Thursday, June 30, 2011
another week
Well I tried to write each evening and add all at the end but with setting up the tent and getting ready for bed I just can't seem to fit it in. We left Baker City Oregon and travelled to Richland Idaho where we stayed in a county park. In the park there was covered roof and a stage for events. This turned out to be very fortunate for us. The clouds opened up and it rained so hard that we could hardly hear each other talk while the rain hit the tin roof we were under. We set up our tents on the stage and slept there for the night.
From there we descended to the snake river and hells canyon and the out of the canyon on the steepest climb of the ride to that point. We found a USFService campground which said it was 1 mile on a gravel road (actually 1 and1/3 miles uphill), a hard climb after the climb out of the canyon.
From there we camped at another US Forest service campground called evergreen campground, we then rode a short day to New Meadows Idaho where friends of Fred and Mimi met us and provided an apartment over their garage and a meal of Salmon and vegetables and beer. They were great hosts and the next day drove us the 11 miles back to New Meadows to continue our trek. From New Meadows we were met with another climb over the dreaded White Bird pass, Fred now declaring he LIKED to climb these passes.
We then camped under a bridge after we found the planned campground to be closed and the ranger at the station unwilling to let us camp at the ranger station. The spot we chose was also a favorite of the mosquitoes and we didn't get to spend much time outside.
The next day we did a long day (70 some miles) and camped at a campground near the last stop for provisions for 66 miles along the lochsa river on a narrow winding road. We got up and had a rare meal out at the restaurant in Lowell and rode to the town of Powell (66 miles) and camped there at the base of yet another climb up Lolo Pass (where Lewis and Clark crossed). From there over the pass to Missoula Montana and more friends whose yard we camped in, and got showers and laundry and food.
Today is our first full rest day, we are going into Missoula and get supplies and repairs to Freds bike and rest. And its back on the road tomorrow where once again I will try to keep a daily log so as to not need to remember all of the details (thanks to Mimi who does keep a log of places).
From there we descended to the snake river and hells canyon and the out of the canyon on the steepest climb of the ride to that point. We found a USFService campground which said it was 1 mile on a gravel road (actually 1 and1/3 miles uphill), a hard climb after the climb out of the canyon.
From there we camped at another US Forest service campground called evergreen campground, we then rode a short day to New Meadows Idaho where friends of Fred and Mimi met us and provided an apartment over their garage and a meal of Salmon and vegetables and beer. They were great hosts and the next day drove us the 11 miles back to New Meadows to continue our trek. From New Meadows we were met with another climb over the dreaded White Bird pass, Fred now declaring he LIKED to climb these passes.
We then camped under a bridge after we found the planned campground to be closed and the ranger at the station unwilling to let us camp at the ranger station. The spot we chose was also a favorite of the mosquitoes and we didn't get to spend much time outside.
The next day we did a long day (70 some miles) and camped at a campground near the last stop for provisions for 66 miles along the lochsa river on a narrow winding road. We got up and had a rare meal out at the restaurant in Lowell and rode to the town of Powell (66 miles) and camped there at the base of yet another climb up Lolo Pass (where Lewis and Clark crossed). From there over the pass to Missoula Montana and more friends whose yard we camped in, and got showers and laundry and food.
Today is our first full rest day, we are going into Missoula and get supplies and repairs to Freds bike and rest. And its back on the road tomorrow where once again I will try to keep a daily log so as to not need to remember all of the details (thanks to Mimi who does keep a log of places).
Mountain passes by Mimi
When we got to the top of Brownlee Pass, after grinding for hours, Fred announced that he LOVED passes. Jim and I looked at each other incredulously.
We were dreading White Bird Pass, figuring it had no shoulder, rough road, and big trucks and camper traffic.
It turned out that it was a gorgeous, wide open area with beautiful views and little traffic..and Jim and I reluctantly agreed that passes weren't so bad. By time we did Lolo Pass (the pass which many folks had said, "well, wait till you try THAT pass..) we actually had to agree with Fred that passes were fun!
We were dreading White Bird Pass, figuring it had no shoulder, rough road, and big trucks and camper traffic.
It turned out that it was a gorgeous, wide open area with beautiful views and little traffic..and Jim and I reluctantly agreed that passes weren't so bad. By time we did Lolo Pass (the pass which many folks had said, "well, wait till you try THAT pass..) we actually had to agree with Fred that passes were fun!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Unexpected trail angels
we made it to Idaho! The climb out of hell's Canyon was aptly named. And then to have to get ourselves uphill for a mile and a half on a dirt road to a campground didn't seem fair.
But our friends Debra and Dale offered to pick us up in New Meadows and take us for a rest at that their house...heaven!
But our friends Debra and Dale offered to pick us up in New Meadows and take us for a rest at that their house...heaven!
Mimi's favorite ride..so far
The ride from Baker City in Oregon to Richland was awesome. OK, those first 5+ miles uphill that took an hour were challenging but the views of snow- capped mountains was great!
After that, the gentle descent along the Powder River thru canyons was stupendous. In Richland, we were welcome to stay in the town park under a huge awning, where we saw a wonderful storm..and stayed dry...
After that, the gentle descent along the Powder River thru canyons was stupendous. In Richland, we were welcome to stay in the town park under a huge awning, where we saw a wonderful storm..and stayed dry...
Birds & other road kill
By far, the greatest amount of road kill is birds...no wonder they were after Tippi Hedstrom..
Snakes are a close second.
On a lighter note, we've seen red-winged blackbirds every single day. That's pretty cool!
Snakes are a close second.
On a lighter note, we've seen red-winged blackbirds every single day. That's pretty cool!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
6 passes in 6 days..By Mimi
As I mentioned, I had never toured by bike nor biked over a pass, so Santiam Pass was a new and frightening experience for me..turns out the worst part was the traffic and big trucks.
Ochoco Pass was so beautiful..lots of flat areas with greenery, springs, and trees...and the traffic wasn't too bad! It reminded me of the Sierra.
I discovered that Click and Clack on my IPod can be very distracting...in a good way.
Keys Creek Pass was fine, too, and the descents are a lot of fun.
Then there was Dixie Pass..it was the first of 3 that were close enough to be done in one day, so we decided to do it in the late afternoon. We noted on our map that the rustic campground at the top had NO water..so Fred and I had to fill our 3 liter platypuses with water in Prairie City. Jim couldn't find his platy so we had to make sure we carried enough for 3.
This made the climb so hard! You can imagine the swearing that went on when we discovered a nice stream at the top..oh well, it built muscles, right?
Tipton Pass and Sumpter Pass were pretty gradual with low traffic..
But hurrah for a city stop!
Ochoco Pass was so beautiful..lots of flat areas with greenery, springs, and trees...and the traffic wasn't too bad! It reminded me of the Sierra.
I discovered that Click and Clack on my IPod can be very distracting...in a good way.
Keys Creek Pass was fine, too, and the descents are a lot of fun.
Then there was Dixie Pass..it was the first of 3 that were close enough to be done in one day, so we decided to do it in the late afternoon. We noted on our map that the rustic campground at the top had NO water..so Fred and I had to fill our 3 liter platypuses with water in Prairie City. Jim couldn't find his platy so we had to make sure we carried enough for 3.
This made the climb so hard! You can imagine the swearing that went on when we discovered a nice stream at the top..oh well, it built muscles, right?
Tipton Pass and Sumpter Pass were pretty gradual with low traffic..
But hurrah for a city stop!
I know its been a week!!!!!
Jim here,
Well this is my first post in a week and I must apologize for being a bit late and with my aging memory some of this will be augmented from Mimis' posts. The first day we went a little long and though I was reluctant to do so it turned out to be a good decision as the next day turned out to be a long uphill with chip truck drivers trying to take us out by driving within inches and seeing if we would crack and fall into the wheels, good to say we won that battle of wills and survived to go into Sisters Oregon. In sisters we called a number on the map and went to a very friendly woman's ranch. She allowed us to take showers in her home and camp on a very nice green patch near a pond overlooking the snow capped mountains. And if that were not enough we were awakened to fresh coffee and banana nut bread, homemade no less!
That morning we left sisters and rode into the threatening skies toward Prineville. It rained, giving us the opportunity to test our rain gear, and our resolve. Both it turns out were in pretty good shape, we found a library in Prineville and stayed warm and dry while Mimi and Fred got on the Internet and unlike me updated their email and facebook and blog site business. I just vegged out and stayed warm and charged my phone.
We went on 10 or so miles to a county park campground that had showers and nice grassy spots perfect for setting up tents, but were instructed that we could set up anywhere on our site EXCEPT where the grass was green!?? But the shower room was so warm that we went there often to warm up and get out of the rain and cold.
The next day we went from that camp ground, in sunny weather thank heaven, up over one pass, Ochco, and DOWN hill to a small town called Mitchell Oregon. This town was the center of bad luck in history it seems with fires and floods. But the people there rebuilt, it seems time is standing still there though with board and batten construction and people that were a little strange. We left there and climbed up another pass and then downhill for 30 or so miles to Dayville where we stayed in a church that welcomed bikers. we once again had showers and slept inside on the floor of the sanctuary with another young man biking around the west.
The next day we left Dayville and rode through Mount Vernon , John Day (lunch), and on to Prairie City, where we began our climb up Dixie Pass by far the worst of the climbs so far and ended being the lone campers in a forest service campground. Here we (well actually Fred and Mimi) found markings that even I could tell were bear prints all the outside of the pit toilets. I will admit at this point I was ready to find alternate accommodations but we were a long way from anywhere and it was late. Fred and Mimi were not too alarmed as the had seen bears and signs of bears many time on the Pacific Crest Trail. I moved my tent closer to theirs and we circled the bikes around the tents (in hopes of tripping any roaming bears). I figured on a sleepless night and went in and lay down and fell asleep almost immediately. I guess tired trumps fear.
We got up and climbed two more passes and rode 59 miles into Baker City and to the motel where I am writing this blog entry. It is hot now and we will go only 40 miles as a "rest" day. I hope to enter pictures if I can figure out how, that will be something to do tonight. There is more to tell but I need to get moving before checkout time.
Well this is my first post in a week and I must apologize for being a bit late and with my aging memory some of this will be augmented from Mimis' posts. The first day we went a little long and though I was reluctant to do so it turned out to be a good decision as the next day turned out to be a long uphill with chip truck drivers trying to take us out by driving within inches and seeing if we would crack and fall into the wheels, good to say we won that battle of wills and survived to go into Sisters Oregon. In sisters we called a number on the map and went to a very friendly woman's ranch. She allowed us to take showers in her home and camp on a very nice green patch near a pond overlooking the snow capped mountains. And if that were not enough we were awakened to fresh coffee and banana nut bread, homemade no less!
That morning we left sisters and rode into the threatening skies toward Prineville. It rained, giving us the opportunity to test our rain gear, and our resolve. Both it turns out were in pretty good shape, we found a library in Prineville and stayed warm and dry while Mimi and Fred got on the Internet and unlike me updated their email and facebook and blog site business. I just vegged out and stayed warm and charged my phone.
We went on 10 or so miles to a county park campground that had showers and nice grassy spots perfect for setting up tents, but were instructed that we could set up anywhere on our site EXCEPT where the grass was green!?? But the shower room was so warm that we went there often to warm up and get out of the rain and cold.
The next day we went from that camp ground, in sunny weather thank heaven, up over one pass, Ochco, and DOWN hill to a small town called Mitchell Oregon. This town was the center of bad luck in history it seems with fires and floods. But the people there rebuilt, it seems time is standing still there though with board and batten construction and people that were a little strange. We left there and climbed up another pass and then downhill for 30 or so miles to Dayville where we stayed in a church that welcomed bikers. we once again had showers and slept inside on the floor of the sanctuary with another young man biking around the west.
The next day we left Dayville and rode through Mount Vernon , John Day (lunch), and on to Prairie City, where we began our climb up Dixie Pass by far the worst of the climbs so far and ended being the lone campers in a forest service campground. Here we (well actually Fred and Mimi) found markings that even I could tell were bear prints all the outside of the pit toilets. I will admit at this point I was ready to find alternate accommodations but we were a long way from anywhere and it was late. Fred and Mimi were not too alarmed as the had seen bears and signs of bears many time on the Pacific Crest Trail. I moved my tent closer to theirs and we circled the bikes around the tents (in hopes of tripping any roaming bears). I figured on a sleepless night and went in and lay down and fell asleep almost immediately. I guess tired trumps fear.
We got up and climbed two more passes and rode 59 miles into Baker City and to the motel where I am writing this blog entry. It is hot now and we will go only 40 miles as a "rest" day. I hope to enter pictures if I can figure out how, that will be something to do tonight. There is more to tell but I need to get moving before checkout time.
Jim's 63rd birthday
We had nice sunny weather in celebration of Jim's birthday. We saw so many white pelicans along the Ochoco reservoir. We were at 3,000 feet and in 24 miles we climbed to 4,720 feet to Ochoco Pass. The ride was so pretty with lots of greeness and Ponderosa pines. We were rewarded with 13 miles of downhill. I let myself get to 36 mph when there were no cars in sight.
Lunch in the tiny town of Mitchell, in the park where we met JW, a young man biking from Florida to the Arctic Circle raising money for hospice. He recommended that instead of stealth camping on Keyes Creek Pass that we do the 30 mile downhill to the town of Dayville where we could stay for free at the Presbyterian church. We took his advice and got to shower and do laundry and sleep in the church sanctuary! We were there with Jeff,a young man who was biking from LaJunta, CO to Florence, OR.
We biked 79.5 miles in 6 hours and 49"
Lunch in the tiny town of Mitchell, in the park where we met JW, a young man biking from Florida to the Arctic Circle raising money for hospice. He recommended that instead of stealth camping on Keyes Creek Pass that we do the 30 mile downhill to the town of Dayville where we could stay for free at the Presbyterian church. We took his advice and got to shower and do laundry and sleep in the church sanctuary! We were there with Jeff,a young man who was biking from LaJunta, CO to Florence, OR.
We biked 79.5 miles in 6 hours and 49"
Saturday, June 18, 2011
To Paradise & beyond! On Fred's 63rd birthday...
Mimi here...
We had a fine first day, riding 64 miles -past Paradise campground where we had planned to stay... This is because I looked at the elevation map and sorta freaked out how our 2nd day would be...needing to go 4300 feet up to Santiam Pass.
Ollalie campground was gorgeous! Right on the McKenzie River...
Our 2nd day started out with climbing up and up. That wasn't TOO bad, but lemme tell you, chip truck drivers are out to get bicyclists. So many times if we felt ourselves getting swooped up, it was a chip truck..the LOGGING trucks were very courteous!
Once we got to the pass, we had a 9 mile downhill! Quite exciting...but SOO much traffic.We arrived in Sisters, met a few other bicyclists, had a McFlurry- thank you Dr.Masterson & Jewell-met our son Ben for supper, & camped out on our first trail angel Patty's lawn.
Today,on Saturday,we have only ridden 40 miles and plan to only go another 7 miles to a wet campground...rainy day...
We had a fine first day, riding 64 miles -past Paradise campground where we had planned to stay... This is because I looked at the elevation map and sorta freaked out how our 2nd day would be...needing to go 4300 feet up to Santiam Pass.
Ollalie campground was gorgeous! Right on the McKenzie River...
Our 2nd day started out with climbing up and up. That wasn't TOO bad, but lemme tell you, chip truck drivers are out to get bicyclists. So many times if we felt ourselves getting swooped up, it was a chip truck..the LOGGING trucks were very courteous!
Once we got to the pass, we had a 9 mile downhill! Quite exciting...but SOO much traffic.We arrived in Sisters, met a few other bicyclists, had a McFlurry- thank you Dr.Masterson & Jewell-met our son Ben for supper, & camped out on our first trail angel Patty's lawn.
Today,on Saturday,we have only ridden 40 miles and plan to only go another 7 miles to a wet campground...rainy day...
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The first miles
Jim here,
Well the first miles are done, and we all survived, well except my water bottle as Mimi was wont to tell. We arrived at the first campsite, and I put my kickstand down and was beginning to get my tent and camping gear out when I looked to my side and Fred and Mimi had already set up their tent (looking very much like an ad for REI) and were getting food ready for the evening meal. By the time I had set up MY tent (with a little help from the experts) dinner was on and the mosquitos were welcoming us.
Same thing in the morning I began to break down my tent and get my gear stashed and walked outside to see that they had cleaned their site completely of any evidence that anyone had EVER been there and were fixing coffee and tea and breakfast.
We started out with the sun shining and finished our journey with fish tacos and beer at Hop Valley (where Fred and Mimi have there own engraved mugs). So 80 or so miles in a day and a half with no events (except the aforementioned loss of a water bottle) with beautiful weather and a ride through Eugene on bike trails and beer and tacos to finish it all off.
Well the first miles are done, and we all survived, well except my water bottle as Mimi was wont to tell. We arrived at the first campsite, and I put my kickstand down and was beginning to get my tent and camping gear out when I looked to my side and Fred and Mimi had already set up their tent (looking very much like an ad for REI) and were getting food ready for the evening meal. By the time I had set up MY tent (with a little help from the experts) dinner was on and the mosquitos were welcoming us.
Same thing in the morning I began to break down my tent and get my gear stashed and walked outside to see that they had cleaned their site completely of any evidence that anyone had EVER been there and were fixing coffee and tea and breakfast.
We started out with the sun shining and finished our journey with fish tacos and beer at Hop Valley (where Fred and Mimi have there own engraved mugs). So 80 or so miles in a day and a half with no events (except the aforementioned loss of a water bottle) with beautiful weather and a ride through Eugene on bike trails and beer and tacos to finish it all off.
Florence to Springfield, Oregon- June 9th
Our only mishaps were 1) Jim dropping his water bottle 2 miles into the ride and Mimi promptly running over it.
2) Mimi trying to shift into her lowest gear on a dreaded hill and her chain falling off. Luckily, she was able to clip out of her shoes immediately and didn't fall...
We camped at beautiful Whittaker Creek campground after biking for 34 miles...
The weather was gorgeous the next day for the final 45 miles..
(Anyone noticing the miles don't add up- it's because we rode 4 miles round trip to the campground!)
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