A long day, although only 4:42 was rolling time. HR monitor has finally died (yeah! gadget shopping!). I biked from my house over Cornell (1000ft+ climb) to join Michele, Johan, and Couloir for a rebel ride from M&J's house. Twenty minutes to head out from there. Out and up over Skyline, then down the grueling Rocky Pt. Rd to Scappoose, OR. Lots of sleet/mini-hail. By the time we got to a cafe for bagels and hot drinks in Scappoose, we were all thinking that calling for a ride was legitimate recourse. I unknowingly ruined that by stating that I could ride the flat Hwy 30 home since there probably would not be enough room in their son's vehicle.

Everyone bucked up and plunged back into the cold. Rocky Pt. averaged 5 mph going back up. Riding Skyline back was fast, chilly, and slick due to some accumulation. 10 minutes away from M&J's house, my legs convinced to that I would not be able to make it back over Cornell. Warmed up and refueled at M&J's, then Couloir was kind enough to drag my sorry butt home.

http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Portland-t...

Now I know what 5300 ft of climbing can feel like. Despite the cold, we all had a great time and a fantastic sense of accomplishment.