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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

The WashCo Grand Cycling Tour is complete! Over the past 15 months, I've visited all 150 communities across Washington County, Oregon. Final thoughts: sites.google.com/view/washco-... TL;DR: The site stays up. Updates will continue (infrequently) with more local outdoor adventures. #bikesky

https://ridewithgps.com/collections/10396719

The Ole Boll Troll was just one of many places in the county that didn't make the cut for one reason or another.

Cat statue at Laika Studios in Hillsboro.

The inconspicuous headquarters of Old Trapper Smoked Products in Forest Grove

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

Furthermore, the usage in August was driven more by smoke than temperature. Poor AQI meant I couldn't open windows at night and had to periodically pulse the fan to improve indoor air. My streak could have extended back to June.

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

Yesterday, my heat pump turned on for the first time in over 2 months, breaking my PR no-HVAC streak. #energysky

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Thanks, Garmin! I bike a solo self-supported century, and you still find a way to make me feel like shit! #bikesky

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Who at #Meta thought it was a good idea to use a song about the imminent end of the world in a commercial celebrating #AI? youtu.be/JlRgRmAqoAc?... #Bowie

youtu.be

The future is for everyone.

YouTube video by Meta

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

This week's WashCo bike ride: Timber, Albion, Consolidated Camp, Glenwood, and Bateman, an all-highway ride through our rail and logging past. sites.google.com/view/washco-... #oregon #bikesky

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

This week's WashCo bike ride: Scofield, an all-gravel trip to the former station on the Port of Tillamook Bay railway. See what 20 years of unmaintained growth does to a train track. sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky #oregon

A cyclist passes through gravel Scofield farms

The POTB railway after 20 years of abandonment is covered in trees

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Latest WashCo ride: Sherwood and nearby neighborhoods Middleton, Six Corners, Cipole, and Onion Flats sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky #oregon

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 27/06/2026

Latest WashCo ride: Chehalem and Votaw, former rail stops current hobby farms & bedroom communities on the southern edge. My route used steep mountain climbs to avoid the highway sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky

Single lane road under train trestle in Votaw

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

We're in the midst of another heat wave. Reminder: ovens will heat your home by a few degrees. ACs can work harder but strain the grid. Every other cooking method produces significantly less heat. Today, consider the grill or a charcuterie board instead. Free link: medium.com/aha-science/... 🔌💡

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Latest WashCo ride: an all-gravel unrelenting climb to Barney Reservoir with optional car-free sections. Another great ride that's less popular than it should be. sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

There are several reasons why this won't work for some people. High humidity is the most common. In my 15 years in western OR, there was exactly 1 night when humidity was a problem. Sorry, no fix for GA.

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

We're gearing up for the first pacific northwest heatwave of 2026 so here's your annual reminder: window and blind management is the most effective way to cool a home. It's simple: windows open @ night, blinds down during the day🔌💡 Full (free) article: medium.com/the-new-clim...

Top: opening the windows each night reduced indoor temps the following day by several degrees.
Bottom: active window/blind management reduces cooling bills more than upgrading to a high-efficiency AC, relocating from Arizona to New York, or setting the thermostat from 72F to 78F

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Latest WashCo ride: Tour de Tigard including Metzger, Greenburg, Trece, and Bonita. All former stops on the Oregon Electric Railway and present-day bedroom communities. sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky

Tigard is easily reached from the other major population centers in the county and near endless country roads

Bonita is a historic rail stop and the current Fanno Creek Trail terminus

In Greenburg, the old OER right-of-way has been converted to a short
bike path

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

Latest WashCo Cycling Tour ride: Laurelwood, the remote Seventh-day Adventist community. Includes a steep climb and thrilling descent over the Chehalem Mtns that all local road riders should try at least once. sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky

View of the Laurelwood valley, including the academy and hobby farms

18% downhill grade into Laurelwood. Not for beginner cyclists!

Laurelwood Academy once boarded hundreds of Adventist students. Now it sits empty.

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

Latest WashCo Cycling Tour ride: All-gravel ride through a highway interchange, an abandoned rail depot, and a pioneer post office (Staleys Junction, Strassel, and Burnt Woods). It's a fine ride that could be part of something great: a new city-to-sea route. sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky

Bike leaning at the former site of Burnt Woods along the Timber highway

Former Strassel rail depot and future Salmonberry Trail pedestrian route along with nine No Trespassing signs.

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Latest WashCo Cycling Tour ride: Where are all the gravel bikes at? Rogers Camp at Tillamook Forest has miles of unpaved roads and 0 Strava heat. We climbed nearly 3000ft to the county high point for a great ride with great views. More people should visit. sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky

Bike leaning at the South Saddle Mountain summit

View from the summit including Jefferson, Hood, and the Three Sisters

Road sign along a gravel route with a cyclist

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

WashCo Grand Cycling Tour: May update With Aloha, I've now visited 75% of the communities. New: Beaverton, Fanno, Greenway, Oceola, Chehalem Ridge, Aloha, Hayward, Aloha Soon: Gravel ride up 3000ft to the county high point & Laurelwood sites.google.com/view/washco-cycling-tour #bikesky

Selfie at the troll bridge, a train trestle over the very steep single lane section of McGnarly Road

New gravel bike at a gate along the Crown Zellerbach trail

Memorial for pioneer Joseph Meek near US26

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

Latest WashCo Cycling Tour ride: HAYWARD, a hilltop farm community west of Banks that had a post office in the 1890s. Many gravel cyclists pass through as part of the Wildcat Mountain loop. sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Yeah, it's a weird one. I think it's not the only park outside the boundary. Mason Hill Park near Skyline, too

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

Latest WashCo Cycling Tour ride: Metro's newest park, Chehalem Ridge is a haven for MTB...but I used a road bike. The park has 10miles of trails...but we found it more exciting to start in Forest Grove and climb to the park entrance. sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky

27mi, 2100ft, 50/50 paved/gravel
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54423377

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 10/04/2026

Latest WashCo Cycling Tour ride: A circuit of Beaverton including Oceola (1850s post office), Fanno, Greenway, Progress, and Bradley Corner. sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky

The north route into the city is urban, the south is farms and spacious bike lanes

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 05/04/2026

WashCo Grand Cycling Tour: April update I've now visited over 100 communities (of 150) New: Seghers, Molthrop, Hillsboro, SoHi, Reedville, Witch Hazel, Mahan, Orenco Soon: Beaverton, Fanno, Greenway, Oceola, Chehalem Ridge/Iowa Hill sites.google.com/view/washco-cycling-tour #bikesky

Tualatin River at Rood Bridge after a good rain

My new gravel bike I needed to complete the cycling tour

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 27/03/2026

Latest WashCo Cycling Tour ride: A 1500ft gravel climb through the Chehalem Mnts through Buckheaven and Bald Peak sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

Latest WashCo Cycling Tour ride: Molthrop/Wapatoo, the site of a 19th century post office & mill then a 20th century school house, plus Seghers, a former rail community sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky

1856 map of OR showing Molthrop post office and mill

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

WashCo Grand Cycling Tour Update: Visited 95 of 150 New: Buxton, Manning, Davies, West Hills/Sylvan, Whitford, Raleigh, Garden Home, Portland Soon: Hillsboro, Orenco, Reedville, Seghers, Dewey/Molthrop sites.google.com/view/washco-cycling-tour #bikesky

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Yeah, you'll be fine. Get that HP! Seriously, ask for a quote on a new AC then ask how much more for a HP. Roundabout but maybe the most efficient dialogue tree path through the HVAC RPG?

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

I discovered the acorn woodpecker granary IN THE WORLD (per iNaturalist) while out riding my bike. Granaries are just dead wood stuffed with seeds but indicate a healthy bird habitat. My adventure: medium.com/the-new-outd... 🪶

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

My home HP has specs down to -20F. Technically true but my house loses heat faster than the HP can warm below +30F. In OR, that means I need a furnace 10 days/yr. I've done WAY too much analysis on my HP. I can send you free links if you're interested: medium.com/@MattTravers...

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Try asking for a new air conditioner then ask if they could do a heat pump, instead. HP and AC hardware are identical; it may be easier for a contractor to follow.

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Latest WashCo Cycling Tour ride: former logging/railroad towns, current gateways to gravel riding: Buxton, Manning, Davies and the Banks-Vernonia Trail. sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky

The route from banks to Buxton and back with optional gravel segment

Future trailhead for all-gravel salmonberry trail to the coast

Banks-Vernonia trail at the Davies Junction underpass

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Latest WashCo Cycling Tour ride: The Willamette Stone (OR territory original survey marker) and West Haven-Sylvan (lots of cars, no bike lanes or shoulders) sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky

West Haven: 8000 people, 2 collector roads, 0 continuous bike lanes or pedestrian paths

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 07/02/2026

WashCo Grand Cycling Tour Update: Visited 85 of 150 New: Tanasbourne, Rock Creek, Phillips, Lenox, West Union, 5 Oaks, Bethany, Somerset West, Oak Hills, Bonny Slope, Midway, Laurel Soon: Buxton, Manning, Davies, Hillsboro, West Hills/Sylvan sites.google.com/view/washco-cycling-tour #bikesky

Northern-most Acorn Woodpecker granary in the world (?)

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

In my latest analysis, I explore Vehicle to Grid #V2G to show how we can use #EV batteries to solve intermittency, providing stable power from 100% renewables. Full (free) article: medium.com/the-new-clim... 🔌💡 #energyhub #EVsky 🔌🚗

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 30/01/2026

Latest WashCo Cycling Tour ride: farm hubs of Laurel and Midway. sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

Latest WashCo Cycling Tour ride: Bonny Slope and the ominously named Area 93: sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky

Poor transit infrastructure renders Bonny Slope a biking dead-zone

Area 93 is high-density ZLL new homes with no shops or safe pedestrian corridors.

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

Latest WashCo Cycling Tour ride: Bethany, Somerset West, and Oak Hills. Full article: sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky

Robert Rumer midcentury modern in Oak Hills

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Welcome, new followers who saw my profile on BikePortland. I thought I would post some of my best bike WashCo rides from 2025. Here are the photos from my gravel ride to Bacona, Tophill and Haydite. Full article: sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

Latest WashCo Cycling Tour ride: West Union, Lenox, Phillips, and Five Oaks. Full article: sites.google.com/view/washco-... #bikesky

Schoch's Dairy: I thought this was historic Lenox. The original PO map marked the wrong location. It's a farm a quarter mile east of here

The McMenamins Rock Creek Tavern is approximately on the same site as Phillips, a lost Pioneer town. Now you know how Phillips Rd got it's name!

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 02/10/2025

October update on my plan to bike to all communities in Washington County, Oregon Visited: 38 of 139 (27%) sites.google.com/view/washco-... New rides: Cherry Grove gravel, Lost towns of Centerville & Harrison I'll post some photos for individual rides soon. #bikesky

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 02/08/2025

My home county has over 100 communities, past and present. I'm going to visit every single one...on my bicycle. This is the WashCo, OR Grand Cycling Tour! I'll update this site with photos and history of each place as I go. sites.google.com/view/washco-...

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 19/07/2025

Our domino #cactus had its annual triple bloom last night, captured in time lapse. #bloomscrolling

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 18/07/2025

It is inappropriate to block bike lanes with (irrelevant) construction signs, especially when the bike lane is up a curb. I have to veer into traffic just to avoid this hazard.

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

🎶My milkweed brings all the #bees to the yard.🎶 Our wildflower lawn is in full bloom, including this showy milkweed that pollinators love Interested in #naturescaping? Here's a (free) article to help you get started: medium.com/the-new-clim... #PNWNativeGardening #bloomscrollling

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Also, it's a myth that rooftop pods are worse for hybrids/EVs than trucks. Rooftop cargo adds the same amount of drag to every car (...kind of. aerodynamics is hard). The loss of mileage is just more noticeable on efficient vehicles.

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

In my latest analysis, I measure the rooftop cargo (boat, bike, box, or bag) hit to #EV efficiency. Bottom line: junk on the roof wastes ~$100/year. If you don't need it, take it off. full (free) article: medium.com/the-new-clim... 🔌💡 #energyhub #EVsky 🔌🚗

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

There are plenty of alternatives to #baking in the heat, too. Custards, crepes, freezer jams, ice creams and instant pot claufoutis (or cobblers) are great ways to prepare fresh fruits without an oven.

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

It's strawberry season but it would be best to avoid the oven for a few days until the #PNW heat wave passes. In the meantime, I'll share some photos of past creations along with the #realworldmath medium.com/aha-science/... 🔌💡 🍜 #energyhub #baking

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 09/06/2025

Yes, good idea for smoke (and humidity in some areas). I experimented a bit with the opposite in the winter (overheat the home with a heat pump in the middle of the day, less heat at night/morning) and can confirm it reduced costs.

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Matt Traverso Ph.D. @matttraversophd.bsky.social · 08/06/2025

With the ongoing #PNW heat wave, It seems like as good a time for the reminder: open your windows at night! It's far more effect at cooling than the AC. My #reallifemath: medium.com/the-new-clim... 🔌💡 #energyhub

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