The Gorge is my Gym

Good morning all my gorgeous gorge-y friends!

An upper level low does the disco dance off the Oregon Coast for the next couple of days, turning upper flow southerly and keeping Gorge winds, what little there will be, gusty. That southerly flow powers afternoon thunderstorms as well. This certainly isn’t the ideal setup for Gorge windsurfing.

So, today looks light, with southerly flow setting up minimal marine clouds in Portland. At best, we’ll see afternoon thermals in the 15-18 range, but I’d say that’s pretty unlikely.

Tomorrow looks light, with southerly flow firing thunderstorms through the Cascades. If you’re looking for non-wind entertainment Saturday morning, swing by Windance for a clinic with Francisco Goya. Wind permitting, tag along for free board and sail demos, and then, join Mr. Goya for a BBQ at Windance from 6 to 10. Also Saturday evening is the movie “Big” at Jackson Park in Hood River.

As the upper low slides east on Saturday night, Gorge westerlies team up with the thunderstorms. Don’t stay out too late, because Sunday looks windy. It’s hard to say this far out what the wind will do, but low pressure in the desert is generally a good thing for the Gorge.

Now, you mountain bikers, Mitchell at Dirty Fingers has a new twist on Falls Creek, turning it from a `17 mile ride to a 27 mile pleasure fest. Find the details under the mountain biking section of this website.

Whatever you do today, have an awesome day!

Good morning everyone!

An upper level low rotates over the Pacific Ocean today, keeping Gorge gradients slack and temperatures below normal.

If you’re looking for wind today, you’re probably looking in vain. At best, we’ll see 16-20 from Hood River out to Rowena for the after work session today. Most of the day, however, is going to be too light for anything but trainer kite flying.

Tomorrow looks better, with warmer weather in the desert. Morning winds blow in the 10-14 range through the corridor, picking up to 22-25 late in the day. However, southerly upper flow sends thunderstorm potential soaring, and we know that thunderstorms kill the wind. So, there’s a 50/50 chance of mid-twenties wind tomorrow, depending on thunderstorm development.

So… if you’re a windsurfer or kiter, find something today. Working is a smart call, but if you’d rather play, I vote for road biking. But… that might be because I just bought a new road bike from Mountain View the other day. Spending money makes me want to ride more. I suppose that is a good thing? Any excuse for exercise…

Anyway, that’s beside the point. The Dirty Divas shuttle Surveyor’s this morning, and Dirty Fingers sends you around Mitchell Ridge this evening, followed by a pint of Double Mountain’s finest. Meet at Dirty Fingers at 5:30 for that ride. Also tonight is the Hood River Triathlon and Big Winds’ standup paddle races. Meet at the event site around 5:30 for those two.

And whatever you do today, have an awesome day!