Cristy and “Pearl!”

Fearsome team trying out my new pedals and cleats before tonight’s ride

C.R.O.C ride in Pendleton, Oregon

For Memorial weekend we went to Pendleton, Oregon for a 3-day riding event.  Have you ever been to Pendleton, OR?  Oh my gosh.  This is the “cowboy” capital of the US.  You’ve never seen so many boots, hats and Wranglers in your life.  It’s almost a joke.  They don’t have a clue about runway fashions or the latest summer trends, but they have finest tack shops and feed stores for livestock.  These folks have live in a $15,000 mobile home but have $100,000 tied up in a truck and horse trailer.  Talk about priorities….  

 

(Yes, I am making fun of cowboys.  Having been raised on a farm/ranch and trained horses for 11 years, I have the right to).

 

Anyway, back to the ride.  We had a wonderful time doing this event called, “C.R.O.C.”  It stands for “Century Ride of Centuries.”  We rode 226 miles in 3 days.  We stayed at the Wildhorse Casino, which was so nice, although many of our friends camped a  nearby campground.  

 

(Camping–don’t get me started on camping.  After riding 100 miles a day, I don’t want to sleep on the rocky ground in a tent with bugs crawling on me.  Pul-eese!)

 

The weather could NOT have been more perfect.  The views were nice and roads were low car traffic.  The rest stops (about every 25 miles) were wonderful.  Each had a different theme like “cowboy,” “white trash” or “Hawaii” and the whole thing was geared towards that theme.  The music, food, decorations, even costumes were top notch and the people delightful.  I loved the rest stops.

 

The event was run like a well-oiled machine.  Check in was a breeze, organized and quick.  Welcome packets were well-stocked with maps, souvenirs, coupons and town information.  Great group of folks who put this thing on.

 

But best of all, I got to spend the weekend with the man I love.  Every mile was a pleasure, every hill was a joy and every ache and pain that came from the ride melted away with one smile from him.  I truly treasure every moment with this man and cherish him deeply.  Without him, none of this would be nearly as fun or memorable.  

 

Personally I would do this event again next year.  It really seems like this organization has their poop in a group and they know how to put on a great ride.     

(me at the Hamley’s Slick Fork Saloon)

Portions, portions, portions!

If you insist on eating junk food, like chips, then count out one serving and then put the bag away!