Distance 57.0 miles -- Cumulative 800
Time 4:46:15 -- Cumulative 67:02:51
Elevation Gain 2263 -- Cumulative 28,846
Another day, another lengthy climb out of a valley. This one was about 4.5 miles, followed by some undulating terrain and and a couple more climbs that were two to three miles long. When I crested the last one I was treated to a view of the eastern side of the Blue Mountains. It was the final pass.
As I descended, the land changed from high desert covered with sage brush to green farmland. Still a bit of low rolling hills but nothing like the last few days.
My 7:15 departure didn't get me much since I crossed into the Mountain Time Zone about three quarters of a mile after I left the campground and suddenly it was 8:30. Right after lunch in Ontario, I finally left Oregon behind and entered Idaho.
The day was reasonably uneventful until about mile 40 when I encountered a new torture, no doubt designed by some internal combustion loving, pedal hating, highway engineer. You have probably all encountered rumble strips on the side of freeways. The indentations intended to alert a driver should they drift onto the shoulder. I like these. They give me a sense of comfort as I ride along listening to approaching vehicles gain on me. But today the shoulder suddenly had these:
I had another flat. This one was frustrating because I was less than half a mile from the hotel. I could see it. I ended up walking the bike the rest of the way rather than sit in the sun to change it.
I am in Caldwell, ID, where apparently no one eats out on Sundays. I eventually found a family diner about a 25 minute walk away. The server there was kind enough to direct me to a bar not too much further down the road for after dinner. It seemed normal until they fired up the country and western karaoke. Well, it is the west.
Tomorrow I have a short ride to Boise to prepare for the next phase.
Just putting this here because i know how much comments mean to you. Can we call those grooves traffic furniture?
ReplyDeleteMelvin, you are making great progress. Washington and Oregon are HUGE states (to borrow a phrase) and its impressive that you have made it through both of them already. One suggestion and one request. If you are tired of interstates or roads that include the words "Dead Mans" in the name - you should check out the Advenure Cycling Transamerica Route that looks like it is just east of where you are and runs down through the western part of Wyoming. My request would be that you include more about the people you are meetng along the way and thier stories. I know its hard to remember the details of those discussions at the end of the day but they make for interesting reading. In my opinion, the people you meet really is the most interesting part of the trip. I sent the link to your site to the Madison Manor group today and hopefully some of them will leave comments too. Hang in there and keep on trucking - it sounds like a great trip so far. Kevin.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kevin. I appreciate the support. Your timing though is somewhat ironic. I ended the ride Monday in Boise. You can read about it in my final entry.
DeleteHey Melvin. What a great blog of a wonderful adventure. I started reading today after Kevin sent the link to the Madison Manor group. I enjoyed reading your description of the places you heve seen and the interesting people you have met along the way. I look forward to continue reading it and seeing the pictures that you're posting. I wish you all the best for the rest of your trip. Ivan.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ivan. But all good things must end. Read my final entry.
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