9.22.2011
Fall is supposed to have arrived. Not down in the Columbia Basin. Not yet. It's hot. The time to ride this trail in the heat is around dawn when the air is cool. TrailBear arrives around 1030, up from the Columbia River Heritage Trail in Boardman, OR.
This is a rather charming river ride along the south bank levee with views of the river. The blacktop is excellent. It is well landscaped and a delight to the eyes. Benches abound. Shade can be found here and there. There are street ends, back yards, little pocket parks, all sorts of things along the way.
We staged out of Roy Railey (parking, shade, RR, water, wifi). Poor TrailBear was melting in the heat out there, so things were cut short. That leaves more for next time. Now it's time for the A/C and cooler mountains. There are street lights along the trail so a sunset ride might be in order.
If you are in or near Pendleton, give the Riverwalk a try.
Riverwalk? What's in a name? This is what they put on the directional signs in town. It's not uncommon for a trail to have three or more names, depending on which document you encounter.
ENJOY THE TRAIL ON YOU TUBE...
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRa015b6ytg>
The rider starts at the eastern end of the trail. The baseball diamonds are at the Kiwanis Park.
He ends across the river at the new skate park - quite the bowl there.
TRAIL FACILITIES...
<http://www.pendletonparksandrec.com/river_walk>
<http://www.pendletonparksandrec.com/sites/pendletonparksandrec.com/files/File/pool/Parks%20Matrix.PDF>
There is a series of parks along the ride. The west end is anchored by Trailhead Park down where Hwy 30 crosses the river. Heading east you next find Fallen Field. This is part of the Pendleton Roundup/Convention Center complex.
Next is Roy Railey Park on the eastern side of the Roundup.
<http://www.pendletonparksandrec.com/parks_royraley>
The eastern end is anchored by the Kiwanis Park. Enjoy the spacious Union Pacific picnic shelter there. Shade!
<http://www.recreationparks.net/OR/umatilla/kiwanis-park-pendleton>
Ride on!
TrailBear
Looking for a bike-mounted solar air conditioner and sun shade combined.
