More Climbing

3 passes in a row today, lots of climbing., real nice views. 

The last several days have been beautiful, vast open space. The high plains are cattle and horse territory with grass field to support them. I would say 1000 to 1, cows to people. There are real cowboys out here. 

When you stop and listen, it's scary quite in the middle of the day. 

The climbs in the mountains are vast National forest. No development at all. 

I'm glad the Surly is behaving, a mechanical issue out there would be an interesting AAA call. 

Traded in the Surly, let give this a try. 

Arrived in Sumpter, OR to pitch a tent. Yea, hot shower. Pop.  201. In 1887 pop.was over 2000, gold rush. 

Nice sunset. Weather has been perfect. 40's in the morning and warming up to mid 80s. I was advise as I head East, it will warm up quickly. 

Flag Day

Long day today on flag 

Day. 

106 miles from Redmond to Dayville, OR. Several big climbs. 

First one, one to go. 

Descending 38 miles!

Surroundings have changed to dry desert 

My trail angel were Dennis and Valorie Schuelke with there 3 grandchildren- Page, Adrienne and Maya. Descending on a long hill at mile 89 I hear, would you like a Popsicle? The nicest folks rv'ing with their grand kids. Destinations Yellowstone. 

Off to Presbyterian church which is a hostel for bikers. Offering this service since 1970's full set up with showers, washing machines etc. 4 of us staying tonight - Wade, Taylor and Kyle. We cooked pasta. A special place. 

Sleeping on the alter tonight!

Lunch in Mitchell, OR  pop 103. Decided to push on to Dayville, pop 132 ... the big city. 

Continuation on Mckenzie Pass

Heading into Sisters, 3 sisters mountains.  

In addition to Peter being a good rider, he also climbs and provided lot of mountain knowledge. 

The town of Sisters was in full swing. The rodeo is town. Met so many nice folks today and several offered their house for a warn shower and space to pitch a tent. Because Sisters was so crowed, I decided to put in 20 more miles to the next town, Redmond. Found a fairgrounds camp site. Hot showers and washing machine. Everyone was smelling so good, or was it me? 

Now in the other of the pass noticeable change in landscape. The high desert plains offer a much drier environment. I now see why the northwest vineyards produce such good wine west of the cascades. 

Forgot to share the second map - 

Now we're heading northeast. 

More Trail Angels

More trail angels 

Packed up and on the road by 5:45 AM. The night before I went to bed and it was still day light! Pulled into Corvallis to meet the first angel. I met Jeff at an intersection and he could tell I wasn't sure where I was going. Jeff came right over to help. He was riding a touring bike so we sized up each other rig. Jeff has lots of long tours under his belt and he approved of my setup. Impressed with the light load.  Jeff was on his way to work but did not hesitate to review my route and BS'd for 15 min.  Advised of the tail wind on my route today and he was 100% correct. I also inquired about a bike shop and he road me to the shop. Thank you Corvallis bike for topping off my tires and fixed a squeaky cleat. 

The integration of bikes throughout OR is tops. I now know why they are the top state in the Union for biking. Everywhere you go there are 4 foot bike lanes. Folks don't hesitate to chat about cycling. More to follow on that topic. 

Okay so I signed up as a guest member. They filled my pannier with enough to get me to Colorado ..... dude. Which way was east again?

2 trail Angels in one day? Standing at the grocery store looking at my map, Walter comes right up to me, introduces himself and ask if he can be of help. I explain that I'm looking for a camp site. He tell me an official site is 30 plus miles and I already have 85. He explains that he is selling a river property lot and I'm welcome to use it. The pic speaks for the digs .... Perfect. Soaking tired legs in the McKenzie River drinking a local ipa. 

For you Tom 

On to the second map. Tomorrow will be exciting McKenzie pass. You'll have to wait for the pics. Several people were very excited for me, 25 mile climb but say it's worth the pain. Good news no cars allowed until Monday, bikes only!

Lava fields

Peter and Emily (guessed at the spelling)

We're so kind to hang with me on the climb up McKenzie pass. They could have passed me on their light weight road bikes. Real fun to share the pain on the way up. 

Thay are the real deal. We had lunch and we're heading back over the pass ..... I was toast and ready for a shower. 

These folks, Bob and Susan were doing the TransAm on a tandem recumbent!! Don't ask how much that rig weighted. Lots of excitement at summit with just cyclist there. 

The other gent did the TransAm last year. 

Off to find a camp site and hot shower! Maybe a well deserved beer. 

Transition

Transition from coastal views to interior OR as I head East. Lots of climbing. First climb in the morning was about 5 miles. I arrived at Sand Lakes. Large area with white soft sand. Thus the name. Not what you expect at this elevation surrounded by large firs and cedars. Also a transition in fellow riders. Most folks I met are doing the west coast tour. No transAm encounters yet. I do hear about the 45 riders racing the same route. 

The lumber harvesting is most interesting. As they clear out old growth new trees are planted with dates posted. I'll assume well managed. It adds texture to the landscape.  Oh did I forget to mention double long logging trucks 😳

Unlike last nights camping on the ocean, I'm now at the Polk Fair Grounds, in Rickreall. Very large facilities with two campers including me. Looks very odd. Hot showers, yea.  

There have been tons of RV, both on the coast and inland with large RV camps. This must be a Mecca for RVs. Mona start planning your trip. 

80 miles today with lots more climbing. I guess just conditioning for the upcoming Cascade big boy climbs. 

Here's my modern Impression photo offering

Should have shared the first section map -

Heading to Colburg tonight. 

Finally riding my bike

First mile of journey was straight up to Astoria column monument. Most disappointing when I saw that it was shrouded for repairs. Started talking with John (Cooper his dog) who is one of the caretakers of the monument. John climbs the 200 plus steps everyday. John served for us and was a pilot. There was a bridge closure on the route and john provided directions. He must have realized I'm a knucklehead and guided through the many turns. Great to start the trip with a trail angel. 

My first dog encounter, I decided to out run the beast. A tall order on a loaded touring bike. A real risk taker! When I looked over my shoulder, I realized the dog had 3 legs. Can't make a this stuff up. 

Tom, these 2 pics are for you. Stopping to smell the flowers. I was on the Lewis and Clarke Trail, very quite except the hundreds of bees working. 

The Oregon coast line is unreal. 

For my riding buddies, any of these in a CT? 

75 miles today with lots of bike adjustments due to assembly. 

Camping on the coast. This pic was taken 30 yards from my site. A whole section for hiker/bikers only. Sleeping to the sounds of waves. 

Trains, Planes and Automobiles ..... and bus.

John Candy would be proud. Trains, planes and automobiles ...... and bus. Arrived in Astoria safe and sound. 

Since all my equipment was shipped last week? I'm styling with my Friendly's plastic bag as carry on luggage. If not for being on a plane, I could easily be mistaken for a homeless dude. 

Looking forward to getting on the pedal bike and heading east. 

A whole new perspective on air travel. After countless trips from CT to San Fran and wishing to get there ASAP. I now look out the window and think about retracing this flight on a bicycle (my monitor says we're going 496 mph) averaging 10 mph! USA is looking a whole lot larger out the window. 

Each train car handle 4 bicycles!