About 7 years ago, I remember going to my very first Bike Expo at the Seattle Center. I spent a full day there completely fascinated with the fancy new bikes, cool accessories and eye-catching attire. I didn't even own a road bike at the time. While browsing through the dozens and dozens of booths, I ran into one emblazoned with signs for "RAMROD". I clearly remember thinking, "Ride around Mt. Rainier? In one day??? Who is insane enough to do that! Heck - there's no way I ever will".
So here I am, the weekend after 2005 RAMROD, having completed exactly what I
thought would be impossible a few years ago. The ride was every bit as
challenging as anticipated with plenty of arduous climbing accompanied by
thrilling descents. The scenery was simply too majestic for words with
breathtaking views from every angle. Mt. Rainier ("Tahoma") contains 36 miles of
glaciers, the largest in the lower 48 states. From a geologic perspective, this
makes it the largest remnant of the Ice Age to be found on one mountain (a
"single-peak glacier system") in the world. And to think I pedaled a bicycle
around it!
I am immensely grateful to my riding partners, many of whom
have shared thousands of miles with me these past few years. They've been a
wonderful "family" on the road, watching after one another as we all strived to
attain greater personal goals. I couldn't possibly imagine a better group of
friends with whom to spend a day on a bike. It means that much more that we all
rode as a united team (with matching jerseys, no less) in support of a truly
noble cause - Native Planet.
Darol Tuttle's Ride Report
RAMROD 2005 Main Page
|
