The Gorge is my Gym

I just want to give another big thanks to everyone who sponsored, helped out with or participated in Kiteboarding for Cancer. As of last count, they’d raised $58,000 for local cancer charities. Now that there’s kiteboarding fro cancer and standup for cnacer, it’s time for you windsurfers to get involved too. Anyone out there want to team up with the kiters and make it an all-wind and water event next year?

Speaking of wind and kites, westerlies continue today A weak front is stalled along the coast and a low is rotating near BC. The combo gave us some marine deck this morning, and that drives thermals today. We had light westerlies early. As the front moves eastward, winds build to 17-20 by midday from Stevenson down to Mosier. By late afternoon, we should see 21-24 at Stevenson, Avery, Doug’s and out to Arlington.

Models are still presenting a mixed picture tomorrow. My best guess is we’ll start off light and then see 12-15 late in the afternoon, just enough for Hood River’s Wednesday sailboat races.

The BC low shifts westward on Thursday, and that should give us some decent west winds in the 20-something-plus range, along with a slight possibility of some rain to wet down the dusty mountain bike trails.

In other news, tonight is the peak of the Perseid Meteor shower. Look to the Northeast for up to 60 meteors and fireballs per hour. The peak should be around 1-2am.

Whatever you do today, have an awesome day!

Good morning Gorge sports fanatics!

An upper level low sets up off the Oregon Coast this week and a twin upper level low sets up off the BC coast. The two combine for a one-two knockdown punch to Gorge gradients for the next couple of days.

We started off with light westerlies this morning, and light they’ll stay for most of the day. By midday, with a little luck and help from Mother Nature, we’ll see 16-19 from Stevenson down to Doug’s.

Tomorrow starts off light as well, but the afternoon looks better. As a front moves across the state, giving thermal competition to the offshore low, winds pick up a bit. We’ll see 16-19 by early afternoon, building to 22-25 late in the day tomorrow. The most likely scenario has the most consistent winds at Stevenson, Avery and, late in the day, Arlington.

Wednesday is looking light at this point, but Thursday and Friday – yeah, yeah, I know it’s a long ways out – but Thursday and Friday are looking like high wind possibilities.

If you’re looking for something else to do today, head to Wilson Park at 6pm for an hour of Tai Chi. It’s free, and beginners are welcome, so you have no excuse to not try it out. Otherwise, take the light wind as an opportunity to get back on your bike and grind out some miles. Your bike likes to climb hills, even if you don’t. Shh… Listen… it’s crying… ride me … ride me….

Whatever you do today, have an awesome day!