Sometimes the best views are behind us.  Sort of a metaphoric statement, but perhaps apropos as we cycle onward.  Here’s an attempted over-the-shoulder selfie, with Oregon’s Elkhorn mountain range in the back vista (along with the morning shadow of a fellow rider).  A somewhat risky maneuver while on the bike, but traffic is virtually non-existent on this pleasant route out of Baker.  ‘Old Highway 30’ has been rendered nearly obsolete by nearby Interstate 84 – but it openly welcomed us two-wheel travelers.

Alas, the friendly old road would eventually give way to the superhighway at about mile 30 today.  We had to ride on the high-speed Interstate for several nerve-wracking miles.  Fortunately, there is a nice wide shoulder, but unfortunately, it’s littered with all sorts of weird road debris.  Thankfully, the Old Highway reappeared to deliver us into the quaint town of Huntington.  Here, the road becomes the historic Oregon Trail.  It’s a special feeling to make a self-powered journey along the same path early pioneers took over 150 years ago.

Further down the trail, as we came along the Snake river, I experienced the inevitable – the dreaded flat tire.  First of the trip for me, and probably something I picked up earlier on the Interstate (a thoughtful departing gift from I-84).  This might explain why those early pioneers used wooden wheels instead of inflated rubber tubes.  Thankfully, my repair was easy enough, but I can’t imagine what those early settlers persevered through as they experienced inevitable breakdowns on their incredible journey.  Also makes me wonder what means of transportation this route will offer 150 years henceforth… hopefully flat-proof bicycle tires will be available by then!

And finally, here’s a picture from the Huntington country store, featuring our Italian rider Maurizio, Herman and Ada from the Netherlands, and Bob – our eldest rider at 78 years young.

More pictures can be found at our touring company website:

https://blog.americabybicycle.com/aan

Tomorrow we cross into Idaho, 65 miles to the capitol city of Boise.

~Dan

Yet another beautiful day today, and yet another beautiful ride.  Oregon has exceeded all expectations thus far.  A somewhat chilly start from John Day, in the low 50s, with overcast skies that kept the morning climbs cool.  Three good climbs today, with the elevation topping out 5,277 feet.  The engineers should have raised the road up a few more feet to get to a mile high.  I suppose my bike seat is about 3 feet off the ground… so maybe that qualifies.

After the first descent, we turned onto Oregon State Highway 7, which had very little traffic and afforded some friendly banter with fellow cyclists.  I enjoyed a nice 5 mile conversation with John from Australia (far right in picture) as we climbed to the top of Tipton Mountain.

The final 15 miles into Baker City were fought against a stiff headwind, but our motley group of 5 took turns at the helm and sliced our way into town.  We celebrated today’s triumph with a sandwich at AJ’s Corner Brick Bar and Grill on main street.  When we are off the bikes, we seem to spend a lot of time eating – I guess we need to need to keep refueling!

Tomorrow brings a Sunday ride down to Ontario – our last town in Oregon before we cross into Idaho on Monday.

~Dan

Five outlaws rolled through the sleepy town of Mitchell, Oregon today.  Riding steel horses and wearing funny looking spandex outfits.  The locals just stared and wondered what kind of mischief this bare-legged helmet-wearing posse was up to.  Word is they hail from all parts… Iowa, North Carolina, Colorado, and Canada, eh.  They didn’t seem interested in robbing the Mitchell bank, like past outlaws – probably because they didn’t have any pockets in those ridiculous shorts.  They didn’t seem interested in any supplies either, except for some water.  They rolled out as fast as they rolled in, travelling east, on to the next stage stop.

A long day in the saddle today, 116 miles.  With a couple of mountain passes thrown in for good measure.  Another beautiful day.  With a beautifully scenic ride through Ochoco National Forest in the morning, a nice descent through Bridge Creek canyon lands, and then a tail-wind assisted rumble alongside the John Day River.

Who is John Day, you might wonder?  A fur-trapper and expedition member, legend claims he was attacked by Indians at the mouth of the river that now bears his name.  He must have been an outstanding man because the valley, nearby fossil beds, two towns (John Day and Dayville), and a Best Western Hotel are named after him.  I’m just thankful that his hotel is here, otherwise I might still be cycling in search of a comfortable bed.

Tomorrow is an 81 mile ride through the Wallowa-Whitman National forest to Baker City, OR.  Adios for now,

~Dan