My car need work at a shop in far east Portland.

I had not climbed Larch Mountain since the TT in 2013 (I had a conflict this year).

So, why not drop my car off at the shop and go for a ride, up a mountain, which was in the clouds.

The weather was as good as can be expected for early November – cool, cloudy with a slight chance of rain. I decided to ride the Litespeed, my ‘it’s not raining now but might be’ bike. I dressed well – both arm warmers and leg warmers, a long sleeve jersey and my wind proof vest. I went with long fingered gloves, but my lightest pair. I left at home my booties and a wind or rain jacket thinking that my wool socks were enough to keep my toes warm.

As you can see, the ride was mostly flat to the base of the mountain and then climbing to the top. There, I reversed my direction and took the same roads back.

I took Stark Street to the base of the mountain. Stark is not stark – it is four lanes with bicycle lanes. I had no issues with traffic, but there was a lot of it. Stark Street passes Mt. Hood Community College and after the school the traffic lessens and the riding is nice. Soon, I was crossing the Stark St. Bridge over the Sandy River. The climbing now begins.

 
The climb is 20 miles long, and gains 3,800 feet for an average of 3.5%. However, the grade is not constance; there are some small descents, some flat sections and some steep sections. The maximum grade is 25.6% and yes, it is the final few yards up to the top. Killer.

 
The first part of the climb is on the Historic Columbia River Highway pass the small town of Corbett and up to Woman’s Forum State Secnic Viewpoint. With the low clouds, the view was obstructed. I could not see the Columbia River, the Gorge or Crown Point. I saw clouds.

In fact, I saw clouds all of the way to the top. And at times they were thick. I turned on my headlamp to blinking mode so I could be seen by vehicles (and their drivers) coming down the mountain.

I did the climb in ‘long climbing mode’ keeping my heart rate relatively low but working hard enough to sweat. Mile after mile I climbed. I was hoping to come to the only hairpin turn which would mean that I was only three and one half miles to the top. After many false hopes, the hairpin came into view and I started up the last stretch of the climb. My clothing was keeping me warm even though I was riding in a cloud, but I thought the descent would be cold.

I finally reached the last turn and the grade increased to ‘why on earth would I ever want to ride this’. The parking lot came into view and I was at the top. But, over achiever that I am, I rode to the highest point in the parking lot before turning around.

I now had a 20 mile descent in front of me, and I found out I was seriously under dressed. My light gloves were woefully inadequate and my fingers soon turned to ice. The fog seemed thicker now and with the water droplets on my glasses, I could barely see. My thoughts went back to a very cold descent off of Mckenzie Pass, and I comforted myself knowing I did not feel that cold. But I was cold, very cold. This was a test of character. Would I flag down a vehicle and plead to be taken off of this mountain, or would I be rugged and ride my bike down. In the end, I toughed it out and made in down to Corbett where it was much warmer. I later found out that I had been descending in 32° F. Ouch!

The rest of the descent was nice as I was no longer freezing and soon I was back at my starting location.

Next time, I will bring better gloves.