Fall Palisades Trail Mt. Bike Ride Oct 06

Well we lucked out. This ride was absolutely stunning. The weather was perfect. Mt. Rainier was glowing in a new coat of snow. Fall color lined the trails and ridge lines.

13 riders showed up for one last epic ride of the Palisades trail before winter sets. We set out from Buck creek road around 0930 ( I was running late). It was a cool morning and I started off the ride in my down coat and shell. As soon as we started up the White river trail it was time to shed a layer. We climbed up the White River trail to Corral Pass road. Thus began the long grueling road climb. 5 miles to where the road meets the trailhead.

We spread out on the long climb and met up at the top. Tim and Vern were sweeping so Martin stayed back and waited while we took a leisurely peddle along the side of the ridge to keep warm. We stopped at the first overlook to view Mt. Rainier. Then at the next view point we stopped to soak up the warm sun and eat some lunch. This view point is awesome because you get a view of Mt. Rainier to the south and Mt. Baker and the Stewart range to the north.

I made quick hike up to a hillside where I spread my Siberian's husky's ashes a number of years ago. I always imagine him running through the distant hills and valleys enjoying his freedom in the wilds of the Cascades.

After a break Tim and Vern arrived. Now we were all back together for the epic ride. First the lung burning hike-a- bike up a steep short hill to the next ledge. Peter rode up the whole steep hill. Arn almost made it but lost traction about three quarters of the way up. Then it was off along the ridge line along the Dalles Ridge trail. The air was warming up and the trail was in perfect condition. No dust clouds just packed down trail with a few areas of frost still lingering on the trail in the shade. We rode past the Noble Knob trail and then down the steep side hill switch backs. Now I know why I hated riding up those earlier in the summer. They are steep. Fun to ride down. Brutal to ride up. Then the forest meanders with some more climbing to the Ranger Creek Shelter. Its amazing you'd think after 7 miles of climbing to the trailhead that the climbing would be over but not even. This trail does some more sustained climbing and a lot of rolling up and down along the Palisades cliffs.

We made a brief stop at the shelter and one of our riders decided to go down the Ranger Creek trail to get back sooner. 12 of us continued to ride the Palisades ledges. We stopped at another view point on the cliffs. I love this view because you can see up the 410 valley towards Crystal. We took a long break there to enjoy the sun and the view. Vern sprawled out on the ground. He had developed cramps a few miles back but was hanging in there. Having mt. climbed with him in the past I new he was up for the challenge. Ellen decided to get us all moving again by exclaiming that she needed to get going so she could get home in time to mow her lawn without a headlamp. The day was so perfect it was easy to just hangout and relax in the sun.

So we set off to finish the Palisades ledge and then drop down to the staircase and the steep switchback descent off the cliffs. The switchback descent is lined in fall maple leaves and steep rocky outcrops. Then we dropped out on to the White River trail for the final 4 miles back to our cars. It was a mad dash for the finish line as we were all tired and ready to call it a day.

21 miles, approx. 3200 feet of climbing

Every part of this trail has something to offer. The views change from ridge lines and mountains to fall colored foliage to mossy carpeted forest and rock cliff walls. There is great trail and road climbing, technical single track, and a gnarly staircase and steep switch backs to navigate.

This was a great way to end an epic riding season and enjoy another beautiful sunny day on the trail.

Looking Towards Our Destination	P1010002.JPG	Peter Partel Stretching on Road Climb
Almost at the Top of the Road Climb	P1010005.JPG	Break at the Top of the Road Climb
The Ever Present Mt. Rainier	First View Point Break	P1010009.JPG
P1010010.JPG	P1010011.JPG	Stewart Range Off in the Distance
Second View Point Break - 1	Second View Point Break - 2	Mt. Bikes and Mt. Rainier
P1010016.JPG	Trail-1	Palisades View - 1
P1010019.JPG	Palisades View - 2	P1010021.JPG
P1010022.JPG	P1010023.JPG	Forest Rim Trail Along Palisades - 1
Forest Rim Trail Along Palisades - 2	Biker Vern - 1	Biker Vern - 2
Biker Vern - 3	Deborah	The Ride Leader