Jackson's Ride the Gorge

Jackson's Ride is a benefit for the Northwest Sarcoma Foundation.  Yesterday, Craig, VA, Art and I rode the 100 mile route starting at the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum in Hood River.  We picked up Tom and his wife, Ann at the 15 mile point and carried on, stopping briefly to look at the beautiful property they recently bought in Parkdale.

Craig and Art at mile 18 before the Parkdale rest stop

The course split at about 40 miles and our route took us out the Old Columbia River Highway to Mosier and The Dalles.  We biked through the Mosier Twin Tunnels, up to Rowena Crest and then down to The Dalles.

VA at an overlook on the Old Columia River Highway

Mosier Twin Tunnels

The switchbacks looking down from Rowena Crest

We had a pleasant rest stop at The Rowena Baptist Church and biked on toward The Dalles.

At mile 64, we started our first climb, a steady 12 mile ascent to another  rest stop before starting Seven Mile Hill Road.  The wind had picked up to an estimated 25-30 mph with gusts,  a memorable epic climb we'll be talking about for weeks.  We sometimes found ourselves traveling in the opposite lane, being blown sideways, not to mention trying to avoid the drop off to the right.  I thought it could be easy to fly off the side of the road with just the right gust.

Obviously Seven Mile Hill summit.
I wish I could add the motion of the sign sailing back and forth
along with the sound of the wind to this picture!

We all stopped at the top and congratulated each other for making it safely.  Getting back on the bikes to resume the ride was another story, or as VA put it, "I can't even get on my *&%# bike!"

I'd just as soon go up a windy hill than down and what goes up must go down.  Everyone except me flew down the hill to Mosier, but VA practiced good bike etiquette and waited for me half way down.

Refreshments at the Mosier Cafe

100.5 miles, 9800 feet of climb. I highly recommend this ride.  It's well supported with nice volunteers, lots of good food, incredible scenery and most important, it supports a great cause.  They may even dial up the wind to make it a little more challenging!

The sign says it all