When I started cycling for sport a couple decades ago I lived on the edge of the urban growth boundary. As a novice cyclist the rural roads of Washington County inspired me to explore. Through that exploration I learned that I could go further than I thought possible, and I l discovered that some hill climbs provided more reward than just the descents as I found new sights and experiences at each crest. I also learned to read the seasons as the clover fields bloomed in spring and the hay fields turned golden in summer, and then soggy and boggy in the winter. There were challenges too, as I learned that farm dogs can be fiercely territorial…but I think that’s how I really learned to sprint.

So, from a cycling perspective alone, rural Washington County is a dear place for me. Now an urban dweller, and an advocate for locally grown produce, I have a different appreciation. That rich land, land that has been farmed since European settlement, is one of the best patches of agricultural land in the Metro area, and a potential source of local produce. However, the attributes that make Washington County attractive for farming also makes it a desirable place to live and development pressure there is hardly new.

What is new, is an upcoming decision at Metro that will rule whether or not this land stays protected under Oregon land use laws that preserve farm and forest land, or whether the boundaries that allow urban development will expand into this productive landscape. I think you can guess where my allegiance lies, but don’t take my word for it. Take time this Saturday, Sept 5, 2009, at 10am to noon, to join a free recreational and educational bike ride to raise awareness and garner support for the proposal to designate all candidate Urban Reserve areas north of Hwy 26 as Rural Reserves (That’s technical Metro talk for keeping the land agricultural).

The “Save Helvetia! Bike Ride” will make a couple stops at farms and scenic viewpoints along the route where local farmers and area residents will provide more background about the Save Helvetia cause and share their personal stories. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the office of Team Estrogen (located at 21350 NW Mauzey Rd in Hillsboro, close to intersection of Cornelius Pass Rd and West Union, just off exit 62B on Hwy 26). You’ll have two ride options:

a) A short route that loops clockwise around the Helvetia area. Planned stops along the route are at Furrow Farm, Helvetia Church and La Finquita Del Buho CSA.

b) A longer route (with some more elevation gain) that loops counter-clockwise via Rock Creek Trail, Springville Rd, Old Germantown Rd, Kaiser Rd and Old Cornelius Pass Rd. This route will include stops at Malinowski Farm and La Finquita del Buho CSA.

Route Map: http://tinyurl.com/lfwhbb

Optional post-ride lunch and drinks: at Orenco New Seasons where the Bicycle Transportation Alliance will have a benefit BBQ that day.

Some important notes: While there is a ride leader and “ride sweeper” for each ride, this will essentially be an unsupported ride. Both routes will mostly follow roads/streets without bike lanes or shoulders and will include some elevation gain, making the rides less suitable for kids or riders who are not confident riding on these types of roads. Also, restroom access is only available at the start/finish so plan accordingly.

More Info:
Save Helvetia: http://www.savehelvetia.org
questions about the ride: Kris Schamp kris@nw-trail.org