Staffing Across America North for ABB 2005: Day 6 -- Another day in paradise . . .

June 25, 2005

ROUTE: John Day to Baker City, OR

DISTANCE: 80 miles

WINDS: Variable but headwind last 20 miles into Baker City

WEATHER: Sunny and mild--perfect for riding

TERRAIN: 3 major climbs, but three major down hills, too

TOTAL CLIMBING: 5100 feet

RIDE OVERVIEW: After loading luggage, riders rode a block or so to breakfast at The Outpost, a restaurant that caters to our group each year. The breakfast spread includes scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, hash browns, several types of cereal, juice, and tea or coffee. A big hit were the pans and pans of delicious cinnamon rolls, which were whisked from oven to table and disappeared almost before they were set down.

The riders needed to fuel well. Today was another tough day, especially after yesterday which was billed as our toughest on paper (by day's end, everyone would have liked to have reduced yesterday's ride to 8½ x 11). Many of the riders thought today was tougher, but I think it was only because of the cumulative affect of both days together, plus they've been climbing for several days now. Today's ride had 3 mountain summits to cross each about 5000 feet high with each ascent at least 6 miles long. We started out below 3000 feet and descended below 4000 feet between each summit. I think we climbed in the neighborhood of 5000 feet today. I'm sure the riders hate to lose all that altitude each time they work so hard to get to a summit, but such is life. Although the effort was tough, the scenery below was breathtaking (and they already were breathing hard after the effort) which made the work to get to the summit well worth the effort.

Today's route was a continuation of the beautiful countryside we've been riding through. Snow topped mountains, tall sparsely wooded hills, rocky outcrops and canyons. Several saw deer on the road today, and of course there were the entertaining ground squirrels that would dart across the road, tails stiffly at 12'oclock.

Barb set up the first SAG in the parking lot of the Austin House Restaurant, a short 3 miles down the road from the day's first summit--Dixie Mt. Summit at 5277 feet. This was also where riders left SH-26 and got on SH-7 N where they began to climb to Tifton Mt. Summit at 5124 feet. Then the riders conquered Snall Summit. Finally, after the last summit, the road started down for the next 10 miles. Riders passed a reservoir and also came upon a steam engine museum just before the last SAG. Tim and Murray took the train with its authentic steam engine, to Sumpter--at 12 mph-- and a tour of the gold mines. Bob pedaled to Sumpter and learned how the valley was dredged for gold in the late 1800s.

My SAG stop was located shortly after the Train Museum about 58 miles out. Nearly on the shores of Elliot Lake, it was shaded with spruce and aspen trees and set in a beautiful tranquil location. I set up the SAG table and adorned it with a bouquet of flowers, and then had a chance to relax for a moment until the first riders came wheeling in. While doing so, I checked out the osprey nest in the surrounding marsh, which again had an osprey family in it, so it was fun to watch these birds between groups of riders.

After the SAG stop, riders left the climbing behind for the most part. Their route was generally flat or downhill. Just before entering Baker City, riders descended through a canyon cut by the Powder River which gurgled clear and invitingly beside the curvy road. I always associate the Powder River with old Westerns and the romantic West.

When we got to Baker City, a criterium was in progress and there were cyclists everywhere. Our motel, a Best Western, is full of them and they are as fascinated with our long-distance touring as we are with their racing. Tomorrow they will be holding longer distance races up the same canyon we descended today.

All told, it was a beautiful day and a beautiful route. Though the riders were tired, I think they all enjoyed the day. Several said that they liked the climbing because of the resultant downhills. Let's face it. Some of us are hill slugs and others of us are mountain goats. Which are you?

You know you're a HILL SLUG if you like to see the following signs:
    - Passing lane ends 100 feet
    - Downhill truck on a cheese
    - Chain-off area
    - Summit
    - Run-away truck ramp
You know you're a MOUNTAIN GOAT if you like to see the following signs:
    - Trucks and slow-moving vehicles, stay right
    - Passing lane next 12 miles
    - Chain-up area
    - Switchback, 10 mph
    - 12% grade
    - Summit 9,980 feet

HEARD ON THE ROAD:

I was sitting in White at the stagecoach stop and told Barb that I was composing for the web site while I waited for riders but would run back down the line if need be. Barb said she'd run the line while I composed. Dave, who was with Barb, replied, "Yes, if we sat here we'd decompose!"
Susan when she and Sue were talking to Don: "Now you know what Custer felt like surrounded by Sioux."
"Some of the last riders to the top of the first climb found it hard to breathe because those who went over first sucked up all the oxygen."
Val: "I'd like a chain cleaning workshop"

Carol:

Josh:

Q: "How do you tell the difference between a raven and a crow?"

"This is like watching turtle races."

DUH! OF THE DAY: 1) Dianne's brother Kent told her he needed to call his home. She gave him her cell phone and he punched "home." Couldn't understand it when he got herhome and her answering machine. 2) Our inimitable ride leader who is always on us about "habit patterns" left his water bottles on the van after the last water stop.

PHOTOS OF THE DAY: