At 14,409 ft., Mt. Rainier stands slightly taller than Mt. Shasta.  But with its icy glaciers, deep crevasses, and steep slopes, technical climbing skills are required to summit Mt. Rainier.  Summiting Mt. Rainier will be another dream I hope to achieve once I attain the technical skills in the future.  Thus, we left behind the ice axes and crampons and stuck to trails along the mountain and nonetheless enjoyed its scenic hikes during a brief period of perfect, sunny days. First things first.  I was craving a bike ride.  With its gradual climbs and descents and switchbacks along a valley of mountains, the ride…