Logistics today were a bit awkward. We had to leave hotel in the second wave of riders at 6:45 to ride our bikes to the breakfast spot. I don't like the pressure of being lumped in with the fast crowd. However, I suspect I'll prove myself worthy of the slower crew before long. The breakfast place was a mile or so west of the hotel in Welches and the same place we ate dinner at last night. Matt and I managed to get on the first shuttle out to dinner @ 6:30 or so. I wolfed down a plate and a half of food last night. The poached cod was delicate, flakey, done just to perfection. The chicken parm was ok and there were veggies aplenty. Topper was a heaping helping of warm Blackberry cobbler.
Breakfast this morning was going to be heaping helpings of eggs, sausage, pancakes, fruit, and oatmeal. But remembering that we start the ride with a 4 mile climb right out of the restaurant, meaning we didn't have the luxury of returning to our rooms to take care of business, I decided to stick to just a modest helping of fresh scrambled eggs, a couple sausages and some fruit. Turned out to be right choice. The climb to the first SAG at mile 13 was an unrelenting grind uphill (shortest trip to SAG ever). Although we started ride with 49 degree temps, I was sweating nonstop for most of the trip to our first stop. The slope wasn't wicked steep, but I overheard from others who track such stats that the slope was between 4 and 6%. I have no complaints but "Whoa!". Tough slog for this grumpy old man.
After first SAG we enjoyed a screamer of a downhill ride for a good 5+ miles. I hit 40.4 MPH while hitting the brakes frequently. There were killer views again of Mt Hood as we travelled through the state park. Great sunny skies, temps starting to rise but ever onward. At mile 45 the second SAG was in a dirt lot. We had arrived in the High Desert area. Wild horses crossed in front of several riders, although I wasn't lucky enough to see them. While stopped at this SAG, temps started rising. My thermometer showed 95. Matt arriving some 15 minutes ahead of me decided to high tail it out of there so he could hit the laundromat before others got to resort. I flagged him on as I'd get there whenever realizing the heat and climbing were getting the better of me. (Matt's a better climber than me while my physique and gravity make me a better downhill guy).
Son of gun, the views of the Two Sisters, Broken Toe, Mt Washington, Three Finger Jack, and Mt Jefferson were surprising treats. Along this last leg, I ended up befriending Ron from Seattle. We both seemed to be grinding along at the same pace. We encouraged each other for quite a few miles when at about mile 52 the most beautiful 5 Mile descent was given to us. It just seemed to run on and on with gentle switchbacks as we descended into the floor of the canyon. Sure there was a 2 mile kick ass climb up to the Hotel, but again no complaints as the end was near.
It was a hard but again satisfying day. Starting to make more friends. The pool here was just what I needed so I spent about an hour floating and massaging my legs in the jets of water coming out at the bottom of the pool. Chatted with Matt, Paul, Nathan, and others before heading up to my room to prepare for tomorrow's ride, get dressed for dinner, and Route Rap.
After dinner we had a little 5 minute ceremony of awarding the Rubber Duckie to whoever did the bravest, dumbest or most generous act of the day. Noni from Israel, nominated the ABB staff for all their assistance he got today and for acknowledging their Organization and Logistics on the ride so far. There was a round of applause and then a short Tire Changing clinic. I did come away with a few 'Ah, Ha, so that would work better!' ideas.
Tomorrow's ride only has 3000' of climbing over only 60 miles. It's a gift because the following day we get to do 5,000' of climbing over 116 miles. I'm turning in! G'nite!
Pics below don't do justice to what eyeballs take in.
The Gang at Government Camp
Leaving Mt Hood behind
Friend Els from Netherlands
Abandoned buildings on High Desert
Different view along the way
I wish I could crop better but there's the Two Sisters, Broken Toe, and maybe even Mt Washington back there.
Pool with chill waterfall.
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