Sunrise - Mt. Rainier V2.0
Today was my second dose of the Sunrise climb, the last being a year and two weeks ago. The weather was fabulous: a little cool at the start but definitely warming up toward the end. Unlike last year, I never had to pull out the arm warmers, jacket, or leg warmers for the descent. I’d refer you to last year’s account of all the gory details of how a clydesdale climbs up Mt. Rainier on a bike. Different this year was:
- I am stronger, but not much lighter than last year. Consequently, the “grunt” factor was approximately the same. I’m still the Lanterne Rouge.
- I no longer mind being the Lanterne Rouge. I ride how I ride. Sure, I can improve, but I’ll not be beating riders 10+ years younger and 3 stone lighter up a mountain anytime soon. So be it.
- Given enough Advil and ice, I think I’m as ready as I’ll ever be to do our ride to Montana.
I rode solo for just about the entire climb, except for this hawk who joined me for the next-to-last switchback leg:
If I have to climb 14 miles on a bicycle, I want to do it here. If we do end up moving, I shall not miss the rain, but I will miss having the opportunity to ride with a view like this:
Tags: Cycling, green_river_riders, sunrise-mount-rainier-cycling-hill-grunt-clydesdale
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July 21st, 2008 at 9:11 pm
I too rode this ride by myself (except for the two deer who watched me for a switchback) - I love the smell of the forest on this ride. Not sure life gets better than this
thanks for the pics
It was an incredible day!
July 23rd, 2008 at 3:26 pm
As a footnote, Terri brought home a biofeedback computer program the other night. She clipped a sensor on my earlobe, and I had to breath deeply and relax to get the desired results (which were things like getting my hot-air balloon to fly higher by being more relaxed). Rather than concentrate on what was on the screen, I closed my eyes and visualized the picture above and the moment in which I took it. My balloon immediately headed up above the clouds.
But for the wedding on Saturday and my birthday on Sunday, I’d head back up here again this coming weekend.
July 26th, 2008 at 6:12 am
John, Agreed completely. One of THE best rides in our state. What it lacks in distance it more than makes up for with scenery.
July 27th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Happy Birthday John.
July 30th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Oh wow. This looks amazing. I suck at hills but if I had that view climbing up, i’d definitely keep chugging along.