This weekend, Corey Thompson, the skilled bicycle builder from Olympia, WA, came down to Oregon for a birthday 200K permanent. Fellow Seattle Randonneurs Andy S and Vinny M came with him and brought their custom Thompson randonneurs. Portland, OR local Alan W joined us with his Thompson as well. We were fortunate to have sunny skies and fairly warm temperatures for most of the day (cold morning and evening) and enjoyed a wonderful dinner (and birthday cake) at Susan O’s house (thanks, Susan!).

These bikes have seen a lot of miles in their day: Alan and Corey rode PBP 2011 on these bikes, Andy and Corey rode their Thompsons 1000KM from Seattle to Glacier (Whitefish, Montana) in 2013, and Vinny rode two 1200KM Grande Randonnées on his Thompson in 2013 (Alaska’s Big Wild Ride and Colorado’s Last Chance).

On the shoulder of Bald Peak, climbing out of the Newberg fog. Usual Suspects 114K perm.

December wrapped up my biggest year of randonneuring yet: 7112 KM total with RUSA, two 1200K Grand Randonnées, a flèche, a 1000K, an SR series… On the trinket front, I now get to drink from a nice stainless mug (the RUSA Cup). But more importantly, each KM represents time spent exploring lovely roads, meeting wonderful people, and riding with friends. Here are some photos from the end of 2013 to get excited for more in 2014:

James and I followed Old Pumpkin Ridge Rd out into the boondocks on Christmas and found some nice dirt and gravel roads. We didn’t find the connection we were looking for, but there’s always next time.

Love this mural in Edison, Washington.

I spent a three day weekend with Vinny, riding some permanents: 100K, 200K, and 100K. Here, on day two, we’re leaving an info control on the outbound leg of the New Snohomish River Run 200K permanent.

Corey was feeling pretty peppy and ended up out ahead of the group. Here he is, waiting patiently before a turn. Check out his lovely bikes here.

Millison Fambles on a climb. As Vinny would say, he’s Suffering and Smiling.