Friday evening I drove to Pendleton for Ayanel's graduation. Such a proud family! (And rightly so!) It was a fun surprise to get to see another former student graduate as well, and I managed to find her in the crowd to give her a hug.
After graduation was over I hurried back home--my youngest sister Lani had called and said they would be driving through on their way to Montana. Could they stop by for a visit? Of course! They were going to keep driving and get a motel in Washington, but I offered beds and camping mats instead. Lani and I were up before anyone else and got a rare chance to sit on the patio with our coffee and visit. I made pancakes, then sent them on their way. I needed to get to Portland!
The weather was absolutely beautiful that morning, and the drive through the gorge was, well, gorgeous. Nate had looked online to see what was happening in Portland that day, and had discovered a bike festival and parade. After we parked and were walking towards the main street we saw all kinds of bikes and trailers. I thought that what we were seeing was the tail-end of the parade.
We wandered down the street, enjoying the people and their bikes, then found a spot at Amnesia Brewing for a bite to eat. It turns out we hadn't missed the parade at all. I must admit I've never seen/heard a goth drum corps before--they were quite good!
Next up were all kinds of people on all kinds of bikes. The families we had seen earlier were part of the parade, along with some not-so traditional participants.
After a bit it appeared that the parade had come to an end, but then there was an excited buzz in the crowd. What's this? Nude cyclists? Can that be legal? It turns out it is. (It's a protest, protected under Oregon's constitution.)
After that bit of excitement, Nate and I were ready to move on. He took me to one of his favorite longboarding sites--Mt. Tabor. I strolled around, soaking in some much-needed sunshine while he did his thing. The view of Mt. Hood was spectacular!
By evening, we were tired and hungry, so we collected Andrea and headed out to the pub where Katie works. She loves the new aprons I made for her, and got lots of compliments.
On Sunday we slept in, had a leisurely breakfast, then just hung out all day. The wide front porch on Nate's house was the perfect hangout for me and my book. That evening we headed downtown for Carlos' graduation bash. It was a lot of fun, and many people came out to celebrate his accomplishment. I got to meet his mom--what a sweet person!
Katie and I spent some time together on Monday doing (serious, non-fun personal business because I had taken a personal day and they are not to be used for fun) then it was time for me to come home.
A good weekend.
On your left! we cry
Sunburned and tired
Gratitude for legs
Rick was getting nervous about me and my camera...he claims I was riding erratically. Moi?
One of my all-time favorite hills
A quick rest stop in Echo
Climbing back out of Echo...into the sunset! 
Climbing along with a great view of the valley behind us. Headed north towards Benton City.
3rd and 4th rest stops--miles 60 and 80--Benton City
Still smiling at the end! Hot dogs are not what I was daydreaming about during those last few miles, but that's all that was available. Gonzo was holding out for a big bucket of chicken. As soon as his wife got there to pick him up that's where they were headed. He totally cracks me up--always talking about what he's going to eat after a ride--and it's never very healthy sounding!
So...the first century of the year has come and gone, and it was a fabulous day. Good riding, good friends, no flats. And I am getting stronger. It made me happy to be able to get up Sunday morning and join my friends for a group ride--another 33 miles. Life is good. :-)
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