Oregon Gorge Ride 2021

It was a long drive to The Dalles, OR, so I headed there on Friday, August 27th and checked into the Holiday Inn Express. The hotel was fairly new, I think, since it had really modern amenities. I loved the big walk-in shower (instead of a tub/shower combo)!

The morning of the ride, I got up early and ate a quick breakfast at the hotel, then checked out and drove to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center a few miles away. The Gorge Ride would start from this location.

I got in line to be checked in at 7am and departed around 7:10. The route was around 38 miles round trip, but had a really long slog riding up the winding road to Rowena Crest (630′ elevation gain over three miles – max grade was 7%), but it was well worth it for the incredible view from the top!

Most of the route was on the road, but there was a section on a trail that was quite lovely. It went through the restored Mosier Twin Tunnels.

The ride was quite enjoyable and I will do it again!

After I finished (I was the first one done), I collected my sack lunch of a ham sandwich, chips, apple and drink. It really hit the spot after the long ride!

Sunday, August 29th

After I did the Gorge Ride, I headed east and spend the night at the Holiday Inn Express in Troutdale. It was more expensive than the one in The Dalles, but was older and a bit worn looking. But the staff made up for it and were super friendly!

After breakfast on Sunday, I rode part of the Springwater Corridor trail. After 15 miles, I turned back, however, because the closer I got to Portland, the more homeless encampments I saw. Not dissing the homeless, but there was so much garbage and bike parts all along the trail and on it. It made me uneasy to ride by myself – I kept picturing getting jumped and my bike stolen out from under me. So I settled for the 30 miles rt.