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.
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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