Gran Fondo Goldendale the best

Ride report from Gran Fondo Goldendale April 17th

 Known as the most scenic Fondo in the Vicious Cycles Gran Fondo Series this years addition did not disappoint. Weather was optimum with sunny skies, temperatures in the mid to high seventies with just a slight wind.  That all came together to showcase the views of the Columbia Gorge, Mount Adams, Mount Hood, Mount Ranier, and Mount Saint Helens.  As we rolled out of town an excited rider pointed out that Mount Jefferson was also visible in the distant horizon on this day.  The feeling was special  as it was going to be a four volcano day, "you don't get many of those"  the friendly rider mentioned to us.

 Goldendale is located at the breaking point of the arid region of eastern Washington known as the rain shadow caused by the cascade mountains directly to the west.  The cascade effect is felt north and south along a region that is known as Cascadia.  This line connects Wanatchee Washington to Bend Oregon, covers both states and continues into British Columbia all sharing similar distinct breaks in rainfall caused by the volcanic range.  Goldendale in particular has a unique perspective of being on top of the Columbia plateau while being centrally located with in a short visual distance of the most dramatic mountains in the entire cascade range. It's location was chosen by astronomers William Cambell and Heber Curtis in 1918 for an experiment to determine the suns gravitational pull on other stars.  Goldendale keeps this heritage as a unique place to see the universe and is home to one of the largest public observatories in the northwest region.  It also is a rural town based on agriculture, timber and was supported in the past by the closed aluminum plant along the gorge that closed in 2003.  The area around the small towns of Goldendale, Centerville, Lyle and Klickitat are spattered with beautiful ranches and farms all placing themselves uniquely within the landscape.

As a cyclist riding either mountain bikes along the Columbia Gorge near Lyle and White Salmon or as a road cyclists riding around the scenic byways this area is a treasure of winding roads and trails.  Gran Fondo Goldendale puts it all together  the course is put together by longtime Eastern Washington cyclist Jake Meadke,  Jake is a rider and it shows I first met Jake about a decade and a half ago and I felt he may be a kindred spirit when we both realized we were probably the only ones that raced the Squirlchucker mountain bike race near Mission Ridge on Saturday and then drove to Government Camp and did the Ski Bowl mountain bike race on Sunday just because they both sounded fun.  Jake is one of best all round riders to come out of our area not just because of his riding skills which are plentiful but for the passion he has for riding .  This mind set has let Jake develop a very well thought out course with dramatic points spaced out evenly along the route.

Gran Fondo Goldendale starts with a gentle climb into the hills north of town filled with Douglas Firs and Ponderosa Pines then continues turning south on some gravel roads into Centerville for a quick feed at the school by this point you get a good feel and taste of things to come.  After the first feed zone the route continues south up to the peaks along the top of the Columbia Gorge briefly descending down some ruff dirt roads with extreme views of the Columbia river far below before climbing back to the north side of the peaks riding between the windmills.

The Goldendale course then heads west and climbs up a white oak tree covered ridge breaking towards the canyon formed by the Kickitat river you then follow around the horn of the ridge and descend via an extraordinarily winding road that consistantly looses elevation into Lyle. Once at Lyle riders are presented with an excellently stocked feed zone with all kinds of food and treats along with Cliff Blocks and other cycling specific nutrition.  I especially liked the mini Pita Pit wraps, they were about the size of a mini Snickers bar and were filled with either turkey, chicken and veggies.   I ate at least a half dozen of them before we continued on. These little wraps were delicious and it wasn't just the fifty plus miles we had put in so far talking.

After the Feed zone in Lyle  the course heads south along the Klickitat river for a beautiful ride along the river with dramatic bends along the canyons.  What is unique about the ridges around the Klickitat river canyon is that they contain mature old growth Oregon White Oak groves.  Oregon White Oaks, Quercus garryana or Gerry Oaks offer the only known substrate for rare slow growing species of pin lichens.  In particular the pin lichens found in these groves technically called Calicium quercinum can only be found in just two places in North America the other being in Illinois.  What is even more unique is that in these strains of Calicium quercinum the ones in the Klickitat watershed may be totally unique on planet earth as discovered as recently as 2010 by botanist Kathryn Beck.  This makes the journey up river continuing thru the town of Klickitat on a narrow two lane road a significant moment and begs for a return trip and special care.

The most dramatic and physically demanding section of the Grand Fondo Goldendale course begins after crossing the Klickitat again this time back to the east.  At this point in the ride with many miles already in the legs the technical, steep, dirt, gravel and rock road climbs out of the canyon formed by the Klickitat and returns to the Columbia Plateau.  The climb forms memories of physical pain and natural beauty as it etches though Oregon White Oaks and steep canyons until reaching green flowing pastures on the plateau.  Once at the top striking views of Mt Hood pressed the mountains massiveness into frame.  As we road by the friendly wave of two ranchers standing by their pickup truck in the field this put the moment of experiencing the climb into perspective.  This land is special. rare, gorgeous this is the epitome of the Columbia Gorge please treat with care and enjoy.

In the end we were happy to finish and the tired feeling in our legs and bodies were filled with experience which will be put in the bank and draw interest for years to come.  Me and my wife were happy to see so many friends and team mates out riding on this day.  It was so nice to see my old time friends Anthony Cree and Brian Marcroft at the start once again. We still seem to find each other either at races, trails, roads or places were riding bikes can be had twenty years in and counting.  Also to all the High Gear Coaching riders, Charlie Wilcox, Warren Hurley, Eric Armstrong, Jeremiah Schliesman and Sean Jennart it is great to be a part of this Team.  And to all the Tri-City area riders Chad Woods, Chuck Cone, Dan Cooley, Phil Nelson, Craig Fortner and to our current out of towner friends Jared Despain and Chuck Wyckoff.  Chuck Wyckoff  you road strong hopefully your new bike helped out and thanks for all the support and business with our shop over the last couple years. And to Jared Despain we looked at the results and you killed it definitely in the front group good job.    Here is to more adventures riding in 2016

Thanks

Brian Cimmiyotti