The Gorge is my Gym

Good morning Gorge sports fanatics!

Today’s windy in the Gorge, and I suggest you get the westerlies today. Next week starts out hot and light, becoming really hot and really light with easterlies, most likely through Friday, at least.

An upper trough crossed BC early this morning, giving Gorge winds a needed boost. Today started off with the gradient at .13 and winds in the mid twenties at the Hatchery and Swell. I think we’ll have 24-27 this morning, holding for much of the day. With very little marine deck, there will be a big midday lull, followed by an afternoon mid-twenties session at Doug’s and Rowena.

East winds pick up through the Gorge tomorrow, actually building through the day. We’ll see 21-24 by afternoon in Stevenson. Tuesday looks like another round of easterlies.

With the easterlies blowing, many of you are going to be l ooking for other stuff to do this week. If you’re looking for mountain biking, you’re looking at a lot of dust. Inches of dust coat the 44 road trails and ball-bearings cover post canyon. So, check out Ape Canyon, Falls Creek or Lewis River for some good riding. We have people checking out the Siouxsan trail today. More info tomorrow.

And speaking of mountain biking, a big thanks go out to the nice people in the black pickup who picked me up Friday after I crashed my mountain bike!

Finally, don’t forget about the swap meet at Windance this morning!

Whatever you do today, have an awesome day!

Good morning everyone!

Windsurfers, the Blowout is on for today. Meet in Stevenson at Bob’s Beach at 8:30 for registration! First possible start is 10am.

The wind looks good for the Blowout today. We start off with 17-20 from Stevenson to Hood River. That’s boring for the blowout, where 10-15 in Stevenson and 35-40 in Hood River is way more fun, but it will make for a mellow race today. As the day goes on, and a shortwave approaches the coast, winds build through the Gorge.

I think we’ll see 24-28 by midday, possibly building into the 30-plus range if the timing is just right. The afternoon winds will stretch all the way from Stevenson to Arlington, so you can pick your favorite spot tonight. Don’t forget that it’s pow-wow time at Roosevelt, so pick someplace else to sail.

The shortwave sends clouds into the Willamette Valley tonight, setting up a solid day in the gorge tomorrow. We’ll start off with winds in the low twenties in the Corridor, holding throughout the day. We may see an afternoon fade as high pressure rebuilds over the Northwest.

In other news, the Seismic Skate Slalom Championships take place in downtown Hood River this weekend. Satuday’s at Full Sail and Sunday’s down Oak Street. Tomorrow is the Windance Swamp meet. And tonight, don’t forget, is the Neverending Story on the outdoor screen at Jackson Park.

In mountain bike news, it’s super dusty off the 44 Road right now. I took my best fall ever yesterday, resulting in me rolling in the dust in agony for a good 10 minutes. Pretty cool stuff. I hurt today. Can’t wait to see the bruising! Too bad I have no photos…

Whatever you do today, have an awesome day!

Temira