Old Sherwin Grade

Last Sunday Mary and I joined the Nelson family for a ride up Old Sherwin Grade to Tom's Place where we had breakfast.

We met at Millpond and rolled through Round Valley which was lush and pleasant - as usual.
Old Sherwin climbs about 3,500' and has a few somewhat steep sections (up to 10%). It winds pleasantly through volcanic tuff up from the desert of Paradise to the Pinions of Swall Meadows and finally to the beautiful Lower Rock Creek Gorge.

Mary had never done this climb before, but she went into it with a good attitude and strong legs.
Here she is topping out on the steepest section just before heading down the short descent to Rock Creek. Suffering and smiling!
Brian gets over the crux too with Mount Tom behind him.
Here I am with my new bike (more pics on my next blog).
All smiles at the end of the ride.
A special thanks to the Nelsons for inviting us along on their family outing.
Good fun for sure.