Day 5--Prineville, OR to John Day, OR

Day 5—June 23, 2006—Prineville, OR to John Day, OR—117 miles—5103’ climb

Everyone woke this morning with a feeling of uncertainty about their ability to finish one of the toughest days we have on our schedule. The distance is over 117 miles and riders were faced with over 5,000 feet of climbing. The only thing easy today was the navigation . . . turn left out of the motel, ride 117 miles, and turn right into the motel. We loaded early this morning (5:30 a.m.) to give riders a head start and to beat the heat on this very long day. Even so, most didn't beat the heat. Red faces and arms abounded at dinner. Also, the last riders got in after 7 pm, so some had a very long day in the saddle.

But no one is complaining. All of today's route was beautifully scenic. After the first climb, riders traveled through some magnificent Ponderosa Pine forests. Ravens croaked overhead and magpies and quail flitted through the underbrush. We pedaled along Ochoco Creek, Match Creek, Branch Creek, Mountain Creek, Rattlesnake Creek (and a host of others that wound their way down the canyons) and, of course we pedaled, along the John Day River, famous for its fly fishing.

Riders pose with the giant rocking chair
 before the Juniper Guy's shop

The town of Mitchell at mile 45 was a welcome little spot in the road on SH-26 E just before the ascent to Keyes Summit. It is one of only three places — Mitchell, Daysville, and Mount Vernon, all tiny towns — on today’s route where riders could get food. Once more some of the riders took me to task. I had again promised pie, but those who came first scarfed up every last slice. The subsequent riders were out of luck. Right next door to the cafe was the Juniper Guy (juniperguy.com) who was making interesting chairs, bed frames, and tables from juniper. He had a giant rocking chair out front and I took several photos of riders with it.

After reaching Keyes Summit, a tough climb, riders enjoyed a beautiful 25-mile downhill with a tailwind . . . it just doesn't get any better than that. Along with the great conditions, we definitely experienced sensory overload as the landscape was beyond description. High hills, rushing rivers, canyons, gorges, colorful rock formations. We descended into Picture Gorge which was just breathtaking. At one bend in the road a rock formation loomed above, looking for all the world like an ancient Incan temple. After we exited the canyon, we rode through a beautiful valley dotted with western style ranches until we reached John Day, a small but colorful town, most notable for being the end of our ride day.

Proud rider at the top of Keyes Summit

This group should be proud of their accomplishments today. It was a long, hot (94F) day, and they all came through with flying colors. At Route Rap we learned that this was the longest day several of the riders had ever ridden. We also had two people who rode their first century today, and we had two birthdays, Keith’s and Joyce’s.

Congratulations to all!

Today’s elevation view looked like an opera singer’s breast plate. Tomorrow’s looks like a shark’s jaw with three serious summits over 5,000 feet.

OVERHEARD ON THE ROAD TODAY:

• “It’s pretty bad when the butterflies get to the top faster than I can.” 
• “I would have gotten here sooner but I had to obey the speed signs outside of town.” 
• “I’d draft off you but I don’t have a kickstand.” 
• Staff: “The sun will be lower on the horizon pretty soon.” Rider: “I hope so. It’s been high noon for the past four hours.”

SHOW & TELL: Tim and Kathryn detoured through Mitchell and found the Mitchell mascot, a black bear kept in a large pen. Seems as though I remember someone discovering this poor bear last year also. They Reported that in Mitchell there was also a grocery, The Wheeler Country Trading Post selling groceries, hardware, sporting goods, and they also found the Little Pine Cafe, which looked like a fine place for lunch. Scott and Mike saw a bobcat leap a fence in one graceful bound. Several riders saw deer, and, of course, all saw the ground squirrels as they zipped across the road, tails high.