Rainier Ride

For my biggest RAMROD training ride I rode from Enumclaw to Chinook Pass and Sunrise and back. The 122 mile 8700 elevation ride was tough enough, but the on and off rain added an extra challenge. Riding up to the park in the mist was fine and almost refreshing, but as it starting climbing to Chinook Pass things got foggy and cold. The fog made the curvy pass road dangerous as there was little to no shoulder to ride on. I thought I was the only one dumb enough to ride up the pass in those conditions, but I found other suffering cyclists at the top. The ride down was the worst part of the trip as I was soaked and freezing. The downhill spray and wind chill pushed me towards hypothermia.

Fortunately the rain stopped by the time I made it to the Sunrise entrance. I was shaking uncontrollably, but the sun breaks and the steep climb to Sunrise warmed me up quickly. The road to Sunrise wasn't open to cars yet so I had it all to myself. This plus the views of Rainier made for a nice ride up despite the relentless assent. Once up at Sunrise I found myself alone in a empty parking lot. Eventually another cyclist joined me, but it was then time to head back. The ride down was one of the best rides of the year as I could race through the scenery without worrying about cars.

The final 30 miles back to Enumclaw was a slog despite being a gradual downhill ride. The road is boring enough in a car when returning from Crystal, but it's even worse on a bike. In any case I make it back to Enumclas. With the completion of this ride I knew I was ready for the RAMROD.