Posts Tagged Mt. Hood

Border Hopping: Destination – Another Weekend in the Columbia River Gorge

Mt. St. Helens pokes up just above the Cascade Range

Mt. St. Helens pokes up just above the Cascade Range

It probably is not any surprise now that I spend a lot of time in Oregon. More specifically in Hood River.

It is where my parents live, where I work on my bikes due to my dad’s large, well stocked shop, and where I currently keep the majority of my tools.

So when I’m given the opportunity for a long weekend, due to working off my 40 hours earlier in the week, I typically pack up some clothes, and head south of the border (Washington Border that is!) and spend my time in Oregon.

The great thing about the Columbia River Gorge, is that it has a little bit of everything to offer to any individual.  From the towering Cascades to the majestic rivers and streams, the area is ripe with life, beauty, and an endless amount of activities.

Having taken the time to head down to Oregon on Thursday Evening, I was able to get a rather early start Friday morning after a wholesome breakfast of Bacon, Eggs and Coffee.

I hadn’t really planned a route. In fact, my main goal was just to try and get my bearings straight in the area. I figure the more times I cross by the same intersection of 2 dirt service roads, eventually I will recognize it when I do further adventures in the area.

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Border Hopping: Destination – An Afternoon with Adventure Sidecar

Mt. Hood

Mt. Hood

This last weekend, I was fortunate enough to take off a couple of extra days and enjoy the wonderful weather that they were having in the Columbia River Gorge.  With the highs in the mid 60′s and above, it was looking up to be a perfect weekend to spend riding the near by forest roads surrounding Hood River.

And while I did get to spend some amazing time exploring on my own, I’d like to take some time to first write about Adventure Sidecar, located in Odell, Oregon just south of Hood River.

While my original intentions were to meet-up with Vernon Wade, owner of Adventure Sidecar to do some riding up in the mountains earlier in the day, I was caught up in a visit from my Cousin, a large brisket being smoked for afternoon supper. And it is pretty hard to resist a slow cooked beef brisket.

So when the food was down, and everyone seemed to be in their lumbering after supper state, I decided it was best to see if Vernon was up for that ride.

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Border Hopping: Destination – Sod Busters Cafe

Sometimes, when picking a destination to go, it is not always a landmark, a park, or some landscape view that takes your breath away. No, sometimes when picking a destination, it ends up being for food.

That is exactly how March 6th played out.

Saturday morning I awoke originally planning a few things. First off, I needed to give the XT a run down. Oil, Air Filter, Check other important bolts, lube and adjust chain, etc.

I also wanted to finally get some time to build the rear rack for the XT.

So I got out of bed, and Mom had started making Pancakes and Bacon.  What a wonderful way to start a Saturday morning.

I ate, grabbed my keys and headed into town to pick up some oil at the Wal-Mart.

While there, I picked up some other odds and ends, and made my way home.

As I was heading back to the shop, I took in the morning’s blue sky’s. It was absolutely beautiful out.  A bit on the chilly side, but that is to be expected in early March.

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