Rick Dancer Media Services LLC » Cycling

Joseph to Imnaha (almost)

Rick Dancer — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:02:30 +0000

The weather forecast says thunderstorms this afternoon so Kathy and Rick know if they want to get a bike ride in today, they need to get going. But the creek is so serene, the coffee so good, the deck overlooking the Wallowa Mountain’s so amazing the pair just can’t get going. They decide to ride 60 miles to and from Imnaha. They’ve been there before. It’s a tiny little town with a post office, a store and a school at the end of the road. (There’s a restaurant too) This is one of the farthest spots you can go and still be in Oregon. They headed out and next to Alaska; this is probably the prettiest place they have ever seen. Green pastures tucked beneath those giant mountains that seem to shoot up out of the earth so high they touch the robe of God. The old barns, houses are reminders of those who’ve lived here before. As Rick and Kathy get farther down the road they realize Imnaha is at the bottom of a canyon. You don’t realize this when you drive it in a vehicle. The road winds down, down, down and both look at each other understanding there’s only one way up and that is to ride it. At the 20 mile marker the sky is growing darker and the clouds scream a warning to get home because the clouds cannot hold back what is inevitable. A big storm is coming and time is short. As Rick and Kathy pull into the driveway back in Joseph, a raindrop lands on Kathy’s arm and then another and another and another. By the time they are in the shower, the ground is rumbling and the dark clouds lighting up as bolts from the Heavens touch the ground nearby. The two grab some lunch, stop by some shops, and find their way to the coffee shop and the Internet. It was a great ride and hey, the pair burned off enough calories for a nice dinner and a beer at Terminal Gravity. Now, that is a good day.

Cycle Oregon: Springfield, Brownsville, Coburg and back. (Click for Video)

Rick Dancer — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:50:19 +0000

Kathy and I cycled Oregon today. We rode 70.25 miles in 90 degree temperatures. It was great. The best way to spend a sunday. Watch and if you want directions email us. rick@rickdancer.com

Cycling Oregon; Brownsville to Corvallis…….and back.(video)

Rick Dancer — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 14:35:06 +0000

Kathy bought me a new camera for my birthday so we can record our bike rides to who to you guys. This ride was on July 3rd and went from Brownsville to Corvallis and back. It was 50 miles total and very doable for most riders. The best part is lunch and the rural roads that most of us have never driven. Take a couple minutes to watch the video and if you’d like to go on the ride, email us we can send you the directions.

HWY 242 Bike Ride 2010

Rick Dancer — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 02:54:55 +0000

I love to ride my bicycle.

McKenzie River Ride.

Okay, you want to go on a tough bike ride that takes you to some of the most beautiful scenery in the state, we’ve got the ride for you. Before you go, stop by Hideaway Bakery, behind Mazzi’s, and buy their fig rolls. Cut them in half, put peanut butter and jelly on them and you’ve got your lunch.

If you go before Wednesday, you won’t have to deal with traffic. The road is closed for the winter and opens mid to late June. Cyclists know this and when the snow melts, head to the top, to the Dee Wright Observatory. It’s a 50-mile ride and it’s tough. 5200 feet of climbing. It’s one of the greatest rides Kathy and I have ever done.

242 is the old the old McKenzie River Hwy. It’s curvy, it’s beautiful and it’s great.

We start at the McKenzie River Ranger Station and ride up. You only have to ride a couple of miles on HWY 126. You ride about 11 miles up to the gate and then you are free. Take lots of water, you don’t need a map because there are no turns. We have had riders run into bear before. (Not literally run into bear but saw one). The ride is 5o miles but half of that is downhill. Still plan to burn about 2500 calories on your adventure (and that means lots of food later). We don’t just ride, we look and it took us about 4 hours. As you can see, Kathy and I stop off at
Takoda’s Pizza place on the way down, have a couple of diet Pepsi’s (I know it’s bad for you but after 50 miles who cares) and then we head home for burrito’s, beer and a movie.

Cycling Oregon; Drain to Oakland (Click here for video)

Rick Dancer — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:59:58 +0000

There is nothing like it in the world. Cycling the state to see the sites and hear the sounds in a way you can’t experience them from a car. Even when the window is rolled down it is not the same thing. Yesterday Kathy and some friends and I went on a bike ride from Drain, Oregon to Oakland, Oregon. The Fall Leaves were turning, the air was cool and fresh and these are a few of the pictures we shot on our trip.

Mitchell Oregon Trip

Rick Dancer — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 00:51:53 +0000

Just got back from a trip to Mitchell, Oregon. I’ll have more about the trip but it was part of a job I’m hired to do for Gubernatorial Candidate Allen Alley. Check out the pictures. I’ll have more on Allen and the trip, later.

The Fruit Loop; Not what you think. Click Here (Cycle)

Rick Dancer — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:07:05 +0000

Last weekend Kathy and I went on “The Fruit Loop.” I suppose some of you are thinking, “How perfect for you Rick, you must have felt right at home.” Very funny. The Fruit Loop is a cycle route (or car) that travels along the canyons of Mt Hood and down through orchards and fruit trees to Hood River. It is beautiful and a pretty tough ride. We started at the top and came down first. We did this to save gas. What we forgot (note to self) is you have to go back up the five mile hill to get to the car. We bought more water on this trip than we’ve ever bought before. We even stopped in a farmers field to run through the sprinklers.

Land Of Oaks: Cycling Oregon Back Roads….Click Here for Video

Rick Dancer — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 19:28:34 +0000

We started in Oakland, headed west through the hills and canyons of Douglas County. We passed rivers, streams, small wineries and towns. It’s a place where the mailboxes are far and few between. It’s an area where history peaks around every corner. You can see it from your car but to experience it you need the air on your face and a much slower pace. For those who can’t make the journey, allow Kathy and me to escort you.

The Aufderheide: Not a Ride for Wimps—–Click Here To View

Rick Dancer — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 02:07:13 +0000

The 4th of July turned out to be truly amazing. We didn’t go to a parade, we didn’t have a picnic, and we didn’t light off one single firework. None of those things are bad in fact all are a lot of fun. But Kathy and me just needed a day away, doing what we love to do, Cycle. We’ve heard people rave about The Aufderheide but until now, had never tried it. It was difficult and it was very, very hot. Grab a beer, a glass of wine or whatever you relax with and watch this video. Beware, you may want to buy a bike when you’re finished.

Cycling to End Domestic Violence/click here to watch video

Rick Dancer — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:19:23 +0000

His name is Gil James. In his pre-retirement years Gil worked in school administration. He loves to ride his bike and is no stranger to long bike rides. But this ride, the one he’s on right now, will be the ride of his life. Gil is one of 50-some riders who are riding cross country from Astoria, Oregon to New Hampshire. Don’t get out your calculator it’s already been figured out that’s more than 3,000 miles. My wife and I ride bikes and accidentally ended up on a one day ride over Mount Hood with Gil. That’s a long story and best suited for another time. Gil talked to us about his journey and we recorded his words and thoughts for you to hear. You can still donate to Gil’s ride. There’s a web address http://www.gilsride.blogspot.com. The money raised will go to Womenspace and Ophelia’s Place.