Flying Wheels

[ttaylor508]

CONGRATULATIONS DOG!!!! It was one of the toughest STP's in the six years I have ridden it due to the heat. The tailwind really was a saving grace. I am sorry to hear you crashed too! They really try to make those tracks safer with the carpet, but sometimes I think it makes it worse. I think they worry that with so many people of many different riding levels some don't know how to cross tracks. The Cascade message boards said there were several crashes on the tracks this year. They also said many one day riders were still coming in at midnight. The support vehicles were out tracking people until 2 am.

I hope you are able to do RAMROD. DH did it several years back before they had to change the route due to the road conditions. He said it is a beautiful ride.

[Susan126]

The original route is back this year. Last year's RAMROD, 2007's, was changed because of the winter's damage to the roads. But this year the old route is back.

2008 RAMROD course

I did the RAMROD in 2004 and I got drawn for this year's RAMROD but I gave my spot up because I did not get enough training in this spring and summer. I am really sad about it too. I will try again next year. If I make the lottery next year I will definitely train.

I hope you make it too Dog! It's a ride and then some! I loved it! When I did it in 2004 I had a blast!

I thought the hardest part of the RAMROD was the climb up Cayuse Pass. Maybe because it was the last climb and because it was like 8 hours into my day. But once you reach the summit of Cayuse it's all downhill back into Enumclaw.

[Dog]

Thanks TTaylor and Susan,
I skipped out of work early today and was able to get in a quick 30 mile ride with some friends and my knee felt much better. So, I'm going to give RAMROD a go. I think I'm more worried about the fast downhills then the climbs (although I am worried about getting up Cayouse) I'll report in some time next weekend!