Hiya! Squatch here.
I've had a rampant surge of human sightings! Humans donned in body-fitting Spandex and alien-head helmets, waddling their legs atop a seat with two flashy spinning circles.
Okay. They're biking. Its a thing in the Pacific Northwest.
Can't exactly wrap my Sasquatch head around it, but if you can make it propel forward and not fall to either side, you are a genius. AND there are so many rides in the Hood River area for you! No matter how lackadaisical or daring you are on that thing.
For the mellow road biker who just wants to get out, I suggest the easy-yet-scenic trips listed on Hood River's Chamber of Commerce website. If you've got a flat or need to get pumped up, try Discover Bicycles right on State Street in downtown HR.
If the hills feel daunting, rent an electric bike with Oregon E Bikes. They have road, mountain and cargo bikes for rent and for sale.
Dirty Fingers Bikes offers road biking and mountain biking location ideas and condition updates on on their website. It's a full bike service and sales shop next door to a superb eatery called Kickstand Coffee.
If shredding on a demo bike and catching a shuttle up a mountain bike trail blows your biking shorts right up, then check out Hood River Bicycles.
For those who seek organized rides and meeting other cyclists, Mountain View Cycles leads weekly rides with a focus on making it fun for newcomers.
On June 16, bikers from all over come out to enjoy the annual Gorge Ride which features famous views from Rowena Cresh, Mayerdale Estate and the restored Mosier Twin Tunnels. The course is 38.5 miles of out-and-back along the Columbia River Highway, promises no more than a 5% uphill grade at any point and is open 7am to 4pm. Non-refundable, online, advance registration fee per rider: ages 12 & up = $40. Ages 6-11 = $15. Under 6 are free. Online registration is the only advance registration method. Add $10 per ride for day-of-event registration.
Wine drinkers who ride better after partaking are sure to have a blast on a customized tour offered by MountnBarrel. They focus on fun AND safety. Razz Tazz also offers tours in the area as well as electric bike rentals.
And finally, if you want a multi-day trip through the area, you cannot go wrong with Life Cycle Adventures because they can shape your trip to your desires, abilities and interests! When in Hood River, their riders stay at my favorite super cool Hood River sleeping spot Lodge 902 where the beds are ultra comfy, the veranda is all about Gorge-ous views and the fire pit is roasting S'mores.
So if you have one of those bike things and you understand how it works, there's plenty of staying-upright in Hood River. Come on out and see it for yourself.