One of my favorite sponsored events is Jackson’s Ride, a fundraiser bicycle ride for the Jackson Hill Foundation, it honors the legacy of Jackson Hill who passed away in 2005 from osteosarcoma. Last year’s ride, with epic 30-40 mph cross winds on 7 Mile Hill, forced us to ride canted leeward. This year, we were fortunate to have clear skies and unusually light east winds.
The 100 mile route starts at the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River. Riders start the first half of the course paralleling the river up to Parkdale, through Dee, and then down to Hood River via country roads surrounded by orchards. The northern face of Mt. Hood is always looming in the distance. The course splits at the Old Columbia River Highway and continues east through the Mosier Twin Tunnels, up to Rowena Crest and then down to The Dalles.
One rider in our group described the descent down the switchbacks from Rowena Crest as a mini Alpe d’Huez.
After a pleasant stop for lunch at the charming house of the Rowena Baptist Church, we approached The Dalles and started another climb up Cherry Heights Road through farmland and wheat fields. In retrospect, that climb was more difficult than 7 Mile Hill this year. No wind, but we did have a bit of heat. I’m sure the four of us that rode it last year lost a bit of credibility in the ‘this hill is SO hard’ category.
That said, the lack of wind made for a really fun and fast descent into Mosier where we stopped and had ice cream at the Mosier Café (be sure to try their espresso milk shakes and home-made ice cream sandwiches). From there we made our way back through the Mosier Tunnels (go slow and enjoy the cool air) and into Hood River. Back at the museum we enjoyed cold cider and beer. A good dinner was ready and some riders were enjoying a free massage. This is a bargain at $60. Fundraising is not a requirement, but riders can elect to do so via the foundation’s web site. Approximately 100 miles, over 9000 feet of gain, with a max elevation approaching 1750 feet at Parkdale.
I highly recommend this ride. It’s well supported with wonderful volunteers, some who have had family members affected by sarcoma. The scenery is incredible, the rest stops have lots of good food, and most important, Jackson’s Ride supports a great cause. Maybe next year they’ll dial up the wind again for an added challenge!
(submitted to Portland Velo eNews)
