Hurricane Ridge Ride Report

[Starfish]

I finally got to the top of Hurricane Ridge! From sea level to over 5100 feet in 19 miles (total trip up and down, 40 miles). This is a personal best for me, for climbing.

The first 5 miles or so up to the park entry gate runs between about 5-11%, with some long stretches of 8-9%. After that, there are 2-4 miles up to the tunnels that flatten out...mostly 3%. After the tunnels it kicks back up, and the final 3 miles or so go back up to 8-10%. But, there are no super steep pitches.

There are three tunnels, and although a lot of cyclists I know don't want to carry lights up the mountain, I feel more secure with both a headlight and tail lights. You can walk on the sidewalk if you want, but I don't like to. It is quite creepy in the middle of the tunnels, I think. Dank and dark.

Right before the tunnels, I got a lot of nausea. I'm not sure if I ate breakfast too close to the ride, or if I ate a couple of Clif Shot Bloks too fast. But, I battled yucky nausea, stopping often, for the next hour or so. There are no restroom facilities until the very top. So, I scrambled down some scree on the one place where I could get off the road safely, and went behind a tree! After that, the ride went great, although I was a little dehydrated.

Near the top, looking down the alpine meadow, I saw a mama bear and baby minding their own business.

About 2 miles from the top, on a 10% grade, a guy came flying up behind me on his Trek...I had seen him coming down earlier. He did 2 repeats of the whole 5100 foot climb! He slowed down to have a conversation with me, but the conversation shot my heartrate up so high that I had to tell him I couldn't talk anymore! He politely answered something and zoomed away from me up the mountain like I was standing still. Gads. I never saw his face, but the view I got was nice!

It was cold at the top...lots of snow around, and a lot of traffic. Lots of sand on the road, and sheer drop offs, so I bundled up with all my extra clothes and took it very easy coming down.

Anyhow, if you've read this far, thanks for listening! It was a real victory for me. Aside from the nausea, I really didn't have any trouble with the ride, except that I am very slow, and I can work on that!

(I posted a couple pics of the area...not from yesterday, but they show the area...on the May 12 Ride thread.)

[mimitabby]

wow! that's a glorious tough HIKE, and you did it on a bike.
Pictures?

[Veronica]

Good job!

V.

[RolliePollie]

I've been up that road in a car...can't imagine doing it on a bike (not at this pitiful skill & fitness level)! Good for you! I'm very impressed!

[Starfish]

Pictures?

I don't have any pics of my own, but I posted some internet pics of the area on the May Climbing Club thread:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...604#post200604

This is my first attempt at embedding a link to another thread...hope this works!

[Trekhawk]

I don't have any pics of my own, but I posted some internet pics of the area on the May Climbing Club thread:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...604#post200604

This is my first attempt at embedding a link to another thread...hope this works!

Congratulations Starfish - I will have to add you to my list of TE mountain goats. WELL DONE!!

[maillotpois]

The pictures were amazing but reading about it makes you realize what a great ride that was! Good job!