Spending the month of May training in the Hood River Oregon area. Any suggestions on places to train? any good clubs to ride with?
Also, while I’m there I’m dying to give windsurfing a shot, suggestions on places to learn?
Ashil, I live in Portland but the Hood River area has loads of great training opportunities. There is a great local pool and there is a masters group that works out there, you could call for workout times.
The cycling (road and MTB) is top notch. For road riding you will either be heading up through orchard country toward Mt. Hood or up the Gorge along the old scenic hwy. Check with the LBS-Discover Bikes for routes, they also have group rides every Sat. I don’t know of a specific tri club but it wouldn’t surprise me. There is a half IM distance race first week of June if you’re still around.
As far as windsurfing, May will still be chilly (water temp. approx. 58) but there will be plenty of wind. Therein lies part of the problem. Spring conditions are pretty advanced ie. high wind, cold water, fast current so if you’re just getting started I’d highly recommend some lessons. Big Winds and Brians Windsurfing are 2 reliable services for instruction.
You picked a great spot for some quality training, have fun.
Exactly my plan… I’m actually doing the olympic-ish distance one on may 30th, I think its called the tri of the gods, and its in Cascade Locks and then do the half marathon that next weekend that is part of the gorgefest. For the tri, I’m worried that the water is going to be FREEZING, I have a sleevless wetsuit, should I consider getting one with sleeves? I have also heard peeing in your wetsuit during the race helps with this. sounds gross but does anyone know if it works?
I just moved out of the area but you won’t have any problem getting some good training in. As mentioned previously, the old columbia highway is a good bet, it is about 20 miles one way to The Dalles and if you do an out an back remember you’ll have strong headwinds for your return trip. Another good bet is to head to the Cooper Spur ski resort, about a 28 mile one way consistent climb. Also a 100 mile loop ride between Hood River/The Dalles/Dufur which is fairly rugged. Running on the old columbia highway between Hood River and the Mosier Tunnels is your best bet since there are no vehicles allowed on that stretch. The pool is awesome it is a 25M with always available lap lanes, very few swimmers and I don’t recall even having to share a lane all last summer. That all being said, I’m glad to be out of the wind, it was a total drag especially since I didn’t windsurf.
You my friend are one of the few folks that will know more about wind than people in Hawaii in a year or two, Great mtb there, ski, windsurf, and kite all in one day. Have fun G