USNA 1973 Ride-2-Remember

Day 3, 6 August: Troutdale to Hood River, OR

Day 3 was truly a great ride with some challenges and surprises. First was a 7-mile climb right out of the box, but we were rewarded with some great views of the Columbia River Gorge at the top.  

From there on it was a spectacular jaunt through the Cascades, with a rainy, chilly descent from the first summit, some wonderful forest trails and several waterfalls including Multnomah. One surprise was the half marathon, with runners in both directions for 7 miles! 

There was another steep climb that Tes thought we would miss, then into his hometown of Hood River.  His family and friends met us at the hotel to cheer us in and offer fresh cherries to recover.

The next 3 days promise to ramp up the challenges considerably. If we get through those, we finally get our first rest day!

Bill Montgomery