Hood River Harvest Ride

[Wahine]

I just wanted to post a review of this ride. This was the first year and I did it as a good way to get a lot of miles in, in my back yard, with support and other people to ride with. And very little traffic.

It was very well organized. The food was great. There were lots of great places to stop on the way including orchards with fruit samples and lots of fresh pressed apple cider. Yum!!! The volunteers were great. Most of them local and offering things at the rest stops that they had made at home like brownies and jam!

I have one complaint, (and this was out of the organizers' control). The Cooper Spur loop was recently chip sealed and gravel ridden so it would not have been fun to ride today. I did ride the other 3 loops and had a great time.

And I have one true criticism. There was nothing available that was not fruit and not wheat based but still carbohydrate rich at the aid stations. That makes it harder for people like me to manage when we can't have wheat. I always come prepared for that possibility so it wasn't really and issue but I have noticed more rides lately that have boiled potatoes or similar items at the aid stations. That would be a nice addition. There was a fantastic lentil based salad at the finish as well as the usual sandwiches etc.

For the most part a spectacular day with great riding. I would highly recommend this ride to anyone.