Road Biking
Only a few years ago, road bikers were a rare sight in the Gorge. Maybe they were scared away by the wind. Maybe it was the grinding hill climbs on many Gorge rides. Maybe we all just had too many other sports taking up our time 5 years ago.
Things have changed. Road bikers are everywhere now, and with good reason. Road rides in the Gorge are scenic, challenging, and varied. If you haven’t had a chance to hit the road on a bike, you’re missing out. Take a look at some of the listed rides, and give road riding a chance!
> Maybe it was the grinding hill climbs on many Gorge rides.
Maybe that’s why the ‘real’ roadies are riding here now!
Temira, since I moved to California I started using bikely.com to create routes so I don’t get so lost. It’s a Google maps mashup that’s pretty easy to get started with. Maybe it would make biking directions easier.
One ride I like to do is Sevenmile Hill Road, or even just adding State Road in Mosier to Marsh Cutoff for a better hill climb out to Rowena. If the wind is easterly I’ll take State Road all the way into Chenowith Canyon in The Dalles, left on Chenowith Loop Road (coming out by Home Depot), and ride the old highway back. For a steeper climb and/or westerlies I do this ride in reverse. Takes about three hours.
Great new site, by the way! I’ll click on links now and donate cash after I find a new job…