h
"Thanks to each of you for your
Roger Gaither, President 2005-06 work and dedicated leadership."
can't let them slip so quietly as th
We're Fortunate the wallpaper, so be sure to come
surprises and excitement of the a
We're going to have a good year. I'm meeting that Mary Ellen is plann
proud to serve with such a great board. Al October 6. I don't know what is p
will lead in scheduling programs and (on purpose), but I do know that
assume the reins in my absence. Dennis be fun!
will continue keeping us in balance as
treasurer. May will chronicle our meetings The Year Ahead
and attend to correspondence and other
secretarial essentials. Kari will inform us The Rides: We're going to sche
beautifully every month as editor of variety of rides selected to appeal
"Outspoken." She will also provide riding levels. Many of our rides f
glowing designs for the Century and more. events or have become tradition:
Larry will manage and update our web instance the Cemetery Ride at Ha
site, and he will also manage our Lamb & Wool Fair, DaVinci Day
membership roster. Charles will be our Summit Festival, our potluck/prog
publicist. Bill will accumulate artifacts and rides, the Covered Bridge event, e
news from today to chronicle our history. These will be scheduled first. Th
Tim will manage our great Strawberry schedule other Saturday rides star
Century. And our most important board from several locations of moderat
members, Mary Ellen and Ron, will and difficulty usually with a lunch
organize and orchestrate our rides. destination. These will reflect the
with more difficult rides chosen f
We owe many words of thanks and peak of summer when we are usu
praise to those who were stewards of the fit. We'll also schedule some shor
rides perhaps on Sunday afternoo

1 conti

r 2005 COME TO THE OCTOBER BIKE CLUB MEETING
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6 AT 7 P.M.

here, Our bike club year begins in October. Newly elected officers
hard have ideas and energy to help our club launch a successful year.
But we This first meeting of the year is devoted to closing the past year
hat into with a fun time of laughter and serious thought as we reminisce
e for the together. You will hear many thank yous to club members as they
awards are recognized for their contributions to the Santiam Spokes and
ning for for leading and supporting biking events. It is the hope of our
planned incoming and outgoing officers that all club members will come to
t it will share this special meeting with us. Park in the lot at the back of
Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital. As you come in the
edule a back entrance, the meeting room is off the back foyer. Come
l to all and share in a time of celebrating and rewarding our many
focus on members who helped us experience a terrific year of biking over
for the Willamette Valley and far beyond.
alloween,
ys, Club Information
gressive
etc. Santiam Spokes is a recreational bicycling club for cyclists of all ages & abilities. The
hen we'll Willamette Valley offers wonderful roads through beautiful farmland with plenty of hills
rting nearby. We ride weekly Saturday year-around plus other times during the dryer
te length months. Club meetings are normally each month the first Thursday at 7:00 PM at the
h conference center of Lebanon Community Hospital. See Outspoken for specifics. The
e season public is invited to the rides & meetings. 2005/6 Club officers are: Membership >
for the Larry Fratkin, 503-526-3977; President > Roger Gaither, 503-394-3696; Vice-
ually most President > Allen Randall, 541-258-8186; Ride Captains > Mary Ellen Lind, 541-738-
rter, easier 8600 & Ron Kropf, 541-451-4446; Secretary > May Garland, 503-394-3696;
on or at Treasurer > Dennis Murphy, 541-738-8600; Historian > Bill Pintard, 541-967-3295;
Newsletter > Kari Kropf, 541-451-4446; Publicity > Charles Taylor, 541-258-1850;
inued on page 2 Web Master > Larry Fratkin, 503-526-3977. Membership information and form are
posted on our web site (santiamspokes.org), or call any of the officers.

Continued from page 1 job. If we can have 12-16
each of us will be respons
other times during the week when you are ride every three or four m
interested in participating. We'll be asking your doable and riding is what
opinion. And above all, we are interested in your anyway. Please consider j
inventiveness in coming up with variations on team when you are asked.
existing rides or totally new ones. The door is
wide open for you to reinvent our rides. Meetings & Programs:
meetings is to visit so I'm
We'll make a gallant effort to describe the rides time in a slightly differen
fully in "Outspoken", on the web site, and new catching up with each oth
this year through an e-mail update each week to Board will meet every mo
everyone for whom we have an e-mail address. meeting to consider the ro
This will reflect the latest information about the club: we'll report out thos
ride(s) scheduled for the weekend. discuss. But I'll manage th
our meetings as efficiently
Key to effectiveness of this e-mail update keeping with the topics w
approach is that we need to have everyone's
current address. Please check yours on the roster Frankly, we've had too m
via the club web site, or just to be sure, send me a history of the club and I t
simple or blank e-mail. My e-mail is more time in our meeting
[email protected]. Thanks very much. subjects of safety and ridi
accidents, we are our own
Moreover, after reading the ride descriptions, we temporary lapses of judgm
want you to come to all rides you feel capable of ask Al to schedule a full p
doing. Once a ride begins, we pledge that no one just include a brief item to
will be left behind. Some faster riders may wish to on safety and technique.
move ahead with their maps and cue sheets, but
the ride leader and core group of riders will stay It's absolutely no fun
together to ensure that everyone is having fun and someone who has taken
is as safe as possible. This is our primary essence elbow, or worse. Most o
as a bicycling club. prevent, and I think we
efforts to ride safely.
Ride Leaders: We have a special group of
members who lead our rides; they assume the Strawberry Century: O
responsibility to be there with the map/cue sheets, job, but it's actually a lot
the liability sign-off, and to be on top of the ride good to plan the event and
conditions. Ride leaders also assume the of bicyclists having fun b
responsibility to see that everyone is having fun
and staying safe. This is a really big job and we Tim will lead us in this
owe our leaders a tip of the hat. sure we'll all pitch in to m
We're going to hit the gro
I want to recognize our leaders by forming a designed a fun logo; the d
special Ride Leader Team who assumes this big
2

6 leaders on this team, 2006; and we're going to start our publicity in
sible on average for one October with listings in all the yearly calendars
months. This is very and other stuff. We'll take a fresh look at how we
the club is about can facilitate riders via our web site and all the
joining the ride leader other aspects of conducting a full and satisfying
. Strawberry Century. Tim says we're going to have
upwards of 700 riders next June! We can do it!
: A major purpose of our
m going to build in more Tour: A summer week tour is enjoyable for lots
nt format to facilitate our of members and we're fortunate to live in such a
her each meeting. The great state for bicycle touring. I'm going to form a
onth before the general small committee immediately to nail down a
outine business of the calendar week next summer and to explore
se items we all need to options for a club tour. We'll consider past tours
for repeat or totally new routes. We'll look at
he business portion of different formats such as having a home base for a
y and succinctly as is in week of day rides in a new area of the state. We'll
we need to cover. ensure that the tour is as convenient as possible
and available to everyone with minimal cost. The
many accidents over the door is open, if you want to be involved in the
think we should spend planning, let me know.
gs and on rides on the
ing technique. In most Advocacy: No I'm not talking about lobbying
n nemesis or we have the state legislature. I just want to see us expand
ment. Sometimes I may our membership and to encourage bicycling.
program, but usually I'll There are lots of reasons to bicycle, but perhaps
o refocus our attention most important is that it's fun (feels good,
whatever). We'll focus on getting the word out
to suffer along with about our neat club and about bicycling in
n a tumble, skinned an general. Bicycling is what binds us together, but
of these we can who we are is what makes the club enjoyable. We
do a good job (could always be better) tolerating
should renew our our individual idiosyncrasies and respecting each
other for who we are. This allows us to have fun
Our century ride is a big with each other; that’s why we're a club anyway.
of fun to stage. It feels
d then see lots and lots Thanks for letting me lead a little this year.
because of what we did.
vrg
year's century and I'm
make this the best ever.
ound running. Kari has
date is Saturday, June 10,

2

What’s happening in Octobe

Spokes Agenda Scio Covered Bridge

~Preliminary~ Tour & Potluck
October 6, 2005
LCH Conference Center It’s time for the annual Scio Cov
6:30 PM • Board Meeting
This is a very compact meeting: please Bridge Ride. Route options will
be on time or let me know.
7:00 PM • Snacks & Visiting 32, and 48 miles. The ride will s
This is a time to let folks arrive, catch
up, snack, and get settled. and return to Roger and May’s h
7:20 PM • Convene General Meeting
Minutes • Kari 38795 N. Main, downtown Scio.
Treasury • Dennis
Announcements • Roger, et. al. and May will provide drinks and
Correspondence • Roger
Business From the Board and everyone should bring a pot
05 Strawberry Wrapup
06 Strawberry parameters for all to share. All of the main r
Ride Leader Team
Snack Crew have been improved with should
7:40 PM • Recognition & Awards
8:40 PM • Reconvene Gen. Meeting new surfaces, so the riding will b
Membership • Larry
Safety Moment and enjoyable. This should be fu
Running Up • Roger
Rides Planning • Mary Ellen & Ron
November
December
Business from the floor
9:00 PM • Thanks For Coming

the past.

3

er?

vered Marlene and I are looking forward to leading the Aufderheide
be 8, 18, ride on October 15th and 16th.
start at
home at We will plan on departing from the Blue River grocery store at
. Roger 9:00 AM on Saturday October 15th. Transfer of your gear,
d sundries Camping equip. Clothes ect... Will be provided by Marlene.
tluck dish
roads Lunch will be at a campground about midway on the ride.
ders and Watermelon, drinks and some snack food will be available. If you
be safer want to prepare sandwiches we will have a cooler for your
un as in storage.

3 There is an RV campground in West Fir for those interested in
camping also a Best Western is located in Oakridge. Which ever
you chose camping or Motel please make your own
accommodations for Saturday night. We will be staying at the
campground in our Trailer both Friday and Saturday night.

We are considering Bar-B-Queuing a group meal depending on
the number of riders participating.

Sunday will be a repeat of Saturday only more Downhill.

This is a most scenic ride as the fall colors should be radiant.
There are some hills, but the downhill is always enjoyable. The
ride is Approximately 70 miles each day.

We will need a head count by October 7th. Please email
Questions and Commitment to: [email protected]

Stutzman’s Bicycle Shop

Service • Parts
New Bikes • Accessories
Show this ad to Bobby or Gene for 10% off any shop repair job.

(Limit one per customer)

Phone: (451) 259-6301 • Fax: (541) 259-6302
1524 South Main • Lebanon, OR 97355

Minutes September 05 summer adventure on the Jun
Ice field.
by Kari Kropf
Nominations for the
Charles Taylor called the meeting to 2005-6 club officers were app
order at 7:05 pm. The August Roger Gaither, President; Al Rand
minutes were presented and approved. President; May Garland, Secretar
Dennis Murphy gave the treasurer's Dennis Murphy, Treasurer; Newsl
report. Our name has officially been Kari Kropf; web and membership,
changed with the bank, though the Fratkin; Strawberry century, Tim M
checks still need to be changed. Dennis Historian, Bill Pintard; Publicist, C
also mentioned that the registered agent Taylor; Ride Captains, Mary Ellen
for the club is responsible for legal and Ron Kropf.
documents sent to the club. The person
who would hold this position needs to be May Garland had a thank-you
aware of this and have a good the tourers, for the club's su
understanding of the law. the summer tour. Roger said that
would have a slide show of the to
Mary Ellen Lind reported on Scio Covered Bridge ride.
membership. No changes up to
this point but there was a new Charles Taylor had a thank-you
member at this meeting. Bill Pintard everyone who helped out this
gave the ride report. The ride Mary Ellen reminded everyone of
calendar is finished through October. annual October tribute meeting. B
Roger presented information on the Henderson mentioned a memoria
Aufderheide Ride. It can be a 1 or 2 that Eugene Gears set up as a tri
day ride. It will be sagged. Riders past members. This might be som
wanting to ride just one day can get we could do.Dian Gerstner broug
a ride back provided by the that our mapmaker, Shirley, would
Mangans. It is approximately 70 do a presentation at one of our m
miles each day. Next our guest and perhaps we could invite MVB
speaker, Charles Daellenbach, gave Charles Taylor brought up that the
a wonderful presentation of his conference room is reserved for u
the next year.

For Sale

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GREAT SHAPE! $6,000/new. Asking $3500.
Call: 541-258-2000

4

neau RIDE LEADER CAPTAINS ARE
COMMITTED TO A FUN BIKE YEAR
proved.
dall, Vice WILL YOU COMMIT TO LEADING SOME RIDES?
ry;
letter, Our RIDE LEADER captains this year are Ron Kropf and
, Larry Mary Ellen Lind. They need club members to share their ideas
Mangan; for bike routes. With your suggestions, and by using past routes,
Charles Ron and Mary Ellen will compile the rides for each month.
n Lind Their plan is to use Lebanon Hospital as the center of the hub.
The spokes are the different directions out from the hub that
u from all rides will regularly occur. Each month, rides will be offered to
upport of or from Albany, Brownsville/Sweet Home,
t they Jefferson/Scio/Lacomb and Corvallis. The rides will start either
our at the from LCH or from other familiar sites.

u for The captains ask you to volunteer to join a select group of 10
s year. to 15 regular riders that will lead rides. This won't be an
f the exclusive list, but a core group that Ron and Mary Ellen can
Bev count on to lead a ride about once every other month.
al bench
ibute If you offer to be one of the ride leaders you will receive
mething guidance so you become comfortable with the role of leading
ght up rides. A map and route cue sheet will be provided to you ahead
d like to of the ride. You will have opportunity at the October club
meetings meeting to let the captains know that you will be one of the ride
BC. leaders for the coming year.
e
us for Saturday rides will include at least one stage ride per month.
The goal of this ride is to bring together two groups, when
21/3sp). possible. Those who want to ride at a slower pace and a shorter
distance will have opportunity to do so and still meet up with
4 other riders along the way, hopefully for lunch.

Daylight savings time begins Sunday, October 30th . So
beginning on November 5th, the usual Saturday rides will begin
at 10 a.m.

Lets have a happy, safe biking year!

Mary Ellen, Dennis, Tim, Marlene, Mark, Larry, May and pounds of gear in prepara
Chuck at Chief Mountain segment of the tour, whic
alone. During the first ca
ROCKIE MOUNTAIN eating and recalling our d
MONTANA - CANADA BIKE TOUR day of the ride would be d
We hoped our riding frien
Information organized by Mary Ellen Lind imagination to ride along
issue of the Outspoken.
Our entourage was Tim and Marlene Mangan Day 1 - West Glacier
in their pickup truck that was loaded high Montana, 50 miles
with bikes, food and camping supplies for the six- By Tim Mangan
day tour. The truck pulled Roger Gaither and
May Garland's trailer that carried a tandem bike After the long drive to
tucked snuggly amongst baggage. Following the we got to bed about m
truck Dennis Murphy drove his Camry that carried to start towards Apgar Vil
two recumbent bikes on the roof and passengers The morning weather was
Mary Ellen Lind, Chuck Young (who was peeking over mountains a
designated to drive the truck), and Mark Wagner, Continental Divide at Log
(an acquaintance of Roger and May, who drove Sun road. The scenic bea
the sedan as a sag vehicle). We left Scio at 7:30 pictures and regrouping.
a.m. on Sunday, August 21 and arrived in White by Dennis only a hundred
Fish, Montana, about 16 hours later. Thankfully the bear would stay near t
most of us (Larry Fratkin is the exception) spent out guessed when it cross
our first short night at a Super 8 to prevent need to my front wheel. Where is
set up camp late at night and "break camp" the when you need him?
next morning prior to a challenging first day of
pedaling. Larry arrived two days earlier. He Mary Ellen, “We climbed th
toured locally on his bike, which carried 60 background”.

5

ation for the second Marlene and I were approximately 5 miles and
ch he planned to travel one hour from the summit when Roger and
amping evening, while May's tandem blew a rear tire. Duct tape, new
day, we agreed that each tube and 30 minutes later we were on our way.
described by one of us. We knew bicycles must be off the highway by
nds will use their 11:00 AM. It was 11:30 and 2 miles to the
summit! A park ranger flashed lights and greeted
with us as they read this us with instructions to find a wide spot and wait
for the ranger. The courteous park ranger didn't
to Saint Mary, give us tickets, but left no option but to wait for
Chuck to haul the bicycles and us to the top.

o White fish, Montana, Road construction
midnight then up at 5:00
llage in West Glacier.
s cool with the sun
as we headed out for the
gan Pass, Going-to-the-
auty led to many stops for
A black bear was spotted
d feet away. I thought
the riverbank, but was
sed the road 10 feet from
s Roger with the camera

he mountain in the At the summit we learned that the park ranger
was looking for the driver of the pickup
5 pulling a trailer. We learned that nothing over 21
feet is allowed on the road. Ours measured 31
feet. Chuck was busted. Chuck smiled broadly,
and believe it or not, didn't say much as the park
ranger delivered his stern warning.

It was 15 miles down hill to the campground at
St. Mary's. Mark and Chuck located a campsite
among the trees and had cold beverages waiting
for our arrival.

Day 2 - St. Mary, Montana to Waterton, Roger, Tim and I went to
Alberta, 48 miles shelter and were nice and
for the rest of the group!
By Marlene Mangan bad for them with wet ten
and stories of not sleeping
We awoke to a great day that smelled of
coffee. We readily ate super good wheat Day 3 - Ride to Bear M
pancakes with fresh berries. We packed up for the By Dennis Murphy
first time of the trip and found it interesting to see
how everything fits back in. With full stomachs The rain that began on
and warm clothes on we headed out of St. Mary's continued through the
knowing we had several long climbs to get to the us managed to stay dry an
Canadian border. We met up with Chuck and others were continually aw
Mark on the US side and crossed as a group. We the steady rain pelting the
had previously checked with the border rules to fitful and seemed to last o
make sure we didn't try to cross with restricted to turn again on the hard g
foods. We didn't have potatoes and only the morning would arrive so I
allowable amount of wine (9 bottles). The eat and drink something w
customs lady asked several questions we all said
"no, no, no" until she asked if we had any pepper As soon as I was awar
spray. Dennis said, "Well, I guess I have some the confines of our n
dog repellant". He was sternly asked to go into kitchen shelter a small wa
the office and came back without his small Mary Ellen soon joined m
canister of mace.
6
After lunch we saw a storm approaching. We
climbed to a vista where the prairie meets the
mountains. What a view! That afternoon, as we
arrived at the campground, it started to sprinkle.
Mark did an excellent job of picking a campsite.
We discussed the idea of a motel, but decided to
stay at the camp and chance the weather. The
camp provided two open shelters so we used one
for cooking and dining and the other for two tents.
With no guilt we broke the rules that were posted
to vacate the shelters by 10:00 PM.

As we unpacked and set up the kitchen in the
shelter, it began to rain harder and continued
through the evening. We bought wood and
enjoying good food and good company then
retired at dusk since the wood was gone. May and

our two tents in the making breakfast I packed the damp sleeping bags
d toasty all night. Not so and wet tent. The rain that continued to fall was
one of those really cold, damp rains that seem to
The next morning I felt want to sneak right into your body and chill your
nts, wet sleeping bags bones. I glanced at the surrounding mountains
g all night. and saw that the snow line was getting close to the
valley floor. Tim, Marlene and May with the help
Mountain Motel of others made a delicious breakfast of oatmeal
and bagels. We talked and laughed and did a
Tuesday evening good job of keeping our spirits high. We did
e night. While some of contemplate the ride ahead of us and wondered
nd sleep rather well, about our sanity to attempt to ride on this cold
wakened by the sound of miserable day. We had been told that the weather
eir tents. My sleep was should clear, but when?
only minutes before I had
ground. I wished We had on our wet weather riding clothes and
I could get up, stretch, prepared for a ride on the cold wet roads. It
warm. took only a couple minutes for the ice-cold wind
re of daylight, I escaped to numb my unprotected face. I was eager for
night home to find in the heat to be generated by my pedaling leg exercise.
arming fire and coffee. On days like this one doesn't pay much attention
me. While some were to the beautiful scenery -- if you can see it
6 between the clouds and fog. One's focus is on the
road and bikers ahead, and trying to find a place
of peace within.

Mercifully, time passed quickly, as we rode
one mile then turned into the parking lot of
the Bear Mountain Motel. Our super sag guy had
scouted out the motel that morning, and all of us
most willingly agreed to spend the day with
shelter and warmth. The motel was most adequate
to meet our needs and allowed us early entry. I
hung out the sleeping bags in our room along with
the wet gloves and other misc. items, and soon
found myself under the covers of a warm
comfortable bed. Sleep came quickly.

enjoying teas and pastries
couch where I could look
gratitude to be in such a w

When we returned to
May brought out a
Tim, Larry, Mary Ellen an
multiple versions and inte
The game brought everyo
and observers. We laughe
the rules over and over. L
winner! Interesting, since

Waterton

Later in the day, after all of us had gotten some “In the distance the hotel was li
rest and taken care of various cleanup chores, the high bluff overlooking the la
we decided to visit the Prince of Wales Hotel that
sits on a bluff above Waterton Lake. This is a That evening we enjoy
most majestic hotel! Its view of the lake and the dinner; talked of the e
surrounding snow capped mountains is one that during the day and previo
pictures can never do justice to. We walked what adventures lay ahead
around the hotel on the lakeside and looked in agreement that spending t
awe at the beauty that surrounded us. At this been a wise decision. Aft
moment I became so very, very thankful that our enjoyed a quiet walk thro
ride for the day had been only one mile. If we along the waterfront. In t
had continued the ride as planned we would have lit up with colorful lights
missed all of the beautiful sites that we now overlooking the lake. We
enjoyed. Truly, we were riding not just for be alive to enjoy this day
exercise, but for the enjoyment and pleasure of the
sites and experiences that we could have along the 7
way. We would continue biking the next day, and
enjoy Waterton today!

Agentleman in a colorful kilt held the door
open for us as we entered the Prince of Wales
Hotel. The beautiful floor to ceiling windows
framed a magnificent view of the lake and the
Rocky Mountains. We were awed by the beautiful
structure of this hotel. It was afternoon time for
high tea. People sat quietly at small tables while

s. I sat on a comfortable Day 4 - Waterton to Coleman, Alberta 56
k out of windows and feel miles
wonderful place.
By May Garland
Bear Mountain Hotel,
card game called Rook. When we opened the motel door we looked
nd May worked through out on a clear sunny day. Finally,
erpretations of the rules. gratefully, the rain was over. We looked for our
one together, both players cold weather clothing because the clear, sunny day
ed, joked, and discussed was many degrees cooler.
Larry ended up as the
e he never placed a bid. While Marlene got the coffee going in the
apartment shared by the guys, Tim
it up with colorful lights on cooked nourishing oatmeal with choice of
ake.” toppings - raisins, nuts, blueberries,
strawberries, blackberries, and brown sugar.
yed togetherness over Mary Ellen's cherry walnut bread from Great
experiences we had Harvest was delicious.
ous days, and wondered
d for us. We were in We again loaded the truck, trailer and car with
the day in Waterton had all the gear. We were getting better at
ter dinner, many of us packing, but the stuff seemed to be expanding!
ough the township and By 8:30 we were on our bicycles leaving beautiful
the distance the hotel was Waterton Lakes. The five-mile stretch out to the
on the high bluff highway took us past the Prince of Wales Hotel
e were so very thankful to and we paused for one last look.
together.
7 We turned onto Highway 6 and picked up a
super good tail wind. The riding
conditions were almost perfect - a clear day,
good highway with shoulder, and a wind in the
right direction. We were blown along to Twin
Buttes, a town composed of a little store, where
we ate peanuts and made the first of several
apparel adjustments. All those cold weather
clothes were now too warm.

The views along this stretch were outstanding.
We looked to the west and south to see purple,
snow-capped mountains. We crested a hill and
saw golden fields and green pastures. Near the
city of Pincher Creek we saw high snow fences
and windmill farms. These elegant three-bladed

wind catchers made us reflect, "They must have They were efficient, helpf
wind here a lot." Little did we know! Mary Ellen and Dennis le
got on our bicycles, shake
Marlene searching the last grueling 3 miles U
Hiawatha campground.
After a lunch stop in Pincher Creek, Highway
6 turned. That super good wind was now in The campground left a
our faces! It was grueling as we pedaled up and Upon arrival we notic
down hills. The traffic picked up, with its water was not potable and
accompanying distracting noises. As we to 5 minutes before use. T
continued into the wind our cheery dispositions looney (one US dollar) fo
began to flag. When we passed through 7 minutes for women. Go
Lundgren, Larry said he thought we had just a few paid three loonies and nev
more miles. Though no one said much, we all felt work!) Otherwise, the site
it was time to be done biking. and flat.

At last we saw a sign for Hiawatha Our stomachs didn't s
campground. It requires a left turn across recent trauma, becau
busy Highway 3. Tim, Marlene, Roger, Larry, baked potatoes, carrots, w
and I made the turn and stopped to wait, then sad meal without Dennis
heard a "never to be forgotten," sound - a thud and us. When Dennis called
cars slowing dramatically. A bicycle and a pickup give us an update, we ha
truck collided. We look back to see Mary Ellen on the trip was over. Before
the pavement. Dennis ran over to her. We all ran were packed in the truck
to stop traffic, get the bicycle off the road, and food and cooking gear w
offer help. Like the trooper that she is, Mary Ellen stacked Larry and Mary
was already trying to sit up by the time Dennis got of the load in the trailer m
to her. Canadian police officials arrived quickly. "Okies fleeing the dust b
was still early but we sho
tents, knowing that tomo
day of driving home to O

Outsider's Perspectiv

By Mark Wagner

Idon't even own a bicycl
driver because Roger &
and we help one another o
known any of the other pe

Istill don't comprehend w
choose to go solo in tak

8

ful, and kind. After challenge (it must be a Zen thing), but the week
eft for the hospital, we certainly gave me insight into the positive aspects
en and worried, to pedal of taking on a group challenge, supporting and
UP a steep road to looking out for one another, sharing both fun and
adversity, not to mention great food. I also
little to be desired. appreciated traveling at a slower pace and having
ced a sign that said the time to examine the countryside in detail.
d should be boiled for 3
The showers cost one
or 5 minutes for men and
o figure! (Actually, Tim
ver got the shower to
e was acceptable - shady

seem to know of the Above: Chuck Young
use we ate well - steak, (who was designated
wine, etc. But it was a to drive the truck)
s and Mary Ellen with
at about 7:30 PM to Left: Mark Wagner,
ad already agreed that (an acquaintance of
e nightfall, the bikes Roger and May, who
k and trailer. Most of the drove the sedan as a
was also packed. We sag vehicle).
Ellen's bicycles on top
making us look like
bowl of the Midwest." It
owered and headed for
orrow would be a long
Oregon.

ve

le. I agreed to be a SAG The bottom line for me, however, is that I still
& May are special friends, would not feel comfortable getting a bike and
out. I hadn't previously traveling with the group. There are too many
eople making the trip. variables related to road conditions and whacko
drivers that cannot be controlled. I will, however,
why anyone would consider being a SAG driver again. I did have a
king on a physical good time.

8

Day 5 to 11, Coleman to Jasper, Alberta -- and camp at Radium Hot
405 miles, "On My Own" climb with 60 lbs. of carg
After I went through my u
By Larry Fratkin and dinner - I walked to t
soaked for a very long tim
After a somber breakfast I loaded my bike, said was through pitch-black f
my good-byes, and headed for Fernie. The light. It was beautiful und
ride was bittersweet with haunting memories of
the accident contrasted against beautiful scenery Larry Fratkin continues on with
and an easy wind-at-your-back ride. I enjoyed the
feeling of being on my own. I stopped for lunch in The next morning I sta
Sparwood where I ate at a picnic bench beside the making it to Marble C
'world's largest truck'. Then I rode into Fernie, a entered Kootney National
fairly large town, where I stayed at Raging Elk climbing into the Rockies
Hostel, my first-ever stay at a hostel. There were steepest climb of the trip
few people there so I had a dorm to myself. The The scenery is absolutely
kitchen was well equipped and making dinner was peaks on either side. I sto
fun. The dining area was a good place to meet and McCleod campground and
chat with fellow travelers. After dinner I ventured a day, then got my second
into town to access the Internet at the local library. to Marble Canyon. When

The next day the hostel manager prepared 9
pancake batter with syrup. After a nice
breakfast I was headed for Fort Steele, the next
layover. This was another easy day though the
road surface was very rough. The campground
was on a meadow and was very quiet. My routine
is making tea, pitching my tent, and then making
dinner. After dinner a couple on a motorcycle
pulled into the site beside mine. They were very
friendly and we ended up chatting the evening
away - their beer, my wasabi peas.

The next day I packed and left very early. I
knew was going to be a very long day for I
wanted to gain a day that was lost due to rain at
the beginning of the trip. Instead of going to Fort
Steele, I rode to Invermere. There was a hostel
there that would be good after a long day's ride.
The hard ride was rewarded with a long fast
descent down into the town of Invermere. I found
the hostel closed. The only option was to ride
back up that steep hill that I had just flown down

Springs. It was a tough campground it looked deserted. There were signs
go after an 80-mile day. all over about a bear in the campground. I knew
usual ritual - tea, tent, there was yet another long steep climb ahead if I
the hot springs. There I wanted to go to Castle Junction where there was a
me. Ahhh! The walk back hostel. It was 5:00 PM., so I decided I'd just be
forest with a small LED cautious with anything smelly and the bear
der the bright stars. wouldn't likely bother me. When I was riding
around looking for a site, I met a family walking
the tour on his own. who was camping next to the hiker/biker area.
Now I felt a little better! It started raining and
arted early in hopes of became a thunderstorm. There was a storage shed
Canyon campground. I for food and a shelter for cooking. I cooked my
l Park and started more dinner and put my bike and stuff in the shelter. I
s. It was perhaps the slept on the picnic table. It rained all night. By
so far, and many miles. morning the weather looked much better.

gorgeous with mountain Istarted for Castle Junction and found a steep
opped for lunch at hill with a nice long descent into town. I
d contemplated calling it decided to skip going to Banff and head for
d wind and continued on Lake Louise. By the time I got to Lake Louise
the sun shone and it was another gorgeous day.
I arrived at the I took a shuttle bus from there to Rampart
9 Hostel. This, I thought, would be a well-
deserved break. Rampart is a wilderness hostel
without hot water. The hostel was full at 6:00
PM. I told the manager that I was willing to
sleep on the couch. She agreed and told me a
hitchhiker went to town for food and if he didn't
return by 8:00 I could have his bunk. OK!
There were people from Switzerland, Germany,
Singapore - you name it! I met a Canadian
couple at the sauna who introduced me to a new
ritual - warm up in the sauna, then splash around
in the creek, then dash back to the sauna. It was
very refreshing.

The next day I rode up Sunwapta Pass. This
was the most challenging climb I have ever
done. The icefields are 7000 feet high. After
several miles of hard climbing I came around a
curve to what looked like an impossible climb.

Well it wasn't impossible but I pedaled headed to another local pub. It wa
slowly in my lowest gear. Even autos were A large group next to me ordered
lumbering up this mountain. Several cars drinks in what looked like shot gl
honked as they passed me. They were Then they'd chant as each person,
occupied by people that I had met at the time, would down the drink. They
hostel. Finally, I got to the icefield centre me looking and started talking to
and stopped for a tour that went to a triple was a fun conversation and to my
divide - the water flows into three they didn't ask me to join in their
different oceans from there. Wow! At the ceremony. The waiter noticed tha
icefield centre I ran into a lot of the hostel having any more beers so he aske
people who were in disbelief that I made like a cinnamon coffee he'd just b
the climb and had already arrived. After was delicious and helped get me
the icefield I enjoyed a nice long descent, for the homebound bus ride. This
at over 40 MPH, to the next hostel - the trip ended.
Beauty Creek. This one didn't have
running water or electricity. I met some This was a great adventure fu
very interesting people that sat around a challenging hills. The roads
campfire that evening trading stories and got to Kootney Park and the Ice
discussing politics. What a great time! Parkway, were wonderfully wid
heavily traveled. The scenery w
The last day I rode to Jasper. I went to breathtaking. Would I do it agai
the Greyhound station to see if I could Probably not. I think I enjoy th
leave a day early with my tickets. No of scenery more by automobile
problem. They don't care what day you can spend several days at each p
use the tickets. Then came the bombshell. interest. It was my once-in-a-lif
They wanted $355.00 to ship my bike. I trip though and I'm sure I'll fond
couldn't believe it! I went over to the remember it.
local bike shop and they recommended a
boutique called 'More Than Mail'. There I
got an estimate of $90.00 to ship
Purolator. The bus was due to leave early
the next morning at 1:20 AM - talk about a
red eye! So I got a box from the bike
store, and with their help, packed my bike.
It weighed 50 lbs and cost $52.00! What
a deal! The bike store fellow gave me
advice about where to hang out that
evening. He told me about a local brewery
that had really good food. They had
vegetarian entrees and great beer. Then I

1

as rowdy! Castle Mountain
d strange
lasses.
, one at a
y caught

me. It
y relief
r
at I wasn't
ed if I'd
brewed. It
get ready
s is where

ull of
s, once I
efield
de and not
was
in?
his kind
when I
point of
fetime
dly

Mary Ellen and a few hills.

Rocky Mountain Tour Riders: Roger Gaither, May Garland, Dennis
Murphy, Mary Ellen Lind, Tim & Marlene Mangan and Larry Fratkin. A
big thank you to Sag Drivers: Mark Wagner and Chuck Young.
Photographs courtesy of various riders on the tour.

10

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2005 RIDES I waive an
Spokes, in
October 1, 2005, Saturday, 9:00 am Communit
Scio Covered Bridge Ride associated
Route options will be 8, 18, 32, and 48 miles. Start at Roger and agree not
accidents
May’s home at 38795 N. Main, downtown Scio. Everyone should a participa
agree not
bring a potluck dish for all to share after the ride. damage to
October 8, 2005, Saturday, 9:00 am participatin
release the
Apple Daze Detering Orchards kind or na
to participa
45 miles. Leave from Brownsville and head South toward and progra
Snell appr
Harrisburg. Mostly flat but includes one hilly stretch on Gap any and a
practice sa
Road. Ride Leader: Beverly Henderson. and techni
October 15-16, 2005, Saturday/Sunday, 9:00 am regulations
Santiam S
Aufderheide 2-Day Tour
(____) Indiv
Approximately 70 miles each day. Depart from the Blue River
___________
Grocery Store at 9:00 am. Lunch midway. Spend Saturday night Signature of

in Oakridge. Very hilly. Ride Leaders: Tim & Marlene Mangan. ___________
October 22, 2005, Saturday, 9:00 am Signature of

Albany to Dallas ___________
Signature of
57 miles. Dian Gerstner will lead this ride from her home on
___________
Pulver Ln. First left after N. Albany fire station on Gibson Hill Rd. Signature of
October 29, 2005, Saturday, 9:00 am
Complete
Halloween Cemetary Ride mail it wit

41 miles. Visit several cemeteries in Albany and the S
c
surrounding communities. Ride Leader will be Laura Engel. P
November 5, 2005, Saturday, 10:00 am You’re now
membersh
Lebanon to Brownsville the next m
Get involv
Start at Lebanon Hospital. Ride to Brownsville for lunch. 34 what we m

miles total. Tim and Marlene Mangan will lead this ride. 1
November 12, 2005, Saturday, 10:00 am

Albany to Corvallis Stage Ride

Start at S. Albany pool. Choice of 30 or 40 mile ride. Bill

Pintard will be Ride Leader.

November 19, 2005, Saturday, 10:00 am
Thanksgiving Progressive Meal Ride
Start from Jefferson Middle School. Ride to Lambert’s in

Jefferson for appetizers, then to Lebanon (Santiam Place) for

dinner. On to Scio for dessert. Back to Jefferson 40 miles.

Ron & Kari Kropf leading.
November 26, 2005, Saturday, 10:00 am

Jefferson to Independence Ride

48 Miles. Ride starts at Jefferson Middle School. Ride to

Independence for lunch. This ride needs a Ride Leader!

Membership Application

In Santiam Spokes, Inc.

Release Waiver •Please Print Clearly•

ny and all claims against the Santiam ________________________________________________
nc. and its sponsor Lebanon name of first member
ty Hospital and any other group ________________________________________________
d with them in their programs. I name of second member, if family application
to hold them responsible for any
or injuries that I may experience as ________________________________________________
ant in any of their activities. Further, I name of third member, if family application
to hold them responsible for
o any property or equipment while ________________________________________________
ng in any of their activities. I agree to name of fourth member, if family application
em from any and all liability of any
ature, and by so doing I am allowed ________________________________________________
ate in Santiam Spokes, inc. activities mailing address
ams. I agree to wear an A.N.S.I. or
roved helmet while participating in _______________________ ______ ____________
all Santiam Spokes rides. I agree to city state zip
afe and courteous riding procedures
iques and will obey all traffic (____)_________________ (____)_________________
s while participating in any and all home phone (important) work phone (if avail)
Spokes rides.
_______________________________________________
e-mail address (important)

(____) Family-$15/yr. Sign Liability Release To The Left

vidual-$10/yr.

______________________ ____________ • • • • • • Optional Information Below • • • • • •
1st member date
(____) age 1st member (____) age 2nd member
______________________ ____________ (____) age 3rd member (____) age 4th member
2nd member (if family app) date

______________________ ____________ _______________________________________________
3rd member (if family app) date Occupation of any applicant

______________________ ____________ (____) I am a member of the League of American Bicyclists.
4th member (if family app) date (____) I am a member of Adventure Cycling.
(____) I belong to other bicycling clubs as listed below:
e both sections of this form and
th your check to:

Santiam Spokes, Inc. ________________________________________________
c/o Lebanon Community Hospital
P.O.Box 739, Lebanon, OR 97355 ________________________________________________

w a member. We’ll send you Ride Preferences (i.e. enjoy most, do most)
hip materials & Outspoken. Come to
meeting and take part in the rides. (____) Easy (3 - 15 mi.) (____) Sport (20 - 50 mi.)
ved in all club activities. The Club is (____)Tour (30 - 80 mi.) (____) Competitive (40 - 100 mi. fast)
make it. (____)Off-road (i.e. mountain biking)

11

October 2005 Cycling •

Sun Mon Tue Wed

2 3 4 5Wed. Wanderers
9 10 11
16 17 Start at Linn County Fair
23 24 Grounds, Albany. Meet at
the flagpole. For info or to
start a ride call: Bill Pintard
@541-967-3295 or Ken
Fullen @ 541-327-2084
12Wed. Wanderers

Start at Linn County Fair
Grounds, Albany. Meet at
the flagpole. For info or to
start a ride call: Bill Pintard
@541-967-3295 or Ken
Fullen @ 541-327-2084
18 19Wed. Wanderers
25
Start at Linn County Fair
Grounds, Albany. Meet at
the flagpole. For info or to
start a ride call: Bill Pintard
@541-967-3295 or Ken
Fullen @ 541-327-2084
26Wed. Wanderers

Start at Linn County Fair
Grounds, Albany. Meet at
the flagpole. For info or to
start a ride call: Bill Pintard
@541-967-3295 or Ken
Fullen @ 541-327-2084

1

Santiam Spokes

Thu Fri Sat

CLUB MEETING 1Saturday October 1, 2005 9:00 am
Lebanon Community
Scio Covered Bridge Ride
Hospital
7:00 pm Starting Location: 38795 Main Street, Scio OR
525 N. Santiam Hwy Distance: 8, 18, 32, 48 miles
Ride Level: Easy to Hilly depending on route
6Lebanon Ride Leaders: Roger Gaither & May Garland, 503.394.3696
Bring a Potluck dish for all to share!
8Saturday October 8, 2005
Please submit material for
September Outspoken by Apple Daze Detering Orchard
today to Kari Kropf:
[email protected] Starting Location: Pioneer Park upper parking lot, Brownsville
PO Box 1183 Distance: 45 Miles
Lebanon, OR 97355 Ride Level: Mostly flat with one hilly stretch on Gap Rd.
Ride Leaders: Beverly Henderson, 541.461.3884
13541.451.4446 15Saturday Oct. 15 & 16, 2005 9:00 am

Aufderheide 2-Day Tour

Starting Location: Blue River Grocery Store, Hwy 126
Distance: 68 miles each day
Ride Level: Very Hilly
Ride Leader: Tim & Marlene Mangan,
Spend the night in Oakridge. Motel or Camp out.
20 22Saturday October 22, 2005 9:00 am
Santiam Spokes, inc.
Albany to Dallas
c/o Lebanon Community Hospital
Starting Location: Dian Gerstner’s Home: P.O.Box 739, 525 North Santiam Hwy.
1020 Pulver Lane, Albany, OR Lebanon, Oregon 97355
www.santiamspokes.org
Distance: aprox .57 miles
Ride Level: Hilly
Ride Leader: Dian Gerstner, 541.926.1188
27 29Saturday October 28, 2005 9:00 am
12
Halloween Cemetary Ride

Starting Location: S. Albany High School
3705 Columbus St. Albany

Distance: aprox. 41 miles
Ride Level: Some Hills
Ride Leader: Laura Engel, 541.928.5748