McKenzie Pass was spectacular, I did that with my son years ago, both directions with an overnight at Belknap Hot Springs. Marking off the elevation gains as you go and experiencing the thrill of the downhill are wonderful. But as a long-time urban cyclist, riding in a new city for me is always a peak experience. I’ve gotten to know New Orleans very well that way having lived there for four years, and I am working on Portland. I try to go somewhere new when I can.

Q3: Do you prefer to go uphill, downhill, or keep it level?

 All of it, all of it! I got used to level in New Orleans, for that was all you had unless riding on an overpass. We could sometimes experience faux hills on windy days. I do like going very fast downhill when possible, and wish I could go very fast uphill.

Q4: What's the best part of being a club member?

Tapping into the knowledge and guidance of seasoned area riders as well as the social opportunities and involvement the club provides. We’re a diverse club in some ways. I find it fascinating to hang with folks of differing backgrounds all united by our experience of the joy of cycling. I joke that at 72 years of age, it’s nice to be a member of a club where I feel like a youngster.

Q5: Why do you ride?

 I used to call myself primarily a commuter cyclist, but since I am retired I now like the term “utilitarian cyclist” better. As I mentioned, urban cycling is one of my passions and when I get the urge to exercise I get busy dreaming up errands that “must be run”, hook up my panniers, and go. Nothing better than discovering a new, safer way to get somewhere.

But of course, the simple answer, as we all know, to this question is I ride to have fun!