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Druid's Hood - 6/23


It's almost time to celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year!

Solstice is derived from the Latin words sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still).  Summer is in full swing now, the days are long and warm.

The forest druid has confirmed the snow has melted and granted us passage along the route to majestic Mt. Hood views.  You must earn these views though...

Soothsayer Says...


The tarot card drawn for this ride is the the Ace of Wands.  This Ace of Wands card represents the essence of the element of Fire in its inception; a perfect draw for the longest day of sunshine of the year.

The illustration on this card shows a hand reaching out from a cloud, it is a solar-phallic outburst of flames from which springs lightning in every direction.  These lightning stirkes are Yods, arranged in the form of a mountain.

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Route & Details

  • 9:30 a.m. start time
  • The route is ~38 miles with ~4500 ft. of elevation gain
    • 75% unpaved forest & logging roads, 25% pavement
  • DO NOT LET THE ABOVE NUMBERS FOOL YOU!
    • This route contains A LOT of loose gravel upon fairly steep climbs and descents
      • Between mile 5-6 the average grade is 11.5%; 15% max
      • Between mile 5-15 you will gain around 2400 ft. of elevation
    • This is NOT a route that is smooth "luxury" gravel; this is higher alpine terrain.
  • Download the route to your device, some of the roads are tricky to navigate and easy to get lost or turned around on
  • Recommended tire size is 35c or larger, 38-45c ideal range
  • This is NOT a race.  Cruise at your own pace; enjoy the ride and company.  Even if you show up by yourself, you will find a group riding at your pace.  
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  • 9:30 a.m. start time
  • The route begins and ends at Parkdale Elementary School, south of the town of Hood River
    • Address: 4880 Van Nuys Dr, Mt Hood, OR 97041
      • The drive from downtown Portland is about 1 hour, 20 minutes
    • Parking is plentiful, but carpooling is highly encouraged
      • Carpool signup sheet here: Signup Sheet
        • You all can sort this out amongst yourselves
    • There is a port-a potty located behind the school
  • There is a little grocery store in Parkdale called McIsaac's
    • Last stop for bathroom and snacks/drinks before the start
    • Open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Post ride we will celebrate with some beers at Solera Brewery just 3 blocks from the finish
    • There is also a decent bbq place across from Solera called Apple Valley BBQ
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*******This is a self supported ride in a remote location.  
You are responsible for your own safety and well being.*******

  • There will be no place to obtain food along the route.
  • You will likely not have mobile phone service.
  • Load the route onto your device.
  • Weather can be unpredictable at higher elevations; plan accordingly
  • Be smart and come prepared; hope for the best, plan for the worst. 
    • Bring more food than you plan to eat
    • Bring water (duh)
    • Bring a water filter
    • Bring 2 spare tubes, a patch kit, and a pump
    • Bring a multi-tool
    • Bring lights 
    • Bring a spare power supply/battery
    • Bring a spare brake & derailleur cable

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