RAW visit to Goldendale
Andrew Christiansen
Reporter
Ekone’ Park erupted into a colorful pasture of dome tents, last week, as the Ride Around Washington (RAW) pulled into Goldendale following the third leg of their bicycle ride around Washington. The trip, organized by the Cascade Bicycle Club, began in Packwood on Aug. 3, and ended in Packwood on Aug 9.
This is the 10th year for the ride, which included ages from 19 to 70-something.
Two riders, Steven Leifheit, of Seattle, and Bruce McKinley, of Alvin, Texas, described the ride from Trout Lake to Goldendale as “great, fantastic scenery.” It was an unexpected contrast to the riders’ second day on the road, which proved to be a battle against heat stroke and dehydration.
The pre-ride brochure for the “Tour of the Volcanoes” described the trip as traveling through “cooler, moister air of Western Washington and the warmer, drier climate of the east side.”
Just the opposite weather greeted the riders, almost from the outset. The riders left the first night camp (Swift Creek, near Mt. St. Helens), expecting a cool ride to Trout Lake. Instead, they fought extreme heat which forced one rider to drop out of the tour after taking on four liters of intravenous fluids at a nearby hospital. Leifheit was one of two other riders who suffered from dehydration, but continued on the trip.
A one-day layover in Trout Lake, was a welcomed respite from the heat. Moderate heat and overcast skies made for a more enjoyable, scenic ride as they climbed the hills from Leidl Park east on their way to Goldendale. Even the fourth day ride proved to be contrary to predictions, as the temperature was cooler and rain was possible.
The original plan was to ride about 66 miles from Trout Lake to Brooks Memorial State Park, leaving about 70 miles for the next leg to Naches. But Brooks Park couldn’t handle the support trucks, so they were very grateful to be able to stay in Goldendale.
It was the second time in the history of the tour that Goldendale had welcomed the riders. Many of the riders spent the afternoon exploring Goldendale, and some participated in a softball game against the locals.
Night time partying isn’t part of the agenda for the trip, as all were in bed by 9 p.m. with mandatory quiet time. The earliest risers were on the road by 6 a.m., the next morning, looking at 83 miles until the next overnight stop.
The trip is by reservation only, as 200 riders is the limit of their logistics. Some of the $700 fee pays for support for the trip, which is extensive.
Among the support vehicles were a shower truck, a caterer, and two small moving vans that carried the tents and bicycle supplies.
They were also accompanied by members of the Amatuer Radio Emergency Services (ARES), ham radio operators. Nine of the ARES members supported the ride by providing refreshment breaks along the route, scouting weather and road conditions, and performing first aid. The radios helped keep track of the riders as they became spread out along the route. ARES has been involved in all the rides as part of their community service mission.
Falls and minor injuries are common on a ride of this nature. One individual needed treatment, but most wrecks result in minor scrapes and bruises.
Cascade Bicycle Club organizes numerous rides throughout the year. Another trip out of Packwood is scheduled for Sept. 7, and is touted as the High Pass Challenge. It is specifically for riders who like to “ride fast, hard, far, and climb hills.” On-line registration is $80 and the ride is limited to 800 riders.
Cascade Bicycle Club is a non-profit, Seattle based organization. The club organizes rides in other states and overseas. Membership is not required for participation in their events.
Physicals herald the coming of school sports
A sure sign that summer break from school is winding down, is the call for students to get their physicals if they are planning on being involved in athletics and cheerleading at Goldendale. The requirement for physicals applies to middle school and high school. A variety of other paperwork is also required before students can participate in practices.
Students can pick up a packet of necessary forms at the office of each school, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Students are required to purchase an ASB card, which is $20 at the high school and $5 at the middle school, in order to participate in school activities.
High school football practice starts on Aug. 20, with volleyball, soccer and cross-country beginning on Aug. 25. Middle school football for seventh and eighth graders also starts on Aug. 25. Middle school volleyball begins in September.
Sports passes are also going on sale. A family pass is $100 and a single adult pass is $50. Individual entry at the gate is $5 for adults and $4 for students.
Middle school football players are reminded that practice starts at 3:30 p.m. and all paperwork must be turned in by that time. Bring shorts and tee-shirts to practice.
Youth league football kicks off this week
The first sounds of football were heard in Goldendale Monday, as boys and girls ages nine through 12 began practice for the area youth league football program. Teams from around the Columbia Gorge compete in the league, which includes two teams from Goldendale and a team from Lyle-Dallesport.
A round robin festival kicks off the season at Wahtonka field in The Dalles on Aug. 23. The format for the festival is a four-minute offensive series starting at the 40 yard line. Each team will have the opportunity to run their offense against each of the other league teams.
League play begins on Sept. 6.
Volleyball referees needed
Referees are needed for high school and middle school volleyball games throughout Klickitat and Skamania counties. According to assigning secretary, Bill Daniels, there is a particular need for people who can work afternoon matches in the Stevenson and Carson end of the district.
Referees are paid per game plus mileage for the season running from September through October. Referees are required to join the Washington Officials Association, which costs $40 and covers insurance, official patch, two rule books and training.
Knowledge of volleyball is beneficial, but not required, as officials will be trained. Ages from high school on up are encouraged to apply. An on-line clinic and test are required for certification.
The first meeting is Aug. 25, at 7 p.m. in the Riverview Community Bank in Goldendale. Training meetings will be held each Monday night, initially, then less frequently during the season. Contact Daniels at 773-3980 for more information.
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