Over the Snake River to Twin Falls

Super hot with headwinds of 14 mph. Toughest 97 miles I've done. It was grueling. Some in the group tapped out as they had nothing left in the tank. Better save it for another day. Other gal had three flats. Matt and I were psyched that we did the first 30 miles averaging over 18 mph. That was darned good time for the climbing and distance. Our high fives turned to dust as we hit headwinds of 14 mph and temps started climbing on a treeless, sun-splashed stretch that just went on and on and on. 

Not much snappy banter between us today, just grind grind grind until we hit a Subway shop at mile 87 (leaving just 10 cruel miles to cover). Needing a good dose of AC and some fuel, we popped in, had a couple of subs and tall soft drinks to cool down our core. That did the trick. We headed out, hit the gorge and took a few shots of amazing scenery below. Saw a couple of Base Jumpers that were packing or repacking their chutes. Didn't have the energy to go over and ask whether they were just finishing or getting ready for a jump.  I was just completely drained and barely conscious of my own somatic state.

Matt and I pulled in to the Best Western around 3:00 PM Mountain Time, having started at 6:30. We met in the lobby to head out to dinner at 5:30 and ran into 5 others that were just pulling in to the hotel. These guys started out before 6:00. It was a tough slog indeed. The nightly Route Rap has been postponed until tomorrow morning at 8:00. We leave at 8:30 on another short ride of some 38 miles. There will be an opportunity to add 15 miles to view the Twin Falls for which the city gets its name. It involves a sharp descent and accordingly so, a sharp ascent on the way back. I'm on the fence on that one. Check in tomorrow's blog to see where I end up on that decision.

Couple of logistic items I haven't mentioned before. I really like the way they run the dinners on this tour. Most dinners have been buffets with a two hour window to show up to put the feed bag on. This means you get fed when you arrive at the restaurant and don't have to wait for the waitress to take drink orders and then dinner orders for 40 people. This saves at least 45 minutes a night leaving time for other necessities like cleaning bike, doing laundry, stretching, calling home, blogging, taking in the pool, jacuzzi, or just plain old napping. The down side is that the whole group splinters into smaller cliques with like style riders hanging with the same folks. Most people do make efforts to reach across the riding spectrum to get to know others and listen to their stories so its not a completely isolating experience.

This year, Matt and I are in the late release group meaning the others have an hour or so head start before we leave. Personally, I'd prefer to get out early in the cool hours of the day to finish up earlier. But that might mean we get to the SAG stops before they're set up or to the Hotel before the rooms are ready and our luggage arrives. Finally, unloading the truck and bringing our bags to our room after a long day of cycling is a bit of a bother, but not as big a deal as I thought it would be. 

Post Script: The area we left yesterday (Boise foothills) was hit by a wild fire and several buildings were lost. Just missed that calamity by a day. And late today, we did ride past some split rail fencing that was smoking. out one end.  As I took a second look, I noticed the brush area all around it was blackened like toast. I guess we missed another minor fire. 

Napoleon and staff overseeing irrigation

Irrigation early morning.

The Snake River

The Snake River

Some early views of the Snake River

Overlook approaching the bridge

The bridge into Twin Falls

View from Bridge

Two base-jumpers packing up their chutes.

Trip to Mt. Home Idaho

It's summer and it's hot. Not a shocking statement. But for these parts of Idaho, it's running 15 degrees warmer than what they usually see this time of year. Average riding temp today was 87 over the 57 miles we trekked from Boise to Mountain Home. Pretty flat ride, doing about 15 miles on the interstate again. Not very picturesque today, mostly wide flat stretches of parched high plains.

Interesting part of ride was adding a bonus 5 miles because of a road closure just 2 miles from our destination when temps on my Garmin were reading 115 in the sun and 92 in the shade at 12:30 today. Although well rested and a short riding day, the heat and headwinds just sapped my energy. Knowing we have another 97 miler tomorrow in similar conditions doesn't perk me up too much, either. But we'll conquer the day like we always do.

Too hot for many pictures today, but found a couple on my roll. I missed taking a shot of some Emu's and the street sign in the desert for "Ocean Breeze Lane". Maybe next time through.

Tomorrow, Twin Falls promises to be more scenic. We'll be going over the gorge where Evil Knievel ran his stunts back in the olden days...Depending on the time of day, we may even see some base jumpers from the bridge we'll cross. Early breakfast (5:30) and early start tomorrow (6:30). Need to check tires and pack snacks before retiring.

Martin from near Frankfurt, Germany.

Sign in truck stop. Free showers if you buy 75 gallons of fuel.

Good recovery day in Boise

It was going to hit 100 again today. To maximize recovery, I got up an hour later, had good breakfast at 7:00, did 45 minutes of yoga with 8 others in our group, then headed out into downtown Boise by 9:30. Nice green space runs through the city along the Boise river. Walking, and cycling trails throughout with interesting specimen plantings I'm not acquainted with. The Boise Art Museum along the greenway has a collection of glass and ceramics, paintings and sculptures but I really wanted to visit the Idaho Historical museum next door to get a flavor of how Boise came to be. Too bad it was closed for renovations. Plan B. Move forward to downtown, check out the urban vibe.

Downtown is really bustling. Several new projects going up. Large projects. Mixture of contemporary buildings, mid century buildings, nicely maintained tree lined streets using said trees for shade on my walk. I strolled past many cafes, restaurants, bagel shops, bars, and the like. Many non-chain stores but again many of the usual suspects (P F Changs, Ruth's Chris...) you'd see in every other city. Popped into a shop for an iced tea and pound cake, another bagel shop for a sandwich, and stopped back in to Georges Cycles for another look around to see if there was something I missed on my trip there at the end of yesterday's ride.

Back to my room by 2:00 as it was beginning to get "scorchy". Picked up tip from staff on cleaning Camelback bladder and water bottles. Efferdent. Works like a charm. Now what do I do with a box of 96 Efferdent minty tabs? I'll probably offer them up at next rout rap. Not an exciting day, yet I feel like a million bucks. Only 53 miles to Mountain Home tomorrow but it's going to be warm with some moderate climbing. My legs are ready, and I'm interested to see what Idaho has to offer.

Outside George's Cycles.

They have stations with pump and bike tools for free quick self service.

There was a pair of these conical evergreens.

Close up looks a bit like Juniper

Giraffe poking its head above privacy fence at the zoo off the greenway.

Kite sculpture reminded me how it feels when cycling

Crossing into Idaho

Anticipating temperatures in Boise, Idaho to be near 100 today, we got out early having our traditional Route Rap before breakfast. With no interstate travel today, milder climbing, and a shorter distance of only 64 miles we hoped to be in Boise before the late afternoon heat blast. Leaving with 60 degrees and mild headwinds, our group made good but not fantastic time. Being our eighth consecutive day on the road, I found my time much slower than previous days. But this is a tour and not a race.

We made the state line crossing just a half mile from the hotel. Being Monday, traffic picked up a but was not a huge issue. The challenge of the day was staying on course with many turns on back roads. We didn't have spectacular mountain vistas. It was more rural farming and suburban landscapes.

Not sure of the crop in foreground, but the cattle in background made for a quick stop photo op.

Passing tour member while I stopped to take next picture of field irrigation.

How they have fun 'round here...?

It was 102 in the sun when I took this picture around 1:00.

In the fast lane to Onterio

Woke up to best breakfast on tour. (You may think I do this for the bike riding but it's really about breakfast and DQ). Although Best Western breakfasts are usually fair, we were served to order off a limited menu. Had two perfectly done and hot eggs over easy, sausage links, hash browns, toasted English muffins, OJ and coffee. Not too filling, but good helpings of protein and carbs.

We took off with a group of 8 or so today with sunny skies again, 55 degrees and with little wind. I led the group up the first climb of the day and after that hill as we approached the entrance to the interstate, we gradually broke down into pairs and singles but staying pretty much all within sight on the horizon, more or less. (More "less" as the day wore on.) I was not the only one a little anxious over going onto Interstate 84 several times for a total of nearly 15 miles. Concern of how to enter and exit amidst the big trucks and Sunday drivers, and how to avoid the debris in shoulder lane weighed on my mind.

Concern was well founded. Many riders picked up those nasty wires and flatted. I helped a rider just after exiting the interstate pull one out of his tire using borrowed tweezers (thanks, Matt). He was lucky. He went flat after he got off of the highway and was able to repair it out of the sun under an overpass. Others flatted in full sun on the highway and had to make their repairs there.

Temps climbed into the 90's and we were glad to get off the road early today as the ride was only 83 miles or so. The first SAG was at a grassy and shady rest area on 84. We all reveled at having clean restrooms, and realized that other than a smallish climb early in the day, most of the ride was downhill. Despite the interstate leg, up to this point it was by far the nicest early ride on tour yet.

Oh, sure, our delight was short lived as the next 30 miles were hot albeit with rolling hills. We SAG'd for the second time at a waterfront park with no facilities in full sun. Just standing around trying to chow down, stretch legs, and fill water bottles with ice just sapped my energy. After a quick touch up with sunscreen, pop of a few Tylenols, I couldn't wait to get back on road to finish last 27 or so miles. There was indeed a DQ waiting for us just before the hotel. Milkshakes, Blizzards, and cheeseburgers later we were showering and getting ready for tomorrow's hot ride into Boise.

It will be hot but there is a Bar-B-Que waiting for us and it's our first rest day in a new state. hope to pick up a hat and bandana at local bike shop. More on that later.

This trip through Oregon has shown me how huge the state is and how varied the landscape is. Truly breathtaking. I couldn't take pictures that would do justice to the vistas we were treated to on bike. We saw beautiful views of what I think was Snake River or a tributary. Oregon is more than just rainy, cloudy Portland and its environs. You just never know until you go.

Hay there.

More wide open spaces and backdrop of mountains.

Everyone talking about great ride into first SAG.

Rest stop nestled in Snake River valley.

Not sure what the crop here is, but we passed many corn, wheat, and onion fields along the way. All irrigated. Where no irrigation, all is arid and crispy.

Baker City Welcomes Bikers

We arrived in town to find many streets blocked off to accommodate the annual Baker City Regional Criterium. We got to watch the men cyclists for a while before we headed into the hotel for much needed shower and rest. (Not sure if clip below will play. Let me know, won't you?)

The 81mile ride today from John Day started with cool temps (mid 40's) and sunny skies (again). Just awesome weather that we know won't last. We could feel the heat rise throughout the day reaching low 80's by the time we pulled into town. It's high desert so again, it's hot in the sun but cool in the shade with no humidity. Frequently, riders were taking off layers to grind up the three grueling climbs

then putting on layers in the long descents. Some of the longest descents I've ever done. Fairly earned, so the reward was that much sweeter.

But oh, after a long day yesterday, our legs just didn't pedal as fast today. Everything seems to hurt. I did hang a bit with Nick from the UK, Heather and Murray from Australia, and even with Big Mike, Michael, Greg, and John. There were many opportunities taken to soak up some peace and quiet along the road: several stretching breaks, a few just hold on a minute I need to pop some Tylenol, and unscheduled application of more Butt'r.

There were many wide open spaces too grand to capture with a camera. It reminded me again of what a huge and beautiful land this is.

Strawberry Mountains from day's first summit: Dixie Mt.

Tourist photo opportunity. When in Rome...

Country Market was our first SAG today.

Yes, that's a Tandem bike ridden by Mike and Angie from KY

Yes, we're in cattle country.

Yes they're bike "friendly" but you need to buy something to use the toilets.

Second Summit of the day...getting tired with another climb coming up and 30 miles to go.

The buildings are about as old and tired as I feel.

But as peaceful and calm, too.

It was a beautiful ride.

New record set: Prineville to John Day

Up and out on the road today at 6:30 AM. Very cool. Wore my wind vest until the 3rd SAG, and arm warmers until we stopped for fruit smoothie at DQ in John Day just past the hotel we're at tonight. Got down to 42 at top of first mountain pass. I was shivering but just dealt with it. Not like Mingus Mt last year when it snowed.  Nothing to complain about here.

Really tough and long climbs - for me anyway. The roads just kept climbing! The rewards were two of the longest and smoothest descents I've ever done. Can you imagine going 30+ MPH for close to 20 minutes? Ridiculous fun.

Despite the 116 miles (new personal record for me), over 5,000 ' of climbing, and average moving time of 15.4, we still got to hotel by 4:00 (including stop at DQ mentioned above). This was due in part of the favorable tail winds over the last 30 miles of gentle climbing. I mentally clicked off each of the last 27 miles as my butt told me it had enough.

Never better weather for riding. We're inching to Boise, Idaho, where it's been mid 90's the past several days. That's going to be tough.

Traffic much better today

Pictures below can't capture the grand scale, but we try anyway.

Last SAG 30 miles outside of John Day

Nice line-up of out steeds tied to the hitching post

Prineville prelude to John Day

Brief update today. Short ride of 60 miles with 3,000' of climbing. Sounded easy but I think I'm just getting tuckered out. Glorious weather: sunny, cool breezes mostly tail winds, temps in mid 70's. We brought the good weather with us. It's pouring in Portland and supposed to hit the 90's here by the weekend but we'll be long gone by then. Early dinner tonight as we ride 117 or 118 miles to John Day, Oregon tomorrow. Directions are pretty straightforward. Take a left out of hotel, ride 117-118 miles and hotel is on the right.

Not a lot of pictures today. The High Desert wasn't showing a lot of new sights as yesterday did. Did have great view at 4:45 AM from my room in Warm Springs (Kah-Nee-Ta). The Resort used to be a Casino.

Got into Prineville around 1:00 which afforded a trip to DQ for Smoothie and Bacon Burger before dinner. I also managed a needed trip to the laundromat next door. Showed Martin, the German software developer how to work the machines.

While waiting for clothes to spin dry, I had a great conversation with Betty. She's a 77 year old lifelong local. Gave a lot of color detail on how the town has changed over the years - losing three department stores, the Cadillac and Chevy dealerships only to see "Antique Stores" (junk shops she calls them) fill the spaces - that and nail salons - the story everywhere, yes? She did tell me both FaceBook and Apple are building large data farms nearby. There will be 150 electricians working on the project for up to 5 years, but they have to import the labor. And housing is tight so they don't know where these workers will live. She was wonderful talk to.

Dinner conversation tonight was also great around our table of four. We each had travel stories of either Thailand, Kilimanjaro, Brazil, or  China. Also hit on nuclear plant decommissions, living through Mt St Helens eruption and laughing about people we know with "Alligator arms" when the check came.

Probably short blog tomorrow.

View from my balcony in Warm Springs Reservation 5:00 AM

 Near top of 4 mile "hill" halfway to Prineville

Ditto. (Bottom 2 photos courtesy of Matt.)