Baker City, OR to Farewell Bend State Recreational Area, OR
Distance 50.5 miles -- Cumulative 743
Time 4:08:52 -- Cumulative 62:16:36
Elevation Gain 1306 -- Cumulative 26,583
Here's what the ride looked like today:
About seven miles into the ride I saw signs for road construction ahead. That could be an issue depending on lane closures, what's parked on the shoulder, etc. At about 9.5 miles the sign said "I84 Closed to Bicycles." That seemed like a problem. Fortunately, the good folks at the Oregon Department of Transportation, or whatever they call it, had established a Bicycle Detour Route. I spent about 15 miles on a nice, almost empty side road.
The terrain today was generally downhill, but I was not able to take full advantage because around mile 25 I picked up an absolutely brutal headwind. I found it far more frustrating than the uphills.
I still made decent time and had a late lunch in Huntington, a town which seems to be thriving on Oregon's decision to remove state legal prohibitions on the growing and selling of certain substances.
The campground is about four miles past Huntington, and situated along the banks of the Snake River. Here's the view from my campsite (actually a nice little cabin).
After settling in, I headed over to the showers. As I walked by a nearby campsite, one of the guys asked where I came from and where I was headed. I told him and he promptly invited me to stop over for a beer. Once I was cleaned up, I went over and had a Rolling Rock, or three, with Tim, Kevin, and Kevin's son Joseph. They are from the Boise area out for some fishing. They gave me tips for places to eat and/or drink--nice guys.
Tomorrow I finally leave Oregon, and the Pacific Time Zone. I am heading to Caldwell, ID, about 55 miles from here.
Enjoying the posts Melvin. Curious, was the picture of the straightaway road the detour? I'm always trying to get my head around your rides: size of shoulder if any, number of lanes etc. Will you update your adjusted route?
ReplyDeleteYes, that was taken while on the detour. I think I was passed by fewer than 10 cars over the 15 miles I was on that road.
ReplyDeleteLove your people stories as well as your bike adventures. Just being Mama bear here. Keep in mind lots of wildfires raging in Idaho and Montana. we are feeling the effects of it with smoke and haze even in Denver where there's no fire thankfully. Enjoy the Labor Day weekend! (Just in case you lost track of time!) Pedal on!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThx. I have been keeping a close eye on it.
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