This was was my first FKT route with lots of pavement (almost 40%) and there were some beautiful views in toward the gorge and Portland above a low cloud layer. I was glad to get off the initial main roads because there is no shoulder and plenty of blind curves and hills. The gravel roads were smooth with the occasional massive estate that seem eerily lonesome amongst the trees. I only saw several cars on the way up once I got off the pavement. The final several miles came with a rougher road but the views made up for it. I reached the top eager fly downhill. The top is not clearly defined but the fence around a building seemed close enough.
On the descent, I was was graced with the glorious cushion comfort of a new pair of Brook's Aurora-BL with a nitrogen infused sole. I was also using a 12 ounce palm water bottle for the first time which was comfortable to carry but the firmness of the bottle made it tough to easily squirt a sip. I'm generally not an early bird runner but it's always worth it. Plus I had to work...
Cool route and it's nice to get in the occasional long run during the week.