Cycle Wild – Ainsworth
This past weekend, The Urban Adventure League & Cycle Wild organized a group ride and overnight at Ainsworth State park deep within the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
The weather cooperated in letting Matt and Shawn put together a lovely route out of Gresham, along the Historic Columbia River Highway and passed so many gorgeous waterfalls.
18 cyclists met up at Cleveland Max Station on a bright Saturday morning, the chill lingering in the air. A mix of regulars and new-comers to join the group made for a very lively trip.
Headed East on Stark we joined up at the Historic Columbia Highway and started the climb up to Corbett and beyond. Shawn lead the way while Matt and I acted as sweeps putting us far behind the group.
A smaller group decided to ride ahead to Multnomah Falls. After hanging out for a while and downing some snacks, the group pressed on a few more miles to the Ainsworth campground.
After a few more of our cyclist joined us at the park, we somehow squeezed 23 cyclists into 3 sites, nine of the tents were crammed into one site!
and roasted peeps.
Then a group of us rode back to Horsetail Falls for some hiking and a rock scramble.
Nothing like a kiss with a great view.
After a quick dip in the upper falls, we headed back to camp to socialize the night away.
Sunday’s return, the group split into different gangs to leave at different times. I was one of 4 to be the last to leave. We were in no hurry and wanted to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL weather and get as much sun as possible.
Multnomah Falls had a cleanup day hosted by the Mt. Hood Search and Rescue groups. Leave No Trace had a booth there so I along with 3 of my friends, became members to support their cause.
After snapping a ton of pictures and enjoying some sun, we four slowly biked our way back up the historic highway to Vista House and into Gresham.
The weater was PERFECT, the 23 cyclists were happy, and the views were BEAUTIFUL.
I really look forward to spending more time in the Gorge.
