Day 6 John Day-Baker City

Miles:  81.06              Terrain:  Forests, a River and three big climbs
Depart:   7:22 AM      Arrive:  4:14 PM
Riding time: 6:34:11        
Average Riding Speed:  12.3

           Today’s Garmin Download (for cycling data junkies!) 

                     
                                              Today's Ride

Although our mileage today was 30 miles shorter than yesterday, we did nearly as much climbing.  In fact the last two days have accounted for 10,000 feet of climbing.  Today there were three major climbs rather than the two we had yesterday.  No wonder almost everybody is tired tonight!

The route today passed through national forests, over three mountain summits, and for the final 20 miles paralleled the Powder River.

Part way up the first climb, a popular place to pause was at the full scale replica of a Conestoga   Wagon, the likes of which came through this area on journeys of exploration to the West Coast a couple hundred years ago.  If you notice, instead of horses, it is being pulled by a double paceline of cyclists!

Off of the main roads, it was so quiet that songbirds were often heard.  Despite the climbing it was a day where many of us may felt closer to nature than on any day yet this trip.  The first sag stop was set up at the Austin House Restaurant, where many of us were tempted, after eating the ABB snacks, to go inside and consume some of the home made cobbler.

Tonight at our briefing after dinner we received considerable safety direction for tomorrow.  Of the 83 miles between here and Ontario,Oregon, about 15 of those miles will be on the shoulder of I-84.  Besides operating in a safe manner, we also were given tips on avoiding the myriad of debris that is found on the shoulder and which can lead to flats.

That’s it for tonight.  I'm going to get in bed early.  By necessity our day tomorrow is shorter—we cross into the Mountain Time Zone.