SERA Cyclists Reach the Beach for the American Lung Association

Last Saturday, team SERA Velo participated in Oregon’s annual Reach the Beach event and raised $1,698 for the American Lung Association. Our riders’ cumulative miles exceeded 1,600.

Early starters in Beaverton were greeted with the traditionally coolish air and moist skies that signify spring in the Portland area. A few more riders joined the team in Amity, and as the miles ticked by the clouds parted, the sun beamed (once or twice) and the asphalt dried. Pedal orbiting pedal, we clicked and clunked into granny gear and inched our way up several inclines only to have our eyes blessed by scenic vistas. Then, respite for weary legs, we bombed deep into bovine scented valleys. Each of our riders triumphantly met at the finish line in Pacific City, cycling Nirvana achieved, for a dinner of BBQ chicken, brownies and beers.

Joining me for this ride were several SERA Velo members: Joe Pinzone, Suzanne Blair, Andy Borell, Ross Determan, Blair Gardner, Emily Green, Artur Grochowski, Sarah Howenstein, Daniel Merkt-Blatz, Carissa Mylin, Karin Wohlert, Chris Young, and Anne Zuercher. Honorary SERA Velo member, 13-year-old Trystan Madrigal-Smith rode his first century by completing the 104 mile course; he is now eagerly researching the Seattle to Portland ride.

SERA Velo extends a special thanks to our volunteer drivers: Rachel Rausch-Johnson, Cassandra Tyler and Haresh Vibhakar.

Good job, SERA Velo!