Tour de Blast

[Veronica]

A friend and I are talking about doing this. It would be cool to have a mini TE gathering.

SK, we're probably going to drive to Bend the first day. It's not exactly the most efficient way, but since my friend and I both have friends there...

It's only about 4.5 hours from Bend to Longview, probably camp at Seaquest, still lots of details to be worked out.

V.

[ttaylor508]

DH and I have wanted to do this ride for years. We spoke to one of the organizers at Bike Expo and it really is supposed to be a pretty ride although he said they have had issues with fog in the past and visibility. Has anyone else done this ride?

[mimitabby]

when is it?

[ttaylor508]

June 21st. http://www.tourdeblast.com/

It usually is on the same day as the Flying Wheels century, but this year Flying Wheels is the weekend before.

[Starfish]

when is it?

June 21st. http://www.tourdeblast.com/

This ride is also that day...and I think would be an awesome ride!
http://www.ride4areason.org/npclassic/index.shtml

[Veronica]

That does look like a nice ride. I saw someone else reference it on another site.

We did Tour de Blast last year. I had crashed my mountain bike two days before and had seven stitches in my elbow. We didn't make it to the summit on bikes; but we did drive it after. It's beautiful, that's why I want to go back, even though it's a two drive from CA.

It was overcast and we turned around when it began to sprinkle. But the storm didn't last long.

V.

[Starfish]

We didn't make it to the summit on bikes; but we did drive it after. It's beautiful, that's why I want to go back, even though it's a two drive from CA.

It was overcast and we turned around when it began to sprinkle. But the storm didn't last long. V.

Believe me, I understand about wanting to go back and finish a ride...I'm going back to Shasta!

I suspect that the North Cascades ride goes through a little more of the country I love...approaching the mountains from the east...that route is GORGEOUS.

And, unfortunately, June in WA state often sucks for weather. And, with the higher altitude, it can get downright freezing cold. I know Tour de Blast has had its miserable years.

I might be up for this ride...not sure yet. If I come, I am going to have a plastic bag on me in case I need an extra wind/water layer for the descent. Probably carry some for my feet, too.

[Starfish]

That does look like a nice ride. I saw someone else reference it on another site.

Also, I think Quillfred here on TE has done that ride.

But, Mt. St. Helens is down plenty near to lots of other TE'ers...maybe there would be a group!

[Susan126]

I did the Tour de Blast in 2004. It is a hard climb especially the last 5-8 miles. It's winding and steep but the view is pretty dang awesome. On my descent back down from Johnson Ridge I was just ahead of a dark ominous spirng/summer mountain thunder storm! The day started off beautiful (sunny, clear blue skies, warm) but after I reached the summit I noticed dark clouds in the distance. I hung around at the top too long and noticed those dark clouds getting closer and closer. So off I went just ahead of thunder and lightning and wind! It was thrilling and exciting. The storm caught me about 7 miles shy of the finish. But it sort of fizzled out when it reached the valley floor. So I only got a soaking of rain. It was one of my most unforgettable rides. I think I may have to ride this one again. The support . . . A++++, the spaghetti feed afer the ride A++++ the ride totally great. The views, ride, challenge A++++

I'm up for a TE Tour de Blast ride! DH told me he does not want to do it. He said he will wait for me at the top with food and then again at the end. I told him I may just have to do it again! So it's on my "maybe" list at the moment. A lot of my rides this summer (especially June) depend on my son. He graduates from college (yippee and hallelujah) and we may have to help him move if he gets a job out of state.

[tinyhouse]

[QUOTE=Susan126;297227] It is a hard climb especially the last 5-8 miles. It's winding and steep but the view is pretty dang awesome.

I did it back in '99 and second Susan's comment about the last 9-mile climb up to Johnson Ridge. I don't recall what the grade is but it's steep! It should be noted that this climb occurs at the halfway point and there is more climbing on the return. When I did the ride there was still snow up on Johnson Ridge although we had a beautiful sunny day. There can be very strong sidewinds due to the lack of trees in the blast zone. It's a beautiful ride and remains my favorite.

[evangundy]

We have done this ride 4 (?) times but not since I switched to a recumbent in 2004. You have to remember, it's a mountain and it creates it's own weather. What it looks like when you start the day may not be what it ends up in the afternoon. Be sure to take layers of clothes. Better to have them and not need them, than to be miserable.

We have done it in 70deg & sun, 60deg and clouds, 50deg & rain & wind and the last year we rode, they closed the course at the first rest stop because of the snow and sleet and 35deg weather. Lots of people were in just shorts and short sleeve jerseys because it was 55-60 degrees at 8am. There were lots of near hypothermic folks that day.

That said, it is one of the most beautiful rides in the NW. And lots of history and info about the area at the different view points. Great support, good food at the stops and the finish, showers too - warm if you finish early enough, cold if you're late in the day. If you're prepared for any weather, you'll have a "blast";)

Edna

[cyclinnewbie]

Hi there! I'm new to the site, new to biking, too. I was thinking of doing this ride, but will probably save it for next year when I'm more acclimated to cycling. It would be a beautiful ride though. I've driven up to St. Helens, and don't think I'm ready to do it on a bike lol. Also, with all the snow we've had this year, there very well may still be a ton on the ground when the time for the ride comes around. Dress warm!!

[Starfish]

Hi there! I'm new to the site, new to biking, too. I was thinking of doing this ride, but will probably save it for next year when I'm more acclimated to cycling. It would be a beautiful ride though. I've driven up to St. Helens, and don't think I'm ready to do it on a bike lol. Also, with all the snow we've had this year, there very well may still be a ton on the ground when the time for the ride comes around. Dress warm!!

Welcome to TE, Kristen!

[cyclinnewbie]

thank you!!