Good idea on a hot day but poor execution. Should have read the email that the entrance to the park from the southeast was closed and has been closed since last year due to a mud slide. Big time bummer as I had biked 40 miles to the park entrance thinking that there was only another 20 miles uphill to go and then the 24 mile downhill back to Ashford where my car was. But a big no fromt the ranger. My only recourse was to turn was to turn around and bike back thru Packwood the way I came via Skate Creek road which I absolutely hate. Biking south on Skate creek road is tolerable even though the road is badly broken up but heading north is a nightmare, particularly in the mid afternoon with the temps in the 80's. Ugly. My goal was to get back to Ashford and have my traditional black berry pie as a way of some piece of sanity for how the ride went, but another no. Copper Creek restaurant is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Another email I didn't read.