Staffing Across America North for ABB 2004: Day 3 -- Where did Mt Hood go?

June 23, 2004

ROUTE: Welches to Kah Nee Ta OR
DISTANCE: 66 Miles
WINDS: Light tailwinds most of the day

WEATHER: Hodgepodge . . . cool and overcast at departure, foggy in the middle, and then hot and dry to finish.
TERRAIN: First taste of the mountains.. Yee haw!
TOTAL CLIMBING: 5400 ft

MIKE'S RIDE OVERVIEW: Check out the Meet the Riders entry to get up close and personal with all the gang.

What a day!!!! I got to ride!!!! This was the day that Karen crashed out of the ride 2 years ago and I told her that she could never ride on day 3 again . . . but someone had to ride sweep so after she begged on her knees to let her ride, I gave in. She made it with flying colors, but I rode with her the second half of the day to keep her in line.

We started the day with a short ride to the Whistle Stop for a hearty breakfast of eggs, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, fruit, oatmeal, and country home fries. They did a great job getting us all fed and out the door in short order with our tanks full for a long day of climbing.

The day started out with chilly temps and overcast skies and although most of our early morning route was in the clouds (at left is Bob riding out of the cloud about half way up the hill), the climbing warmed us up pretty fast as most were shedding clothing by the 40-mile point. Today was to be our first real taste of the mountains and unfortunately, we didn't get to see them until we were past them. As the riders were ascending to Government Camp, about 10 miles up the ridge, they were greeted by dense fog and very cool temperatures. It wasn't until they were well past Mt Hood that that the fog lifted and the view of Mt Hood came into being (below right).

We were expecting over 5200 feet of climbing and we got just that. Our first real test came about a half mile from where we ate breakfast. Not much time to wear off those pancake calories, but everyone seemed to be moving pretty well up the grade. The terrain was up continuously for the first 13 miles with pitches ranging from 3-6% from Welches to Government Camp. Even though it was on the chilly side, the riders enjoyed the pine canopy, mossy rock formations, bear grass, and rhododendron bushes as they pedaled their way to the summit. Since the route was wrapped in a cloud, Mark was parked at the 9-mile point on the climb and spent most of the morning shouting encouragement as the riders grunted up slopes. At mile 13.4, we placed the first SAG stop. Riders fueled up and most donned extra clothing for the long descent before the second climb to get to the desert.

The topography changes were phenomenal as we were in mountainous pine forests for 42 miles, until we made a left turn toward the resort. After the turn, we changed immediately to high desert scrub, and then after about 10 miles of rolling terrain, we descended into the box canyon to the resort. The riders were greeted with a beautiful, winding descent into the valley floor and then smacked with a steep climb up to the hotel. Some live for this experience... you decide which one, the up or the down.

The scenery was beautiful all day and it was hard to believe that we were on the same ride, on the same day, at each of our SAGs. One was in the lush pine forests near Mt Hood and the other was out in the desert (right)...and they were only 20 miles apart...go figure.

Even with the tough climb to the motel, it was worth every pedal stroke. We stay at Kah-nee-ta, a resort that although it is the only thing out here, is really a nice place. I hope the riders don't get used to all this luxury, we might be spoiling them a bit. As they say in the south, we are in "high cotton" with pool, jacuzzi, and a beautiful view of the climb we have to do tomorrow to leave. But wait, I may not have anybody want to leave tomorrow... Hey gang, we need to get to New Hampshire!

Tomorrow we climb back on top of the mountain that we came off of on our way in. I hope they enjoyed the descent for tomorrow we climb again. But riders do get to go down the hill at the motel before climbing up the mountain...that will thwart their warm up. They are getting stronger whether they know it or not...just another bump in the road to Portsmouth. See you then. Mike

HEARD ON THE ROAD TODAY:

"I want it on record, my son can't keep up with me!" Pete as he climbed the first mountain pass. But by the time they got to the top, he had changed his tune.
Question: "Where's the trash bag? Answer: " Same place it's been for the past five SAG stops. Hey. That sounds just like my husband. He's an asker. Some people ask before they look and others look before they ask."
"In an Ironman they pee on their bikes." "Not on my bike they don't."
Heard at the top of the climb to the motel: "I had to get off and walk...but then, I bumped my nose on the road half way up."
"Where'd all the trees go?"

PHOTOS OF THE DAY:

Sometimes I just feel like a shepherd...

ABB is always looking for ways to save fuel...today since Lynnwas riding with us while she healed from her fall yesterday, we put her to work pushing the van to the top of Government Camp...nice job Lynn...your leg will heal soon.