Day 5, June 27: Prineville, OR to John Day, OR
119.2 miles, 15 mph, 7h 55m 53s

Up at 4:45, load luggage 5:15, breakfast 5:30 at a local restaurant - eggs and hash browns.

On the road at 6:10 (this very early start is necessary because of the 117 miles we have to ride). Long and hot ride includes 2 major climbs. The day began with a flat, cold 5 mile start against a strong head wind, my fingers were numb until we started the first climb and got into the sun. We passed through several stands of Ponderossa Pine and at 9AM I stopped and took a 30 min. nap under a big Pine. The first climb lasted for 25 miles and we reached Ochoco Pass at 4,720 ft. SAG 1 was here and then a 12 mile (2,500 ft) descent and a short flat 2 mile ride to Mitchell, a quaint western town with a resident black bear.

flat, cold headwind out of Prineville flat, cold headwind out of Prineville message in the road Ponderosa Pine Ponderosa Pine Ponderosa Pine My 9am 30 minute nap First climb at summit 4,720 ft double log hauling truck descent from first summit descent from first summit descent from first summit descent from first summit descent from first summit descent from first summit descent from first summit Black bear in Mitchell Climb #2 to 4,369 ft Climb #2 to 4,369 ft Climb #2 to 4,369 ft Climb #2 to 4,369 ft

We then did a very difficult climb (10 miles) back up to 4,368 ft and then a 28 mile descent. The last 8 miles of descent was through the John Day Fossil Gorge - just geologically awesome. I even took 2 short movies from my bike. I hope to get them on the site. [Editor's note: The movies are HUGE, like 4 MB each, so I'm trying to find a way to shrink them down before posting them. The links are as follows, but don't click unless you are ready for a long download. Actually, I recommend right-clicking on them, and then "save target". Save them to your computer and don't worry about downloading them new each time you watch.]
Movies:
  • Summit climb 2 SAG 1, Barbara Monk in her sun protection suit Descent from 4669 feet Descent from 4669 feet Descent from 4669 feet Descent from 4669 feet John Day Fossil Gorge John Day Fossil Gorge John Day Fossil Gorge John Day Fossil Gorge Lunch stop Shoeing a horse the old-fashioned way

    The rest of the day was a 100F rather flat, tail wind ride through Dayville and Mt. Vernon. I stopped to take 37 pictures today, had lunch in a lounge (where I chatted with several local male residents)and didn't arrive in John Day till 5 PM - a very long day!

    Tomorrow is an 81 mile ride to Baker City and includes 3 major climbs. Temperature is expected to be in the mid 90's

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