This is a lovely, long, gradual ascent up to Center Ridge. It leaves civilization, such as it is, in The Dalles and ascends on a mix of gravel and paved roads. It does not completely avoid two segments on The Dalles California Highway, which helps tighten up any loose sphincters you may have. And given the nature of weather in the Gorge, you might enjoy it on a day similar to mine, when you get to coast uphill and pedal downhill on your bicycle. If you've ridden here, you know what I mean. The temperature dropped from 23 C in The Dalles to 10 C on the top of the ridge in the middle of June. Wind was 20, gusting to 40 km/hour. Be prepared for changes in weather. When off the highway, there is still the occasional pick up or SUV that passes you. Most folks are quite friendly. The Boyd grain elevator on Fifteen mile creek is a lovely landmark. There are intermittent views east toward the Cascades across the Dufur valley. You will be passing agricultural fields in various shades of green and yellow and sage brush. Mule deer seem to enjoy racing along side of you. (They win.) Around km 35 you top out on Center Ridge with views in all directions. The abandoned Center Ridge schoolhouse is lovely in it's isolation. Try to imagine attending school there. It is on private property with the ubiquitous barbwire fence around it, but easily visible for photo shoots from the road. The descent is long and initially mostly on very wide, flat gravel. I highly recommend the side track up Freebridge road to Kloan road. This is a road barely traveled. There is a bit of drifted sand and loose dirt on it, so not ideal for skinny tires. But again, lovely views. When you join Fifteen mile Creek Rd. again, this can be quite a wind tunnel. Otherwise, it is a long gradual paved descent back into the Dalles. The trek up the gravel Company Hollow road to McCoy road gets rid of most speeding pickups so you can enjoy the ride.