April Field Trip Tiptoe Through The Tulips

Let us tiptoe thru the tulips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcSlcNfThUA

We can learn a lot from tulips, including economics and viruses. In 1625, "four tons of wheat; eight tons of rye; four fat oxen; eight fat pigs, twelve fat sheep; two hogsheads of wine; four barrels of beer; two barrels of butter one thousand pounds of cheese; one bed, with accessories; one full-dress suit; and one silver goblet" were traded for . . . . . one bulb of a "broken" tulip

The tulip in question was a randomly color variegated bulb. The variegation was caused by the tulip mosaic virus. Indeed, a similar virus, the tobacco mosaic virus, was the first virus isolated by scientists only about 130 years ago.

We are going to visit some descendants of those infamous Dutch tulips at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm. The plan is to drive to the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm.; park; go for about a 2 hour ride, and then hang out at the Tulip Festival. Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival . See above link for details about the festival and how to purchase tickets.

IMPORTANT. You need a ticket to enter. Purchase it on the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm site. Get a ticket for the 10:00 a.m. entry time.

Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26854434 . This route is 29 miles with about 760' of climbing, some of which are short and steep. NOTE: while most of the route is on low traffic roads, the roads are narrow rural roads with no bike lane and little to no shoulder. We will encounter automotive traffic which may include distracted tourists or locals in a hurry. There will be commercial truck traffic and perhaps some agricultural equipment on the move. Check the route carefully and if you harbor reservations about riding in these conditions you should skip this ride
Note: Here is a shorter, somewhat less hilly route of 19 miles and 540' of climbing https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42568917 .

Here's a video of a past ride: https://youtu.be/bbRrPieKV1k (we've actually improved the route a bit since then)

Attitude: Slow and social says it all. We're out to enjoy the scenery. Figure somewhere in the area of 12-14 mph on the flats.. Ride Host: Ed Lanton. 971-258-6066; anquetil@yahoo.com

Weather Cancellation Policy: This is Oregon, so we need to ride even if it's wet. That said, we'll cancel if there are epic amounts of rain, snow, for or mud predicted. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jeB9_VmkNc

Required Gear: HELMETS must be worn at all times while riding. This is a requirement and not a request.

Recommended Gear: Always bring plenty of water, on for energy, a flat repair kit, including a spare tube. A tool kit and small pump is good, but if you don’t have one there is usually someone on a group ride who does. Please check to see if someone has what you might need if you don't and be prepared to ride a bus or call a cab. (Not that we'll leave you by the road broken down, because that's not us). Carry a credit card and a little cash to buy refreshments or buy that bus ticket....

Mandatory for all riders: Obey traffic laws and remember you’re a representative of the greater cycling community and should conduct yourself that way on the road. Please represent us well. If you haven't read it lately please read the Oregon Bicyclist Manual (http://goo.gl/Q8FNe3)

All riders must have their rides in good working order and must bring a flat kit & spare tube. If there is an issue with proper working or lack of equipment you may be asked to sit the ride out. Please ask for help if you are ill equipped prior to the ride. We will try to help!

All riders must be able to change a flat should they have one or have a way to get picked up (AAA, Tri-Met ticket, a friend…). There is often, but not always someone on the ride who knows how to help you change your tire, so plan accordingly.

Note: Your RSVP signifies that you agree to the following. Organizers, event hosts and other participants will not be held responsible for any individual at any event. Each rider rides at their own risk and is solely responsible for any damage to their equipment or themselves.

Final Note: RSVP’s cannot include a +1 or Guest. If you choose to bring a friend or family member, they themselves must sign up as a member of Go the Distance.

Final, final note. No ear buds. Ya got that, bud?