Mimi - that area is beautiful. I bet you had a fantastic ride.

DH and I rode up along the Klickitat river, one of the few natural rivers left. The grade was steady and moderate until about mile 20, then we had to climb a big pitch with switchbacks. We were rewarded with a large herd of white tail deer and 3 bald eagles. It was quite spectacular. Cloudy and a little rainy but not cold. We turned around at mile 22 and headed back. We saw another bald eagle on our way back to the truck. 3:19:55 for 43.40 miles. Thank goodness that nothing at Ironman is nearly this hilly or I wouldn't make the cut-offs.

I jumped off the bike and ran 3 miles. This is the beginning of the longer brick workouts for Ironman. Gotta love how your legs feel running after those hills and miles.