Last Saturday (8/22), the PDX 4 decided to put in a long sustained climb and ended up choosing Larch Mountain. Starting at Lewis and Clark State Park we began our ascent. The climb really started about 9 miles into the ride as we turned on Larch Mountain Road. Under a shaded Douglas-fir canopy we climbed for 14 more miles at around 5-6% grade. All told it was a 4000 ft day over 23 miles climbing. Although the view from the top was spectacular with 5 Cascade peaks dominating the horizon (St. Helens, Rainier, Adams, Hood, Jefferson) this novice cycling pack forgot the camera!
Pat donned his new Smartwool arm sleeves and Chad found a McDonald's bag to put inside the jersey for the long, chilly downhill (Liane and Barb went the more conventional route with a jacket!) As always, the ride was polished off with good food (pizza) and beverage (Laurelwood Brewing Company)!
Check out the route : http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-states/or/portland/887125092099537394
