Cycle the Columbia Gorge

[kdecroo]

His anyone gone on AC's Cycle the Columbia Gorge?  A group of us have signed up and are training for it right now.... Any advice on training, equipment, etc.... How much climbing can we expect?  I am trying to decide on which bike to bring...Ken

Warm regards, Ken Decroo

[judyrans]

I haven't, and I don't know what the route is exactly. However, I've followed the Lewis & Clark Trail route through the Gorge both from east to west and from west to east.

I'll bet you ride on the Historic Columbia River Highway. Built between 1913 and 1922, the cliff-face road, an engineering marvel, was designed to be scenic, not high speed and efficient. The HCRH does include some tough climbs to Rowena Crest and Vista House. You'll be glad the Model A Ford couldn't climb any more than a 5% grade. To add to the challenge, the wind always blows hard through the gorge, it may blow east to west, or west to east, but it blows. It's a fantastic ride with views of the Columbia River from the high points, and lots of fantastic waterfalls.

While cars can also use much of the HCRH, parts are multi-use path.


Columbia River Gorge Bike Map http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/BIKEPED/docs/ColumbiaGorgeBikeMap.pdf

Historic Columbia River Highway http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/HCRH/images/HCRHBrochure.pdf

We got copies of the brochures at the Visitor Center for the Dam at The Dalles, but that will be the wrong end for folks riding from the coast.

According to The Cyclists' Yellow Pages you can get the bike map by calling 503-986-3555, e-mailing michael.p.ronkin@odot.state.or.us, or go to
Bicycle Maps and Touring Information http://www.odot.state.or.us/techserv/bikewalk/bikemaps%20and%20touringinfopage.htm.

Also see http://www.columbiariverhighway.com/.


Have a good trip!

[BikingViking]

Although I have never biked the Gorge, (it is on my to do list) I have driven it numerous times. The old highway is absolutely stunning and hilly. Most of the hills you encounter will be near Vista Point.If you have a choice, go west to east. Occasionally the wind reverses but as a rule, east is the way to go. Ask any windsurfer. My biggest concern has got to be the traffic. It is a very narrow road and very busy especially on the weekends. Large motorhomes and pickups pulling trailers are the biggest hazards. Happy Cycling

[Chionanthus]

My wife and I have signed up to ride'07 Cycle the Gorge on our tandem and are interested in experiences of others who have completed ride. It appears to be popular but no participants share the results of their trip. Is there a sort of Bermuda Triangle up there? Lots of people show up but none are heard from again...Thanks,
Chionanthus