Another hot, dry day. We started out cycling along the Columbia River thru Dead Man's Gulch and then into Oregon along Cold Creek Canyon. We climbed 1300 ft. and then the last 10 miles into Pendleton OR was all downhill.
One state down. Thirteen states and one province to go!
The Columbia River with Dead Man's Gulch in the background.
Oregon wheat fields. (Oregon grows wheat???)
Tuesday July 8: 92 km. 90 F sunny. Pendleton Oregon to La Grande Oregon
We started out cycling thru golden wheat fields on a gentle upslope coming out of Pendleton OR. About 20 kms. into the ride we started into a 3,000 ft climb with a grade of 5%, still a tough climb, but much more manageble than Stevens Pass a week ago. There was a spectacular view of the valley below, lush farmland as far as the eye could see. After about 40 km. we finally got to what typically one would think Oregon was like, pine forests, logging and mountains. For the first time, we had to atually cycle on an interstate highway. Out in the western states this happens more often where there is no other road to take as the interstate was built over the old road. Kind of scary with all the traffic and big rigs, but with the wide paved paved shoulders it was OK.
Cycling out of Pendleton OR
Wednesday July 9: 79 km. 88 F sunny. La Grande Oregon to Baker City Oregon
An easy day after yesterday's difficult ride. Started the day in farmland, climbed up into scrub brush, and then finished the day in a beautiful green valley surrounded by snow capped mountains on either side.
Walter Vink from Lacombe Alberta travelling with the tour as support with his motor home acting as a SAG (Support and Gear) wagon.
Today was a short ride, very hot out. It was downhill most of the day, making for a very enjoyable ride in spite of the heat. We ended up in Huntington OR, a small town, surrounded by scrub desert, with an aging and shrinking population. About 500 people live there, we stayed at the local school which has 76 students from grade one thru twelve. I got a haircut at the local bait and tackle shop/liquor store/laundramat/beauty shop/ barbershop(I'm not kidding), where the owner refused to take any money for the haircut. A very friendly town that left a good impression on all of us.
They named a town after me, except they spelled it wrong!
The school football field where we all camped out.
Friday July 11: 58 km. 86 F sunny. Huntington Oregon to Ontario Oregon
Today was another sunny warm day. A very short ride and a nice tailwind. I was biking with Andy Hiemstra from Port Perry Ontario and he convinced me to let my wild side rule on the downhill. We reached a speed of 75 km. per hour. If anything happens, just blame it on Andy! Today was my mother's birthday. She passed away last year, so this entire ride and certainly today is in her honour. A bittersweet day indeed.
A couple of Sea to Sea cyclists riding down to the Snake River along the Oregon, Idaho border.
New time zone:
"Harley Bill" from Aylmer Ontario cruises the route on his motorcycle helping any cyclist that needs directions, water, etc. He's in for the entire tour and just having a riot!
Saturday July 12: 107 km. 90 F sunny. Ontario Oregon to Boise Idaho
Today was another in a string of hot and sunny days. It was actually a pleasant day till mid afternoon by which time I was in camp here in Boise ID. The ride today was thru rolling hills along the Snake River Valley in southern Idaho. Very nice looking green farmland, all of it irrigated however.
Another state in the books.
Saturday night at the Sea to Sea camp, Timberline High School, Boise ID
Sunday July 13:
We held a clebration service with Valley Life Community Church in Boise ID at a beautiful outdoor amphitheater.
Someone asked me before we left for Seattle if I was about the oldest person on the tour. At 52, I am closer to the median age of 46. Here are four remarkable men who are doing the entire coast to coast ride.
Arnie Issette, Michigan. Age 70.
Gerry Loonstra, Red Deer Alberta. Age 72.
Jim Beezhold, San Diego California. Age 72
Bill Vanderlinde, Pine Island Florida. Age 73.
3 comments:
Thanks for keeping your blog up to date. Great way to follow the tour and actually know where you are.
Have been to most of the areas that you've traveled so far and fun to see pictures of those areas. Salute you for all for what you are doing and our families prayers are with you all............
Jeanne
Uncle Dick
I think its such an amazing and very challenging thing that you and your group are doing!! I wish you God's blessing and guidance as you continue on your journey from Sea to Sea.
Just a side question: how long are your legs actually pedalling for per day?
Anita and Chris
Chris and Anita: Right now it is 4 or five hours per day, but in a week or so we will ramp up to nearer to eight hours.
Dirk
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