RAMHOOD: July 4th, 2007

What is RAMHOOD, you ask? Well, Ride Around Mt. Hood, of course. We had tenatively set departure time for 10 a.m. in case any non-overnight guests would join us, but we set out a bit later, approximately 10:30. It was Tim, Patrick Wilder, Brant Ness, Rob & Heidi Schultz and myself setting out for the journey. The idea was to circumnavigate around the mountain on our road bikes. We started at the cabin, rode down to Parkdale, forded the West Fork Hood River where the bridge is out, climbed FR16, descended to Lolo Pass Road and rode that towards Hwy 26, surviving the almost 5 mile gravel section. Then east on Hwy 26 to Hwy 35, which took us back to Cooper Spur Road and home. When all was said and done, it was about 85 miles and 10,000 feet of climbing. Not a bad day. I'll let the pictures tell the story...

The beginning and end of it all: the Butler cabin.

Tim & Brant starting to ford the river, climbing the bolders.

Heidi & Rob finishing the crossing with Patrick's assistance.

The views weren't bad on FR 16, which made the hour plus climb more enjoyable.

The crew at the 'top' and turnaround point for Rob & Heidi.

Sue & Tim smiling with 65+ miles to go in the hot sun.

Tim on Lolo Pass Road.

Patrick found a great way to beat the heat.

Mt. Hood really looks good from all angles.

The lupine on the side of the road kept me smiling for miles.

Despite the heat, our July 4th adventure was a success. The gravel section was a lot slower and more difficult on road bikes than I anticipated. We were without incident though. I have never been so happy to have the grocery store in Rhododendron open. It was a relief to get some cold ice water back in the bottles, although I never did get my ice cream cone at DQ. Only one flat (me) on hwy. 26 while the boys were ahead enjoying burgers at Ski Bowl. We had a great time and are already planning for the second annual. Are you ready to join us???