Day 15

La Grande, OR to Baker City, OR
Distance 45.9 miles -- Cumulative 692.5
Time 3:55:20 Cumulative 58:06:44
Elevation Gain 1391 -- Cumulative 25,277

Today started with another climb but nothing like yesterday. It was 4.5 miles. It seemed a little steeper than yesterday, but maybe my legs were just tired.

Early on I had my first ugly experience directed at me. I heard what sounded like a friendly honk and looked over to see a guy in a pickup truck making a decidedly unfriendly gesture. Why? I was 8-10 feet away from the lane of traffic, bothering no one, particularly not him since he was driving in the left lane like a jerk weed. I channeled the penguin from the first Madagascar movie, "Smile and wave boys, just smile and wave."

The scenery was nice but not spectacular. At some point I noticed some actual mountains to the south.

I spent a fair amount of the ride hoping the road didn't turn that direction.

I had another flat. This time on the trailer. But because my best friend Jay at Burley had given me two new wheels, all I had to do was pop the wheel with the flat off and pop the new one on. The whole process took two minutes and most of that time was digging the wheel out of my bag.

A bit further I saw this sign, which I thought was one of the more interesting road signs I have ever encountered.

Later I had dinner at the Latitude 45 Restaurant. I hate to admit that it took a while for me to make the connection. The food was good and the staff was friendly. Here they are.

I taught them how to make a gimlet. Sierra, second from the left, has never been on an airplane. She and Ashley, front right, are both natives of Baker City.

Tomorrow I ride to Huntington, OR, where I once again get to camp. I am hoping no sprinklers.