A bad day of riding is better than a good day at work. A great day of riding is better than almost anything. Take perfect weather, add a bunch of great people and a whole mess of bucolic splendor and you have a pretty good description of Day Two. When some people hear words like “valley” and “agricultural” they might picture hot, flat, dusty and boring (just ask anyone who has ever been stuck in Lodi, California). But when the valley we’re talking about is the Willamette, it means something else entirely. Here agricultural means grass farms, corn fields, vineyards, hopps, flowers, fruit trees, nuts and more dispersed across magnificent rolling hills.

A good chunk of the day’s longest course took place in Polk County. Polk County is one of the best places in the state to ride. In addition to intense beauty, there’s nothing but butter-smooth asphalt. Polk County doesn’t do chip seal. Smooth asphalt is always a treat. It’s even nicer after many hours in the saddle. Thanks to everyone for making this yet another great Cycle Oregon.