Why are we speaking of volcanoes?

I always seem to be finding out about another neat ride. Want to ride around a volcano? Head for Mount Rainier!

Recently I looked up RAMROD. That one isn’t for those accustomed to sea level, I’d guess. Nor for a poor climber!  The ride includes 10,000 feet of elevation gain; and tops out at well over 4000 feet. The roads used are steep; and the shoulders are unpaved.

RAMROD is a century-and-a-half, plus a bit more. Last time I rode 100 miles in one day was July 2013. Going for 150-something in one day would really be pushing it. I’d need to start planning and training right this minute if I intended to participate in RAMROD next year! It’s not only the distance; it’s the climbing.

As for the altitude of RAMROD, what can you do when you live at sea level, and can’t afford to go train at altitude? Maybe a hypoxic mask?

This year’s lottery registration is closed (sounds like RAGBRAI, right?) I was a bit late in dredging up a vague memory of having read about RAMROD some time ago.

While we’re speaking of volcanoes, are there similar events at other such mountains? Cycle Vesuvius? Or Shasta?