Last weekend was the long awaited ride we have been training for these past few months, the CBBT, or Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour.  Our alarm went off at an unusually early hour for a Sunday morning around here but we dragged ourselves out of bed in anticipation of a great day ahead of us.  The plan was to gear up for the ride and hit the road as soon as we could in order to meet up with our friends for an 8am start time.  Like clockwork we got on the road with plenty of time to spare.  However, we needed to make a quick stop at our friendly local Starbucks for some java and a bite to eat.  Had to fuel up for the ride y’know!

     Gloriously, at this time of the day on a Sunday morning there was ZERO traffic on the Five heading south toward Albany, Oregon.  The ride was to start at the Linn County Fairgrounds in Albany. The sun was shining upon us as we buzzed our way south and we were lucky enough to see a beautifully colored hot air balloon sailing along in the calm of the morning air.  Before we knew it we were already heading off the interstate and navigating the short distance to the fairgrounds.  There we met up with our friends Libby and her son Nolan who were joining us for the ride and snapped the obligatory selfie before checking in for the ride. (not our car in the background by the way, lol)

     When we checked in we said we were doing the 40 mile loop which was met with the reply, “oh the short route”.  True, it was the shortest route offered up for the day but for a couple of semi-aged bike toodlers 40 miles would be just perfect. Thank you.  After checking our equipment and fist bumping all around the four of us set of on our biking adventure.  Woo hoo!  In no time we were biking through the countryside where delightful old barns like the one pictured above are common place.  With very little traffic and scenic beauty everywhere we all enjoyed the rolling countryside of the Willamette Valley as we pedaled along.

     If all we had to look at were the pastoral views of Linn County, its farms, its freshly plowed fields, its lovely oasis of oak tree groves, and its bountiful orchards that would have been very satisfying indeed.  However, in addition to the lovely rolling countryside we were  going to be treated to beautiful old covered bridges along our route.  Bridges that I had heard of but never actually seen in all of my years of living in Oregon.  The first covered bridge we came to – just outside the town of Scio, Oregon – was the Gilkey Covered Bridge which spans Thomas Creek.  As you can see by the photo above it is a historical treasure to be marveled at for its beauty and simplicity.  Plus its a terrific photo backdrop for a pic of you and your hunny with your bikes!!

     We enjoyed a brief rest stop in the town of Scio hosted by the sponsors of the ride the Mid-Valley Bicycle Club. Thanks MVBC!  We then set off toward the next bridge on the tour the stately Hoffman Covered Bridge.  The Hoffman Covered Bridge spans picturesque Crabtree Creek.  When this bridge came into view it just made you feel as though you had been transported to another time.  A time when one might have seen vintage 1920’s and 30’s era cars in their heyday crossing this very bridge in showroom new condition.  In fact, when we stopped to admire this bridge some modern day classic car owners happened by with a beautiful 1950’s era car. After cruising slowly through the bridge it stopped in the middle of the road on the other side.  Its owner stepped out and took some photos of their classic car in front of this classic covered bridge.  Too cool!!

     When Nancy and I rode through the Hoffman Bridge you  got a sense that this thing was made by people who really cared about craftsmanship.   The Hoffman Covered bridge was built primarily with hand tools from locally fallen timber.  When I rode through it you could literally smell its woodsiness.  This lovely structure is truly deserving of its listing on the National Register of Historic Places.  It was such a privilege to have experienced this with loved ones!

     Pulling ourselves away from the beauty of the Hoffman Covered Bridge we then continued our toodle through the countryside and enjoyed another rest stop in the little community of Crabtree, Oregon. From there we would wind our way back to the fairgrounds through more gorgeous scenery like the crystal clear waters of the South Santiam River which is pictured above.  When we arrived back a the fairgrounds we felt both a sense of accomplishment and a sense that we could go for another few miles.  So next year we are going to set our sights on the 68 mile “metric century”!  Thank you Mid-Valley Bicycle Club for a CBB-Terriffic day!

     After such an epic ride we were all famished and a little celebrating seemed to be in order.  Well, I am super pleased to pass along that we discovered a hidden gem of a burger place in Albany called “First Burger”.  Now, we come from one of the most “foodie” towns in the nation in Portland, Oregon.  But I’m here to tell you that the burgers and accompanying sides and shakes at First Burger are as good as, and in a lot of cases, better than the many superlative burgers to be found in Portland.  Hats off First Burger!!  We hope to make you a post ride tradition going forward!

–Mike