This time, there were 6 of us. Bethany, Stephanie and I added Polly, Jana, and Katie to our posse. The ride started in Dufur, about 12 miles or so south of The Dalles. We stayed at The Dalles Inn. Our group was to depart from the city park in Dufur at 10:40. We arrived just in time, and only had to wait about 10 minutes. Oddly, my front tire was flat this morning. I aired it up, and had no further issues throughout the ride)
The weather this year was forecasted to be sunny and in the mid 50s. We were all prepared for whatever could happen with the weather. I had 4 pairs of different weight gloves! But, this time the forecast was spot on! It was a fantastic day. Even the wind didn’t become a factor (and wind is often an issue for this ride).
We were all doing the “Small Grind”. It was 52 miles with about 4500 feet of elevation. Unlike what we are used to in Capital Forest, the climbs, though they be long at times, were not into double digits. And the gravel was actually gravel (as opposed to dirt with some rocks).
Polly and Bethany getting ready to roll down to the park.
While we started rolling from the park, the actual timing started about 3 1/2 miles into the route (yes, this was a race, but we weren’t really racing).
Waiting to start the “official” start.
Masks were required while waiting to start, and at the aid stations. Here, Katie and I are complying with the rules.
Waiting to start the “official” start.
Masks were required while waiting to start, and at the aid stations. Here, Katie and I are complying with the rules.
The first aid station was less than 10 miles in. Still, we stopped and had snacks (we paid for this ride, we might as well get our money’s worth).
Polly getting some snacks
Of the 52 miles, 39 miles was gravel, and the rest was paved backroads. We started with a nice climb, then descent on gravel, then popped out to pavement. Steph, Katie, and I had a good pace line going on some of the paved sections. We even picked up a guy named Terry from Hailey, Idaho. He was a good guy, taking pulls along with the three of us.
Once we returned to the gravel, we stopped the pace line. Besides, we were climbing anyway.
Some climbing ahead. We were going up to the road up high.
Shedding jackets before the climb.
And they’re off!
Katie, Steph, and I stayed together most of the time. They would fly down the hills faster than me, then I would catch up to them on the climbs. We were rewarded on the climbs with multiple views of several of the Cascade volcanoes. Mt. Hood was in view the most, but also Mt. Adams.
Mt. Hood
Katie and I...and Mt Hood.
Steph and Katie.
We came to where I had taken my last photo two years ago...the old schoolhouse. Of course, another photo was required with blue sky!
Schoolhouse and Mt. Adams
After the schoolhouse, we had a nice descent, but then began the longest climb of the day. It was several miles, but the views were spectacular.
Long uphill on a wide gravel road.
A two-fer!
One of my favorite photos of the day.
We finally reached the second (and final) aid station. It was at the bottom of a steeper section of the long climb.
Katie enjoying some snacks (they had bite sized candy bars!)
As we climbed after the aid station, we could actually see Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Thielson, Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens, and even the tip of Mt. Rainier all in one panoramic view! It was pretty incredible!
That’s St. Helens with Rainier to the right.
Mt Jefferson and Thielson (and Steph).
We hit the highest point (but not the last of the climbing.
The summit.
As we continued along, we came to a coffee truck. This was also the point at which Bethany had bailed the previous time (frozen fingers and toes make it mighty difficult to ride in mud).
Totally different this time!
We had a long long descent that went by in a hurry. Soon we were just 5km from the finished line. Steph, Katie, and I crossed together, followed shortly by Jana, then Bethany.
Jana has finished!
Here comes Bethany!
All that was left was to ride the final three miles back to the park in Dufur.
A final shot of Mt. Hood.
Back at the park we got our food and pint glasses (and patch), and dined upon the grass.
Teriyaki chicken and rice
Steph and Katie
Steph doing some stretching.
We kept watching for Polly to finish. She had texted Bethany saying she was almost done. We went over to cheer her as she came in.
Well done, Polly!
Polly getting to eat her food.
We all agreed that today’s ride was excellent. The Gorge Gravel Grinder has redeemed itself! Who knows...we might even try the Medium Grinder next year??? I mean...if some of us have this kind of energy after 52 miles...
1 comment:
Greeat blog you have
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